Question: My son, almost 10 and in the fourth grade, is a competent student, but he does his homework at bedtime--and rushes through it without thinking, making many errors and writing illegibly. He'll never answer a bonus problem or question, or do any extra credit. He does the bare minimum and, without my prompting and checking, he'd do even less.
He's not allowed to watch TV or play Nintendo during the school week. He's fine with that rule--but always finds something else to do. Any suggestions?

Answer: What's your goal? On the one hand, you want your son to invest more time in homework and become a more conscientious student. You realize he's smart, and only want him to reach his potential.
On the other hand, you don't want the present situation to get worse. You're proceeding cautiously, doing all you can to avoid a homework power struggle. You realize the more you push, suggest or coerce him to do additional or better work, the more he'll most likely pull back.

THE SUBTLE APPROACH
You're controlling TV and Nintendo, but watch out for how much you prompt him and check his work. He holds the controls; homework is his responsibility, not yours. Coming in the back door with subtle influence is much better than barging through the front door with lectures that try to convince him of your point of view.

1. STATE YOUR EXPECTATIONS. Tell your son, "You're smart. You do so well in school, but I expect you to put more effort into your homework assignments." Once you've stated your expectations, say no more. Now calmly let the situation rest.
2. ACT LAID-BACK. Also, practice and exhibit a relaxed yet interested demeanor. Talk about what he's learning and doing in school rather than calling lots of attention to his less-than-intense approach to homework. Notice what he's doing that's right, then occasionally tell him what you'd like to see him change: "I see you're working on your homework. Good for you. Someday, I hope you'll get started earlier in the evening."
3. OFFER INFORMATION. If, for example, you see a paper with messy handwriting, lots of eraser marks and crumpled corners, say to your son, "I noticed you completed your assignment. Just realize that teachers give better grades to students who hand in neat work. If Mr. Wilson can read this paper easily, it's just natural he'll give a better grade."
4. EXPECT MORE THAN MEDIOCRITY. Finally, don't accept mediocre performances. If your son completes a spelling assignment with two errors, point them out. He can easily make those corrections--but don't persist if he gets emotional or defensive.

Your new goal must include cultivating his interest in homework. If you have more interest and energy than he has, he'll resist. But realize you're fighting the influences of your son's peers, who probably don't approach homework with much seriousness either. Sadly, being scholarly isn't cool with many kids today.