What can I do if my child avoids homework or leaves it too late? 

Parenting Perspective 

Setting Clear Boundaries and Starting Small 

When a child delays homework, it often stems from feeling overwhelmed or uninterested. Begin by setting clear but gentle boundaries. Say, ‘Homework time comes before screen time,’ in a calm, consistent tone. Start with just five or ten minutes of focused work and increase it gradually. Use a timer or a small checklist to make the task feel measurable and achievable. Sit beside them for the first few minutes to offer reassurance. 

Using a Problem-Solving Approach 

Ask, ‘What feels hard about this homework?’ This question shifts the focus from blame to problem solving. Sometimes the challenge is not the task itself but how it is introduced. Break it into parts, guide them through the first step, then encourage them to try the next. Offer a positive incentive, such as, ‘When this is done, we will have a snack or play a short game.’ This strategy builds a habit of completion without pressure. With patience and structure, children learn to manage their responsibilities more independently. Eventually, the routine becomes familiar, and the resistance lessens. 

Spiritual Insight 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 286: 

“Allah (Almighty) does not place any burden on any human being except that which is within his capacity… “

This Ayah affirms that every challenge, including academic ones, is within the child’s capacity. It reminds parents to set expectations with kindness and balance. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 225, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

“Whoever follows a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah will ease the way to Paradise for him. “

These words highlight that learning, even in its smallest form, carries deep spiritual value. When your child is supported to face their studies with gentle structure and sincere intention, the act becomes a source of reward. 

You can say to your child, ‘Doing your homework with care pleases Allah Almighty because it shows effort and trust in Him.’ Framing the task this way transforms it from a burden into a blessing. It teaches that responsibility, when approached with Sabr and focus, is not only a life skill but also a form of worship.