how to fake doing homework wikihow

8 "Fake It ‘Til You Make It" Strategies Backed by Science

Trying to fake your way to success seems dubious at best and delusional at worst. And yet, there is plenty of science that proves you can actually fool yourself and others into becoming more successful, finding love, and increasing your happiness. Researchers have found that “acting” a certain way allows your brain to “rehearse” a new way of thinking and can set off a desired chain of events in the future. Here are eight scientifically-backed strategies for “faking” your way to a better job, relationship, and mood.

1. SAY CHEESE.

Scientists have found that if you want to lift your mood, you should force yourself to smile. A 2012 study published in the journal Psychological Science  trained 169 university students to hold chopsticks in their mouths in order to force particular facial expressions (one neutral, one a standard smile, and one a genuine smile, which engages the eye muscles as well as the mouth muscles). Once the participants learned the correct expression, they were given stressful multitasking activities to complete, such as tracing a star with their non-dominant hand while looking at a reflection of said star in a mirror. The researchers found that the subjects with both the genuine and the standard smiles had lower heart rates after performing the task than those with the neutral expression, indicating they were less stressed.

According to Psychology Today , a similar study that asked participants to either "raise their cheeks" (forcing them to smile) or "contract their eyebrows" (making them frown) while judging images of neutral, happy, and angry faces found people had a more positive reaction to the images when smiling. What’s more, the positive benefits of these forced smiles lasted for four minutes .

2. STRIKE A POWERFUL POSE.

In her  much-publicized 2012 TED talk, Amy Cuddy, a Harvard Business School social psychologist, shared her findings that adopting a powerful posture can affect your body chemistry. In her study, she had subjects adopt either a power stance—with their chest and head lifted and arms propped on their hips—or a meeker pose—hunched over with their arms crossed—for two minutes. The people who maintained power poses showed a decrease is the stress hormone cortisol and an increase in testosterone, a hormone related to dominance and confidence. “Our nonverbals govern how we think and feel about ourselves," Cuddy concluded. "Our bodies change our minds."

3. PRETEND YOU KNOW THE ANSWER.

A 2012 study published in The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology found that expecting to know correct answers can actually improve our test-taking abilities . Psychologists asked two groups of participants to answer a set of questions on a computer. One group was told the answers would briefly flash on their screens before each question—too quickly for them to read the answer, but supposedly slow enough for their subconscious to register it. In reality, the flashing "answers" were a random series of letters and numbers. Meanwhile, the other group was told the flashing screen simply signaled the next question. In the end, the group that thought they were seeing the answers got the most questions right. This advantage may have evolved from our primitive survival tactics, reasons Scientific American , as expectation of a change in the environment “triggers physiological changes that prepare the body for the impending confrontation even before the predator comes into sight.”

4. DRESS FOR THE JOB YOU WANT.

Researchers at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management found that wearing particular clothes associated with certain positive qualities helped improve the wearer’s performance . In the 2012 study, individuals were instructed to don white coats described either as  "lab coats" (the kind worn by doctors and scientists) or as "artistic painters' coats" (which were actually identical to the lab coats) while they performed a task; in order to demonstrate that the coat had to actually be worn to make a difference, a third group was merely shown a lab coat before being asked to perform the task [ PDF ].

The three groups were asked to examine four sets of two pictures for differences and write what they found down, a test that was designed to test their sustained attention. The researchers found that people wearing the “lab coat” found significantly more differences in the same amount of time than the "artists," meaning that their attention was heightened while wearing the coat. This lead the researchers to conclude that dressing for success “depends on both the symbolic meaning and the physical experience of wearing the clothes.”

5. LISTEN TO HAPPY MUSIC.

When you’re in a funk, probably the last thing you want to do is turn on some Pharrell. But recent research found that forcing yourself to listen to happy music and consciously trying to become happier can actually lift your mood. In a 2012 study published in t he Journal of Positive Psychology , 167 college students were asked to listen to 12 minutes of "happy" music . One group was told to try to actively boost their mood while listening, while the second group was instructed to listen without trying to alter their mood. The first group reported much higher levels of positive mood after listening.

A tandem study by the same researchers had 68 students listen to happy music during five lab visits over the course of two weeks. Again, half the group was told to try to become happier during this time, while the other half was told not to attempt to change their mood. The students who made an effort to be happy reported higher mood levels than those who just listened to the happy music. “These studies demonstrate that listening to positive music may be an effective way to improve happiness, particularly when it is combined with an intention to become happier,” the researchers conclude . 

6. MIMIC GOOD LEADERS.

Say you’ve just been promoted to a position with job requirements that are outside of your skill set. New research shows that the best thing you can do is mimic someone else around you who displays the required skill sets, even if your first inclination is to worry about appearing like a fraud. Of her research, professor of organizational behavior Herminia Ibarra writes in the  Harvard Business Review , “By viewing ourselves as works in progress, we multiply our capacity to learn, avoid being pigeonholed, and ultimately become better leaders. We’re never too experienced to fake it till we learn it.”

7. FEIGN ROMANTIC INTEREST.

Richard Wiseman, a psychology professor at the University of Hertfordshire in the U.K., split roughly 100 participants at a speed dating event in Edinburgh in 2012 into two groups to test what he calls the " As If Principle ” (if you act "as if" you are a certain way, you'll come to feel that way). One group was instructed to behave as they normally would on their dates, while another was told to pretend they were already in love by gazing into each other’s eyes, touching hands, and whispering secrets. All participants were then asked how close they felt to their various partners (on a scale of one to seven) and whether they would like to see each other again. On average, those faking romantic interest reported that they felt one point more intimate with their partners. Forty-five percent of this group also said they would like to see the other person again, while only 20 percent of the “normal” speed dating group reported the same. Wiseman told the  Telegraph   of his study, “The assumption was that the emotion leads to the action or behaviour but this shows it can happen the other way around, action can lead to emotions.” 

