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School needs to give detentions for missed homework!

31 replies

Pineapplewhip · 10/07/2026 14:35

I'm sick of nagging my Year 7 DC to do their fucking homework! The only school consequence of them not doing it is 1 behaviour point on their points system. Its a total non-punishment as nothing happens with any of the points - even if they mount up.

Should parents be expected to motivate and punish the kids for missing homework when the school just let it go all the time? "In my day" no homework = detention. Then during detention we would do the homework + additional work. My parents never knew what homework I had or hadn't done and kept on top of me doing it?

My DC is terrified of detention - so it would absolutely be a perfect consequence and would keep me out of it!

Im just feeling guilty and totally lethargic at the end of the school year!

OP posts:
NimbleHiker · 10/07/2026 16:07

I don't agree with detentions for missed homework in year 7. Yes homework does become more important. However i think that if detentions are given for missed homework they become less effective.

JacquesHarlow · 10/07/2026 16:05

Should parents be expected to motivate and punish the kids for missing homework

Erm, yes.

About twice or three times a year I find myself posting the usual statement:

Please stop outsourcing parenting to schools.

Schools can provide structure, framework, homework etc, but they can't directly provide inner motivation, self discipline, and bring a sense of purpose and direction. They can foster it, but it's the home life where people succeed.

Occasionally you get a great teacher who rules through inspiration and not fear and people are motivated to go above their usual to deliver work for them

But my message is the same, please can folk just recognise that the job of parent is to encourage and enable their child to see why things are important etc.

TallulahBetty · 10/07/2026 16:03

They do in many, many schools.

ColdAsAWitches · 10/07/2026 16:03

There's regular threads here about how unfair it is on the parents to give detention to kids. Even if it's scheduled, people still complain about changed routines, sports missed, childcare plans disrupted. Schools can't win.

LauritaEvita · 10/07/2026 15:59

I don’t really agree with punishment consequences for lack of effort. Some kids just aren’t interested in school work.

igelkott2026 · 10/07/2026 14:38

Presumably if they collect enough points they do suffer a more serious consequence though?

Let it go OP. Do they even need homework at this stage in the school year and when it's so hot. They should be in a swimming pool or something instead.