When we were growing up, it was a non-negotiable that there was no TV, computer, telephone, bikes, etc until homework was all done.

If that meant that we went from our desk to the dinner table and back again, so be it.

End of story.

While this was initially a hard task master when we were getting used to *having* homework, it put us in good stead ...

Different kids will have different standards for themselves, and this can obviously grow and develop over time - but the concept of self managing homework etc is a good place to start, and in our home, some sensible, obvious, strict rules were a good method of instilling the habit of doing homework first - and then being able to be able to play, go out and ride bikes or whatever, without the homework having over our heads.

It also meant that often, the weekends were reasonably free for play because we weren't catching up with the dribs and drabs of a week worth of homework and projects!!

Whether you're pro or anti homework, the fact is that most schools have it, and at high school, there's often a lot ... having at primary school may seem unfair, but it gives you the chance to get your kids used to prioritising, managing their time, encouraging and motivating themselves, and working autonomously. Lots of good skills for them when they're older! And it will mean that homework at high school isn't such a rude shock!

In terms of the quality of his work, well that's another matter entirely ... and how you help him to motivate himself about that will depend on his personality and his priorities ...

Personally, I have wanted to be a lawyer since I was 9 years old. So from Grade 5 onwards, I have known that to be what I wanted to be, I would have to get great grades, otherwise I'd never get into my uni course. That was enough motivation for me.

Others are competitive - they want to get better grades / be faster at their times tables / whatever than their sibling/friend/parent/whatever! And that will motivate them.

Some take a lot of pride in their handiwork, and so they'll make sure their writing is neat, their projects are well presented, their margins are straight, their spelling is all correct, and their poster is decorated.

Some just don't give a crap - and you can't make them ... you can just wait, pay attention to what is important to them, and try to find new ways to encourage and motivate ... but you helping with the actual work if they won't do it won't help.

Good luck!