8. FAKE CONFIDENCE TO GAIN INFLUENCE.

It turns out that in group dynamics, early assertiveness becomes self-enforcing. In a 2013 study published by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , researchers randomly assigned three groups of college students the task of writing two paragraphs on either their job ambitions, their duties and obligations, or their commutes. They then formed same-sex teams using students from each of the three groups and instructed them to brainstorm a hypothetical startup company. Afterwards, everyone took a survey in which they rated the extent they respected and admired the other members of their team. The researchers found that the individuals who had written about their ambitions enjoyed a higher rank in the group pecking order and were perceived as being more assertive and proactive than those who had focused on their job duties or commutes. By just shifting your thoughts to your goals, the research suggests, you can project a more capable, confident persona. 

Recommended

Biden is president in name only so harris can duck blame for their joint debacles.

Here’s a question many Americans are asking: Who exactly is running this country? 

The current president is barely seen. 

Last week, Joe Biden took a five-day weekend at his Delaware beach house (again) while Iran threatened to attack Israel, just days after the Dow fell more than 1,000 points in the wake of a lousy jobs report.

On Wednesday, his entire public schedule consisted of a 15-minute drop-by at a White House economic conference and a 4 p.m. meeting to receive his daily intelligence briefing.

Yes, 4 p.m. 

We have a deteriorating president who is in the political version of the witness protection program, save for rare exceptions.

He should have resigned from office weeks ago, the minute he announced he wasn’t running again. 

Because answer this: How can this man be president for the next five months when he’s tacitly admitted he can’t be president for the subsequent four years? 

In August thus far, Biden has held exactly one public event outside of the White House, when he flew to New Orleans on Tuesday to a cancer center to talk about his “moonshot” initiative.

Otherwise, for the first half of this month, he’s spent eight days lounging at the beach. 

Meanwhile, Kamala Harris for the last three weeks has stuck to performing the same stump speech at swing-state campaign rallies while avoiding any questions of substance.

All Americans, regardless of political ideology, deserve so much better than this. 

But there’s a very good reason why Biden hasn’t resigned: Because unnamed powers in the Democratic Party don’t want Harris to be put in a position of responsibility for this administration’s disastrous record on the economy, inflation, wages, crime, the border and a world seemingly on fire. 

If we were talking about  President  Harris, she would have no choice but to own this train wreck and defend it, having played a big role in creating it as Biden’s partner. 

“As you have seen them in the past 3½ years, they’ve been partners, critical partners,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Tuesday .

“It doesn’t matter if it is domestic issues, also foreign policy issues,” she insisted.

“And that has been the case from Day 1 and continues to be the case.” 

President  Harris couldn’t get away with doing nothing but speeches in places like Michigan and Wisconsin.

President  Harris would have to actually govern and make decisions — and be held accountable through these foreign concepts known as press conferences and interviews . 

It’s also noteworthy that Biden hasn’t campaigned with Harris in any capacity.

There’s good reason for that: His own vice president is running away from him — not only from him personally, but from his toxic policies.

Start and end your day informed with our newsletters

Morning Report and Evening Update: Your source for today's top stories

Thanks for signing up!

Please provide a valid email address.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

Never miss a story.

And why wouldn’t she distance herself from debacles like, say, Bidenomics as much as possible?

Especially when our corrupt media isn’t doing their basic homework to compare the rhetoric of Vice President Harris and Candidate Harris? 

Veep Harris, August 2023: “We are very proud of Bidenomics.”

Candidate Harris, August 2024: “Our plan will lower costs and save many middle-class families thousands of dollars a year.”

The candidate who has been in power for 3½ years — and who has repeatedly praised the performance of this horrible economy during that time —  now  has a plan to lower costs.

But only if she becomes president. 

You can’t make this up. 

Across almost every issue, mostly through unnamed campaign aides, Kamala is running away from  her  own past policy positions and rhetoric, because those positions are profoundly unpopular with any common-sense voter. 

Banning fracking and fossil fuels won’t sit well in Pennsylvania , for example.

Mandating electric cars won’t fly in Michigan.

Abolishing ICE, supporting sanctuary cities, offering free healthcare to illegals and raising taxes — all positions Harris has taken loudly and proudly — would be political suicide if she were to double down on them today. 

And that’s why Biden remains in power, in name at least. 

Because by doing so, Kamala the Chameleon can traipse off on her own version of the Eras Tour, as a fawning media cheers all her talk about the big changes she’ll make on Day 1. 

Despite, you know . . . having had all these years to fix the crises she and her boss created. 

Joe Concha is the author of “Progressively Worse: Why Today’s Democrats Ain’t Your Daddy’s Donkeys.” 

Choose Your Test

• Search Blogs By Category
• College Admissions
• AP and IB Exams
• GPA and Coursework

How to Do Homework: 15 Expert Tips and Tricks

Coursework/GPA

Everyone struggles with homework sometimes, but if getting your homework done has become a chronic issue for you, then you may need a little extra help. That’s why we’ve written this article all about how to do homework. Once you’re finished reading it, you’ll know how to do homework (and have tons of new ways to motivate yourself to do homework)!

We’ve broken this article down into a few major sections. You’ll find:

• A diagnostic test to help you figure out why you’re struggling with homework
• A discussion of the four major homework problems students face, along with expert tips for addressing them
• A bonus section with tips for how to do homework fast

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever homework assignments your teachers throw at you .

So let’s get started!

How to Do Homework: Figure Out Your Struggles 

Sometimes it feels like everything is standing between you and getting your homework done. But the truth is, most people only have one or two major roadblocks that are keeping them from getting their homework done well and on time. 

The best way to figure out how to get motivated to do homework starts with pinpointing the issues that are affecting your ability to get your assignments done. That’s why we’ve developed a short quiz to help you identify the areas where you’re struggling. 

Take the quiz below and record your answers on your phone or on a scrap piece of paper. Keep in mind there are no wrong answers! 

