What helps when homework is ‘done at school’ every day but marks say otherwise? 

Parenting Perspective 

When your child insists that their homework is ‘done at school’, yet their marks tell a different story, frustration can easily rise. You may feel misled or become worried that a habit of dishonesty is forming. However, this pattern often signals avoidance or a sense of being overwhelmed, not deliberate deceit. Many children genuinely believe they have completed enough at school, or they fear admitting that they are behind. The solution lies in restoring honesty and accountability through calm curiosity, not confrontation. 

Understand the True Meaning of ‘Done’ 

Children often define the word ‘done’ loosely; it could mean a few lines have been written, an unfinished draft, or something that was copied quickly. Before assuming that your child is being deceptive, seek clarity. 

‘Show me what you managed to do at school today. Let us look at what is left together.’ 

This approach opens the door for honesty without shame. The goal is to explore how they are managing their homework, not to catch them out. When your child feels safe enough to admit that they are having difficulty, you can offer them guidance instead of a scolding. 

Explore the Reasons for Avoidance 

Repeated claims of ‘it is already done’ may point to other struggles. 

• Disorganisation: Forgetting what has been assigned. 

• Lack of confidence: Avoiding work that feels too difficult. 

• Distraction: Starting but never finishing work during school hours. 

Ask your child with empathy, ‘Do you find your homework easy or does it feel like too much sometimes?’ Once you identify the real issue, you can offer more tailored support, whether it is more structure, reassurance, or improved study habits. 

Reinforce Truthfulness Over Perfection 

Let your child know that their honesty matters more to you than their academic performance. If they confess that their homework is not done, respond with composure. 

‘Thank you for telling me the truth. Let us make a plan to finish it now.’ 

When telling the truth is met with guidance instead of anger, your child learns that integrity invites help, not punishment. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places a deep emphasis on amanah, or trustworthiness, and sincerity in one’s actions. Guiding a child to be truthful about their work is not merely an academic goal; it is the nurturing of their character and faith. 

Accountability and Integrity in the Noble Quran 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Tawbah (9), Verse 119: 

‘O you who are believers, seek piety from Allah (Almighty) and (always) be in the company of the truthful (people).’ 

This verse calls believers to align themselves with truthfulness, even when it is difficult. Teaching your child to admit that their homework is unfinished, rather than hiding the fact, helps to build their spiritual strength. They learn that being honest with people trains the heart to be honest before Allah Almighty. 

Sincerity in Effort in the Teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ 

It is recorded in Al Adab Al Mufrad, Hadith 287, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Indeed, Allah loves that when one of you does a deed, he does it with excellence.’ 

This Hadith beautifully connects effort with faith. It reminds children that sincerity in completing their work, whether it is in their schoolwork or in their tasks at home, is a part of doing things with ihsan, or excellence. When parents link diligence to spirituality rather than to pressure, children begin to see their homework not as a burden, but as a means of practising responsibility and truthfulness. 

When your child repeatedly says that their homework is ‘done’ but their results prove otherwise, the aim is not to enforce fear but to restore trust. By approaching the situation with patience, structure, and faith based encouragement, you can help them to rediscover their integrity and sense of accountability. Your calm guidance can transform a pattern of avoidance into a lesson in honesty, one that reaches far beyond their schoolwork.