Homework Trap in Action

First person story on Great Schools website. Author has implimented principles of The Homework Trap.

The thing I would like to emphasize about this story is the dramatic changes that occurred for this writer’s son by implementing the most simple concept of The Homework Trap, time-based assignments. She describes a child who was failing school and, through this simple intervention, quickly shifted to showing striking interest in school and earning passing grades, within three weeks.

The writer notes, in parentheses, “Ideally, you work with the teacher to devise a homework solution that works while you’re retraining your child to approach homework differently.”

As I say in my book, the first step, time containers, can be implemented by the parent without any agreement from the teachers. The second step, reducing grade penalties, calls for collaboration and that’s where my book can serve as a tool to help the parent bring the school on board.

I should also add that I was interviewed by this writer on June 1, so, to the best of my knowledge, the changes that occurred must have occurred quite quickly. This coincides with the feedback I’ve gotten from one other parent who has used my book and model (I don’t have other examples , but of course, the book just came out).

I would appreciate feedback from anyone else who has tried this model. Don’t hesitate to tell me if it has not worked for your child. Any feedback is welcome.  And, if you have a homework trapped child, good luck with your efforts to turn things around.





Dr. Kenneth Goldberg is a clinical psychologist with 35 years of professional experience in dealing with many different psychological issues. He is the author of The Homework Trap: How to Save the Sanity of Parents, Students and Teachers and currently works in his own private practice.

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