1. You’ve just been assigned an essay in your English class that’s due at the end of the week. What’s the first thing you do?

A. Keep it in mind, even though you won’t start it until the day before it’s due  B. Open up your planner. You’ve got to figure out when you’ll write your paper since you have band practice, a speech tournament, and your little sister’s dance recital this week, too.  C. Groan out loud. Another essay? You could barely get yourself to write the last one!  D. Start thinking about your essay topic, which makes you think about your art project that’s due the same day, which reminds you that your favorite artist might have just posted to Instagram...so you better check your feed right now. 

2. Your mom asked you to pick up your room before she gets home from work. You’ve just gotten home from school. You decide you’ll tackle your chores: 

A. Five minutes before your mom walks through the front door. As long as it gets done, who cares when you start?  B. As soon as you get home from your shift at the local grocery store.  C. After you give yourself a 15-minute pep talk about how you need to get to work.  D. You won’t get it done. Between texts from your friends, trying to watch your favorite Netflix show, and playing with your dog, you just lost track of time! 

3. You’ve signed up to wash dogs at the Humane Society to help earn money for your senior class trip. You: 

A. Show up ten minutes late. You put off leaving your house until the last minute, then got stuck in unexpected traffic on the way to the shelter.  B. Have to call and cancel at the last minute. You forgot you’d already agreed to babysit your cousin and bake cupcakes for tomorrow’s bake sale.  C. Actually arrive fifteen minutes early with extra brushes and bandanas you picked up at the store. You’re passionate about animals, so you’re excited to help out! D. Show up on time, but only get three dogs washed. You couldn’t help it: you just kept getting distracted by how cute they were!

4. You have an hour of downtime, so you decide you’re going to watch an episode of The Great British Baking Show. You: 

A. Scroll through your social media feeds for twenty minutes before hitting play, which means you’re not able to finish the whole episode. Ugh! You really wanted to see who was sent home!  B. Watch fifteen minutes until you remember you’re supposed to pick up your sister from band practice before heading to your part-time job. No GBBO for you!  C. You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you’ve got SAT studying to do. It’s just more fun to watch people make scones.  D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you’re reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time.

5. Your teacher asks you to stay after class because you’ve missed turning in two homework assignments in a row. When she asks you what’s wrong, you say: 

A. You planned to do your assignments during lunch, but you ran out of time. You decided it would be better to turn in nothing at all than submit unfinished work.  B. You really wanted to get the assignments done, but between your extracurriculars, family commitments, and your part-time job, your homework fell through the cracks.  C. You have a hard time psyching yourself to tackle the assignments. You just can’t seem to find the motivation to work on them once you get home.  D. You tried to do them, but you had a hard time focusing. By the time you realized you hadn’t gotten anything done, it was already time to turn them in. 

Like we said earlier, there are no right or wrong answers to this quiz (though your results will be better if you answered as honestly as possible). Here’s how your answers break down: 

• If your answers were mostly As, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is procrastination. 
• If your answers were mostly Bs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is time management. 
• If your answers were mostly Cs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is motivation. 
• If your answers were mostly Ds, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is getting distracted. 

Now that you’ve identified why you’re having a hard time getting your homework done, we can help you figure out how to fix it! Scroll down to find your core problem area to learn more about how you can start to address it. 

And one more thing: you’re really struggling with homework, it’s a good idea to read through every section below. You may find some additional tips that will help make homework less intimidating. 

How to Do Homework When You’re a Procrastinator  

Merriam Webster defines “procrastinate” as “to put off intentionally and habitually.” In other words, procrastination is when you choose to do something at the last minute on a regular basis. If you’ve ever found yourself pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish an assignment between periods, or sprinting to turn in a paper minutes before a deadline, you’ve experienced the effects of procrastination. 

If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you’re in good company. In fact, one study found that 70% to 95% of undergraduate students procrastinate when it comes to doing their homework. Unfortunately, procrastination can negatively impact your grades. Researchers have found that procrastination can lower your grade on an assignment by as much as five points ...which might not sound serious until you realize that can mean the difference between a B- and a C+. 

Procrastination can also negatively affect your health by increasing your stress levels , which can lead to other health conditions like insomnia, a weakened immune system, and even heart conditions. Getting a handle on procrastination can not only improve your grades, it can make you feel better, too! 

The big thing to understand about procrastination is that it’s not the result of laziness. Laziness is defined as being “disinclined to activity or exertion.” In other words, being lazy is all about doing nothing. But a s this Psychology Today article explains , procrastinators don’t put things off because they don’t want to work. Instead, procrastinators tend to postpone tasks they don’t want to do in favor of tasks that they perceive as either more important or more fun. Put another way, procrastinators want to do things...as long as it’s not their homework! 

3 Tips f or Conquering Procrastination 

Because putting off doing homework is a common problem, there are lots of good tactics for addressing procrastination. Keep reading for our three expert tips that will get your homework habits back on track in no time. 

#1: Create a Reward System

Like we mentioned earlier, procrastination happens when you prioritize other activities over getting your homework done. Many times, this happens because homework...well, just isn’t enjoyable. But you can add some fun back into the process by rewarding yourself for getting your work done. 

Here’s what we mean: let’s say you decide that every time you get your homework done before the day it’s due, you’ll give yourself a point. For every five points you earn, you’ll treat yourself to your favorite dessert: a chocolate cupcake! Now you have an extra (delicious!) incentive to motivate you to leave procrastination in the dust. 

If you’re not into cupcakes, don’t worry. Your reward can be anything that motivates you . Maybe it’s hanging out with your best friend or an extra ten minutes of video game time. As long as you’re choosing something that makes homework worth doing, you’ll be successful. 

#2: Have a Homework Accountability Partner 

If you’re having trouble getting yourself to start your homework ahead of time, it may be a good idea to call in reinforcements . Find a friend or classmate you can trust and explain to them that you’re trying to change your homework habits. Ask them if they’d be willing to text you to make sure you’re doing your homework and check in with you once a week to see if you’re meeting your anti-procrastination goals. 

Sharing your goals can make them feel more real, and an accountability partner can help hold you responsible for your decisions. For example, let’s say you’re tempted to put off your science lab write-up until the morning before it’s due. But you know that your accountability partner is going to text you about it tomorrow...and you don’t want to fess up that you haven’t started your assignment. A homework accountability partner can give you the extra support and incentive you need to keep your homework habits on track. 

#3: Create Your Own Due Dates 

If you’re a life-long procrastinator, you might find that changing the habit is harder than you expected. In that case, you might try using procrastination to your advantage! If you just can’t seem to stop doing your work at the last minute, try setting your own due dates for assignments that range from a day to a week before the assignment is actually due. 

Here’s what we mean. Let’s say you have a math worksheet that’s been assigned on Tuesday and is due on Friday. In your planner, you can write down the due date as Thursday instead. You may still put off your homework assignment until the last minute...but in this case, the “last minute” is a day before the assignment’s real due date . This little hack can trick your procrastination-addicted brain into planning ahead! 

If you feel like Kevin Hart in this meme, then our tips for doing homework when you're busy are for you. 

How to Do Homework When You’re too Busy

If you’re aiming to go to a top-tier college , you’re going to have a full plate. Because college admissions is getting more competitive, it’s important that you’re maintaining your grades , studying hard for your standardized tests , and participating in extracurriculars so your application stands out. A packed schedule can get even more hectic once you add family obligations or a part-time job to the mix. 

If you feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions at once, you’re not alone. Recent research has found that stress—and more severe stress-related conditions like anxiety and depression— are a major problem for high school students . In fact, one study from the American Psychological Association found that during the school year, students’ stress levels are higher than those of the adults around them. 

For students, homework is a major contributor to their overall stress levels . Many high schoolers have multiple hours of homework every night , and figuring out how to fit it into an already-packed schedule can seem impossible. 

3 Tips for Fitting Homework Into Your Busy Schedule

While it might feel like you have literally no time left in your schedule, there are still ways to make sure you’re able to get your homework done and meet your other commitments. Here are our expert homework tips for even the busiest of students. 

#1: Make a Prioritized To-Do List 

You probably already have a to-do list to keep yourself on track. The next step is to prioritize the items on your to-do list so you can see what items need your attention right away. 

Here’s how it works: at the beginning of each day, sit down and make a list of all the items you need to get done before you go to bed. This includes your homework, but it should also take into account any practices, chores, events, or job shifts you may have. Once you get everything listed out, it’s time to prioritize them using the labels A, B, and C. Here’s what those labels mean:

• A Tasks : tasks that have to get done—like showing up at work or turning in an assignment—get an A. 
• B Tasks : these are tasks that you would like to get done by the end of the day but aren’t as time sensitive. For example, studying for a test you have next week could be a B-level task. It’s still important, but it doesn’t have to be done right away.
• C Tasks: these are tasks that aren’t very important and/or have no real consequences if you don’t get them done immediately. For instance, if you’re hoping to clean out your closet but it’s not an assigned chore from your parents, you could label that to-do item with a C.

Prioritizing your to-do list helps you visualize which items need your immediate attention, and which items you can leave for later. A prioritized to-do list ensures that you’re spending your time efficiently and effectively, which helps you make room in your schedule for homework. So even though you might really want to start making decorations for Homecoming (a B task), you’ll know that finishing your reading log (an A task) is more important. 

#2: Use a Planner With Time Labels

Your planner is probably packed with notes, events, and assignments already. (And if you’re not using a planner, it’s time to start!) But planners can do more for you than just remind you when an assignment is due. If you’re using a planner with time labels, it can help you visualize how you need to spend your day.

A planner with time labels breaks your day down into chunks, and you assign tasks to each chunk of time. For example, you can make a note of your class schedule with assignments, block out time to study, and make sure you know when you need to be at practice. Once you know which tasks take priority, you can add them to any empty spaces in your day. 

Planning out how you spend your time not only helps you use it wisely, it can help you feel less overwhelmed, too . We’re big fans of planners that include a task list ( like this one ) or have room for notes ( like this one ). 

#3: Set Reminders on Your Phone 

If you need a little extra nudge to make sure you’re getting your homework done on time, it’s a good idea to set some reminders on your phone. You don’t need a fancy app, either. You can use your alarm app to have it go off at specific times throughout the day to remind you to do your homework. This works especially well if you have a set homework time scheduled. So if you’ve decided you’re doing homework at 6:00 pm, you can set an alarm to remind you to bust out your books and get to work. 

If you use your phone as your planner, you may have the option to add alerts, emails, or notifications to scheduled events . Many calendar apps, including the one that comes with your phone, have built-in reminders that you can customize to meet your needs. So if you block off time to do your homework from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, you can set a reminder that will pop up on your phone when it’s time to get started. 

This dog isn't judging your lack of motivation...but your teacher might. Keep reading for tips to help you motivate yourself to do your homework.

How to Do Homework When You’re Unmotivated 

At first glance, it may seem like procrastination and being unmotivated are the same thing. After all, both of these issues usually result in you putting off your homework until the very last minute. 

But there’s one key difference: many procrastinators are working, they’re just prioritizing work differently. They know they’re going to start their homework...they’re just going to do it later. 

Conversely, people who are unmotivated to do homework just can’t find the willpower to tackle their assignments. Procrastinators know they’ll at least attempt the homework at the last minute, whereas people who are unmotivated struggle with convincing themselves to do it at a ll. For procrastinators, the stress comes from the inevitable time crunch. For unmotivated people, the stress comes from trying to convince themselves to do something they don’t want to do in the first place. 

Here are some common reasons students are unmotivated in doing homework : 

• Assignments are too easy, too hard, or seemingly pointless 
• Students aren’t interested in (or passionate about) the subject matter
• Students are intimidated by the work and/or feels like they don’t understand the assignment 
• Homework isn’t fun, and students would rather spend their time on things that they enjoy 

To sum it up: people who lack motivation to do their homework are more likely to not do it at all, or to spend more time worrying about doing their homework than...well, actually doing it.

3 Tips for How to Get Motivated to Do Homework

The key to getting homework done when you’re unmotivated is to figure out what does motivate you, then apply those things to homework. It sounds tricky...but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it! Here are our three expert tips for motivating yourself to do your homework. 

#1: Use Incremental Incentives

When you’re not motivated, it’s important to give yourself small rewards to stay focused on finishing the task at hand. The trick is to keep the incentives small and to reward yourself often. For example, maybe you’re reading a good book in your free time. For every ten minutes you spend on your homework, you get to read five pages of your book. Like we mentioned earlier, make sure you’re choosing a reward that works for you! 

So why does this technique work? Using small rewards more often allows you to experience small wins for getting your work done. Every time you make it to one of your tiny reward points, you get to celebrate your success, which gives your brain a boost of dopamine . Dopamine helps you stay motivated and also creates a feeling of satisfaction when you complete your homework !  

#2: Form a Homework Group 

If you’re having trouble motivating yourself, it’s okay to turn to others for support. Creating a homework group can help with this. Bring together a group of your friends or classmates, and pick one time a week where you meet and work on homework together. You don’t have to be in the same class, or even taking the same subjects— the goal is to encourage one another to start (and finish!) your assignments. 

Another added benefit of a homework group is that you can help one another if you’re struggling to understand the material covered in your classes. This is especially helpful if your lack of motivation comes from being intimidated by your assignments. Asking your friends for help may feel less scary than talking to your teacher...and once you get a handle on the material, your homework may become less frightening, too. 

#3: Change Up Your Environment 

If you find that you’re totally unmotivated, it may help if you find a new place to do your homework. For example, if you’ve been struggling to get your homework done at home, try spending an extra hour in the library after school instead. The change of scenery can limit your distractions and give you the energy you need to get your work done. 

If you’re stuck doing homework at home, you can still use this tip. For instance, maybe you’ve always done your homework sitting on your bed. Try relocating somewhere else, like your kitchen table, for a few weeks. You may find that setting up a new “homework spot” in your house gives you a motivational lift and helps you get your work done. 

Social media can be a huge problem when it comes to doing homework. We have advice for helping you unplug and regain focus.

How to Do Homework When You’re Easily Distracted

We live in an always-on world, and there are tons of things clamoring for our attention. From friends and family to pop culture and social media, it seems like there’s always something (or someone!) distracting us from the things we need to do.

The 24/7 world we live in has affected our ability to focus on tasks for prolonged periods of time. Research has shown that over the past decade, an average person’s attention span has gone from 12 seconds to eight seconds . And when we do lose focus, i t takes people a long time to get back on task . One study found that it can take as long as 23 minutes to get back to work once we’ve been distracte d. No wonder it can take hours to get your homework done! 

3 Tips to Improve Your Focus

If you have a hard time focusing when you’re doing your homework, it’s a good idea to try and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Here are three expert tips for blocking out the noise so you can focus on getting your homework done. 

#1: Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Pick a place where you’ll do your homework every day, and make it as distraction-free as possible. Try to find a location where there won’t be tons of noise, and limit your access to screens while you’re doing your homework. Put together a focus-oriented playlist (or choose one on your favorite streaming service), and put your headphones on while you work. 

You may find that other people, like your friends and family, are your biggest distraction. If that’s the case, try setting up some homework boundaries. Let them know when you’ll be working on homework every day, and ask them if they’ll help you keep a quiet environment. They’ll be happy to lend a hand! 

#2: Limit Your Access to Technology 

We know, we know...this tip isn’t fun, but it does work. For homework that doesn’t require a computer, like handouts or worksheets, it’s best to put all your technology away . Turn off your television, put your phone and laptop in your backpack, and silence notifications on any wearable tech you may be sporting. If you listen to music while you work, that’s fine...but make sure you have a playlist set up so you’re not shuffling through songs once you get started on your homework. 

If your homework requires your laptop or tablet, it can be harder to limit your access to distractions. But it’s not impossible! T here are apps you can download that will block certain websites while you’re working so that you’re not tempted to scroll through Twitter or check your Facebook feed. Silence notifications and text messages on your computer, and don’t open your email account unless you absolutely have to. And if you don’t need access to the internet to complete your assignments, turn off your WiFi. Cutting out the online chatter is a great way to make sure you’re getting your homework done. 

#3: Set a Timer (the Pomodoro Technique)

Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique ? It’s a productivity hack that uses a timer to help you focus!

Here’s how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break. Every time you go through one of these cycles, it’s called a “pomodoro.” For every four pomodoros you complete, you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

The pomodoro technique works through a combination of boundary setting and rewards. First, it gives you a finite amount of time to focus, so you know that you only have to work really hard for 25 minutes. Once you’ve done that, you’re rewarded with a short break where you can do whatever you want. Additionally, tracking how many pomodoros you complete can help you see how long you’re really working on your homework. (Once you start using our focus tips, you may find it doesn’t take as long as you thought!)

Two Bonus Tips for How to Do Homework Fast

Even if you’re doing everything right, there will be times when you just need to get your homework done as fast as possible. (Why do teachers always have projects due in the same week? The world may never know.)

The problem with speeding through homework is that it’s easy to make mistakes. While turning in an assignment is always better than not submitting anything at all, you want to make sure that you’re not compromising quality for speed. Simply put, the goal is to get your homework done quickly and still make a good grade on the assignment! 

Here are our two bonus tips for getting a decent grade on your homework assignments , even when you’re in a time crunch. 

#1: Do the Easy Parts First 

This is especially true if you’re working on a handout with multiple questions. Before you start working on the assignment, read through all the questions and problems. As you do, make a mark beside the questions you think are “easy” to answer . 

Once you’ve finished going through the whole assignment, you can answer these questions first. Getting the easy questions out of the way as quickly as possible lets you spend more time on the trickier portions of your homework, which will maximize your assignment grade. 

(Quick note: this is also a good strategy to use on timed assignments and tests, like the SAT and the ACT !) 

#2: Pay Attention in Class 

Homework gets a lot easier when you’re actively learning the material. Teachers aren’t giving you homework because they’re mean or trying to ruin your weekend... it’s because they want you to really understand the course material. Homework is designed to reinforce what you’re already learning in class so you’ll be ready to tackle harder concepts later.

When you pay attention in class, ask questions, and take good notes, you’re absorbing the information you’ll need to succeed on your homework assignments. (You’re stuck in class anyway, so you might as well make the most of it!) Not only will paying attention in class make your homework less confusing, it will also help it go much faster, too.

What’s Next?

If you’re looking to improve your productivity beyond homework, a good place to begin is with time management. After all, we only have so much time in a day...so it’s important to get the most out of it! To get you started, check out this list of the 12 best time management techniques that you can start using today.

You may have read this article because homework struggles have been affecting your GPA. Now that you’re on the path to homework success, it’s time to start being proactive about raising your grades. This article teaches you everything you need to know about raising your GPA so you can

Now you know how to get motivated to do homework...but what about your study habits? Studying is just as critical to getting good grades, and ultimately getting into a good college . We can teach you how to study bette r in high school. (We’ve also got tons of resources to help you study for your ACT and SAT exams , too!)

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

• EXPLORE Random Article
• Happiness Hub

How to Persuade Your Parents to Do Something

Last Updated: May 29, 2023 Approved

This article was reviewed by Seth Hall . Seth T. Hall (ICF ACC, CLC, and MNLP) is a Certified Life Coach and Founder of Transformational Solutions, a Los Angeles-based life-coaching company that helps people achieve their toughest goals, find their own voice, and think outside the box. He has been a life coach for over 10 years, specializing in personal development, relationships, career and finance, and wellness. He has helped his clients break the negative cycles in their lives and replace them with a positive, proactive mindset. Seth believes that everyone has the potential to live a fulfilling and rewarding life, and works passionately to help them reach their full potential. With a deep understanding of how our minds work and the power of positive thinking, he encourages his clients to find their unique paths in life and find success on their own terms. He is a certified master practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a featured co-author for WikiHow, and co-author of "The Mountain Method”, “The Happy Tiger”, and “The V.I.S.I.O.N.S. Program”. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 16 testimonials and 87% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 207,453 times.

You've reached that point again. You need to persuade your parents to do something that they don't necessarily want to do. While the odds may not be on your side, you can take a few steps to make them more favorable for you.

Having the Conversation

• For instance, if you want to spend the night at friend's house, you'll need to know if her parents will be there, when the night will start, what you'll need to bring, and when your parents can pick you up. It also might help to have a phone number for your friend's parents. That way, your parents can call her parents.

• For instance, you could start by saying, "I have something I want to discuss with you, and I hope you will keep an open mind. I'd like to go to the dance this Saturday night."
• If you absolutely can't get it out right away, it's okay to start the conversation with something else, as long as you get to the point eventually.

• As an example, if you're trying to get your parents to let you go out for a night, you could say, "As an added bonus, you'd get the house all to yourself!"
• Another example is if you're trying to get your parents to eat out somewhere, mention their favorite dishes.

• In other words, use "I" instead of "you." Say, "I feel upset when I can't go out when my friends do," not "You're awful for not letting me go out with my friends." The second one puts your parents on their guard, while the first one just expresses what you're feeling.

• For instance, if you're trying to convince your parents that you should be in the band, you could have research articles stating how music can help you do better in math. You could say, "As this research shows, being in band can help me do better in math. I'll let you have these pages so you can read up on it."

• When you're trying to compromise, you have to figure out what both of you want or need. For instance, your parents are probably most concerned with your safety and well-being. You're probably most concerned with getting what you want, such as a little more independence.
• Say you want to spend the night at your friend's house. Your parents may not want you to because they don't know the parents and so, they don't know if you'll be safe. You can come to a compromise where you start out by everyone going out together, so your parents can meet her parents. Then, when you do go over, you can agree to check in with your parents every so often so they know you're okay. That way, you both can feel a little better about what you want.
• However, your parents might be unwilling to compromise if they think you won't be safe, so think about that when trying to make a compromise.

• For instance, if you're trying to get your parents to let you go out more, don't say, "You're awful. You need to change this decision." Instead, say things such as, "I know you want to protect me, but I feel really left out when my friends go out without me. I don't want to go to parties or get drunk. My friends like to go out to coffee or to the movies, and I feel like these activities should be acceptable."

Gaining More Trust From Your Parents

• One way to build trust is to tell your parents the truth. When you don't, your parents may find out, and then they will be less likely to trust you.
• Another way to build trust is to do what you say you will. That means you come home on time. You are where you say you're going to be. When you say you'll do your homework, you actually do it. All of these small things add up to building trust.

• When you realize you've screwed up, say "I'm very sorry that I've betrayed your trust. I know that it's worse than just breaking a rule because you've given me extra leeway. How can I begin to make it up to you?"

• Just because something is a want or desire doesn't mean you shouldn't have it. However, you need to think about what you find most important in your wants. Maybe going out with a friend one weekend is more important to you than going to a dance the next. By figuring out what you want most, you're in a better position to talk to your parents.
• When trying to decide what's most important, think about what would make you saddest to miss or not to have. That's what's most important to you.

• For instance, you could say, "I've been thinking hard about what's most important to me. While I understand that you don't want me going over to my friend's house, could we possibly go out to coffee? You can drop me off there if that makes you feel better about the situation."

Expert Q&A

• Keep it simple. Get to the point and eliminate anything vague or ambiguous. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Don’t keep adding details that you think will help your cause AFTER you have talked about it. It feels like a nag to parents and sometimes, the extra details actually make your argument weaker. To have a strong argument, keep everything in one place rather than spreading it over a few days. Have your discussion and then say 'I’ll leave you to discuss it with Dad later' or something and then make a cup of tea for them. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Ask your parents why they don't want you to have or do what you want. Explain to them how you could both get what you want. Don't push them. Keep Calm. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/thought/talk_parents.html#
• ↑ http://kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/thought/talk_parents.html
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201109/the-art-influence
• ↑ http://psychcentral.com/lib/persuasion-and-how-to-influence-others/
• ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/love-shack-time-move-together-0
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/surviving-your-childs-adolescence/201402/adolescence-and-gaining-parental-permission
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/maybe-its-just-me/201106/how-much-should-you-compromise-your-relationship
• ↑ http://centerforparentingeducation.org/library-of-articles/riding-the-waves-of-the-teen-years/when-your-teen-breaks-your-trust/

About this article

If you want to do something your parents aren't thrilled about, the odds are likely against you, but you can help persuade them by being prepared and making a strong case. Before you approach your parents, pick a time when you can have their full attention. If you try to ask them when they’re busy, they might not be willing to listen to your reasoning. When you’re with them, get it out of the way early by saying something like, “I have something I want to discuss with you and I hope you keep an open mind.” As you make your case, include what’s in it for them. For example, if you’re trying to go out Friday night, remind them that they’ll get a few hours alone. Make sure to back up what you say with details about why what you want to do is important. For more tips, like how to come to a compromise with your parents, read on. Did this summary help you? Yes No

Reader Success Stories

Did this article help you?

Takia Tahsin

Oct 2, 2018

Park Yoojin

Aug 13, 2016

Feb 1, 2018

Jun 22, 2016

• About wikiHow
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Happiness Hub Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• Happiness Hub
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• School Stuff
• Academic Dishonesty
• Skipping School

How to Fake Sick to Stay Home from School

Last Updated: July 27, 2024 Approved

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 789 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 101 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 7,037,775 times. Learn more...

You really don’t want to go to school, but there’s no way your parents will just let you play hooky. Don't worry—we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to fake being sick, like how to begin your “sickness” the day before and how to keep the ruse up during the day. If your parents still force you to go to class, head to the end of the article for ideas on how to convince your teacher and school nurse that you’re feeling under the weather. With a good enough performance , you’ll be on your way to enjoying a day home from school!

Beginning Your Sickness the Day Before

• Don’t tell them too early the day before, because some illnesses tend to go away overnight as a stomach ache does. Aim for starting your symptoms after 6:30 P.M. or after dinnertime.
• If you've been ill before with a virus or bug, repeat those symptoms; it will seem less like you are faking. But remember that you can't get the same bug twice! If you've been to see someone who had a cold or some other illness, replicate those symptoms so it seems as though you caught it from them.
• Use blush or cheek stain. If you are planning on faking a fever or bad cold, use a bright pink blush or cheek stain on your cheeks and nose to make your face look flushed.
• Act slightly clumsy, as this will make you look ill or tired.

• Don’t finish eating half of your favorite meal at dinnertime. When your parent(s) ask what's wrong, tell them that your stomach hurts (if faking a stomach illness) or that you just don't have an appetite (if faking a respiratory illness). Make sure you hide snacks in your room so you can miss a meal so they think you are sick because you're "not feeling well.”
• If you have plans with friends, cancel going out with them.
• Ask to be excused from family time or don’t watch your favorite TV show.

• If you normally do your homework at night, get started on it but put your head down periodically so that they see you're "not feeling well" and it's interfering with your work.
• If you usually do your homework on time, continue to do it to make it look like you were intending to go to school, but halfway through, complain about feeling ill.
• By not finishing your homework, they'll have another excuse to keep you from school.
• This works best if you have parents who care about your grades.

• Don't say anything or just say you're not feeling well and need to lie down.
• Alternatively, try to catch your parents’ attention by just walking by them or out of the room and head straight for your bed.
• If you feel like you really are sick, but so mild that your parents wouldn't even listen, exaggerate your symptoms. (For example, nauseated becomes I'm about to throw up ) Some studies say that you feel like what you think, so that might be an awesome plan which your parents can't foil! Remember: this devious step only works if you are getting sick in reality, so don't just go for this one if you're not sick. This is a strengthener for your saying for the next morning!
• Don't brush your teeth. If your parents notice, they'll probably come into your room to remind you. At that point, they'll probably wonder what's wrong, and you can tell them that you're not feeling well.
• Appear impatient, maybe even cranky, and eager to go to bed. Don't act too cranky, though; you want your parents’ sympathy for being sick, not punishment for being rude!

• If you're pretending to have stomach issues , tell them you just threw up (having left some fake vomit in the toilet). [2] X Research source
• Force tears (if you can) to make it seem real that you’re sick. Try and make it realistic though! Think of something sad (for instance, a pet dying) to make yourself cry .
• Pull at the bottom of your eyelids until it hurts then blink hard a few times; you should get watery eyes.
• For flu or sore throat symptoms, cough or clear your throat loudly enough for them to hear in their bedrooms. Rub your face vigorously right before they come in to look red and appropriately ill.

• Go to bed an hour or two later than you usually fall asleep. This may make small bags underneath your eyes or make them slightly puffy.
• Try to get at least four hours of sleep if you don’t want to be too sleep-deprived for your sick day off.

Reinforcing Your Sickness in the Morning

• Slowly dress, but not too slowly. Skip a button on your shirt, don't comb your hair properly, and don't tie your shoelaces properly (or even at all).
• Have droopy eyes. Think of something sad and let your eyes water and droop. You can also rub them to give that slightly bloodshot look. [3] X Research source

• Take yours or your mom's light lavender or blueish eyeshadow.
• Mix in some water to make the color fade into a more natural tint.
• Rub it in well, but still make it noticeable.
• You could also take some vaseline and rub it under your eyes.
• You could also try adding some kind of pale makeup to make sure your parents know you are ill.

• Sneak an extra snack when your parents aren't looking. You'll probably get hungry.

• Protest their decision (but only if you didn't have to convince them first). This reinforces the fact that you really are sick.
• Say, "But Mom, I'm going to have so much work to make up!" or "But I have a math test today!" If your parents know you don't care about tests, say "But I have band practice, or art class" or something they know you enjoy.
• Do not overdo it. Don't randomly state that you want to do a test if they know you don't care. This can backfire unless you're careful.
• Don't beg excessively to stay home, or your parents might know you are faking it.

Faking a Specific Illness

• First, scratch your chest lots until it's bright red.
• Try to keep a circular pattern to make it look more realistic.
• Finally try to combine the "rash" with something else like a runny nose or a headache.

• Ask to go to the bathroom before they take your temperature.
• Make sure you have a cup with you. Fill it with warm water to drink and rinse through your mouth, especially under your tongue. This will raise the temperature of your mouth.
• Be sure to flush the toilet before you turn on the sink, just so your parents don't get too suspicious!
• Note: this only works if they check it under your tongue, obviously. If the thermometer is one that goes in your ear, try to get it before your temperature's taken and hold it to something warm, like a radiator or a light bulb.
• If your parents are the kind that just feel your forehead, frequently rub it rapidly when they're not looking, or take a blow dryer and heat your face and say your forehead feels warm. [6] X Research source
• Put warm water in your armpits, forehead, and cheeks. It makes you warm and looks like you have been sweating.
• You’re aiming for a temperature that is above 99 degrees (37 Celsius) but lower than 103 degrees (39.4 Celsius). If it's below 99 degrees then it doesn't count as a fever, if it's 103 degrees you'll likely be taken to the doctor's right away. [7] X Research source

• Light and most sounds should bother you. Pretend you're annoyed by them.
• Say that only one specific area of your head hurts, for example over your right eyebrow. This is essential if you want to fake a migraine.
• Touch your forehead every now and then and frown when doing so.
• Say that you feel dizzy and can't see very well. While walking slowly, suddenly stop, close your eyes and "regain balance" by holding onto something or someone.
• Ask your parents if they could lower their voice a little.
• If it's the day before the day you want to skip school, go take a nap and turn off all the lights, or if you're just chilling at home, turn off the lights closest to you and lie down on the nearest couch or chair.
• Ask for medicine such as ibuprofen, but don't actually take it.

• Run suddenly to the bathroom.
• Spend some time in the bathroom, flush the toilet, and spray a ton of air freshener to cover up the smell that isn't really there.
• You can also try your hand at making fake diarrhea.

• Get red lipstick (most likely in your mom's purse) and some Vaseline and rub them along the lids of one eye.
• Be sure to only do this for one eye though, since pink eye does not usually infect both. [9] X Research source

• After eating a meal, start complaining that you feel sick.
• If your parents aren’t looking, stick your finger down your throat (but not too far), and you will start retching but not vomiting. When you feel as though you might actually throw up, quickly remove your fingers. Use this technique sparingly, though. You don't want to hurt yourself.
• Have fake vomit ready to complete the effect. Get oatmeal and water, run to the bathroom, put the oatmeal and water in your mouth, then spit it in the toilet and show your parents.
• You can also fake a vomiting incident by pouring fake vomit on your floor (or on your bed if you want it to be more believable). In the morning, say that you don't remember it and act apologetic to whoever has to clean it up. Be careful with making people clean it up, because if they look at it too closely, they might realize that it's not actually vomit.
• If you've started having your period, tell your parents you have cramps or it's that time of the month. Neither of them will be able to disprove it. They may be suspicious, however, if your menstrual cramps aren't usually debilitating, yet if they are, it's a perfect excuse.

• Blow your nose in a bunch of tissues and throw them on the floor or on your nightstand/on your bed. Then, your parents will think you have a runny nose and they will not let you go to school if you have that much of a cold.
• Breathe only through your mouth, as if your nose is stuffed.
• If you're not in the same room as them, and they ask you something, hold your nose slightly when you talk.
• Wear many layers of clothing. This makes it look as though you have the chills and are freezing.
• If it's allergy season and you have hay fever, make sure to fake other symptoms besides a runny nose, or else your parents will think it's just hay fever.
• Sneeze loudly , then sniffle in front of your parents. Do this also when they're not in the same room but can overhear you from wherever they are.
• Stretch your lips to make them look chapped and twist your nose to make it red.
• Mention that your “bones hurt” or that you have lots of aches and pains all over.

• When walking around keep your mouth open and your throat to become dry.
• Avoid eating and drinking.
• Suck on red colored cough drops to make your throat look red.
• Grimace when you swallow. Speak in a deep, croaky tone and constantly take sips of water.
• Say that you feel a bit scratchy in your throat, or that it feels like you’re swallowing glass.

Keeping it Going Throughout the Day

• If your parents are at home with you, then just pretend to sleep and be sure to act accordingly when they check in on you.
• If your parents are at work, call to check-in with them. This will make you seem responsible, and not seem like you're having fun.
• If they call to check on you from work, wait for the phone to ring three or three and a half times before you answer, and sound as tired as you can.

• Around mid-day, remove one or two of your symptoms.
• If you don't show any signs of improvement towards the end of the day, your parents might want to take you to the doctor, who will see that there's no illness to be found.
• If you think your parents will take you to the doctor, either try to phase out the sickness by slowly pretending to get better, or just admit it.

• Don't leave or get caught outside of the house. If a neighbor or a friend of your parents sees you, they might tell.
• Be sure to put away any games before your parents come home. If they see you've been having fun, they'll suspect that you were faking the whole time.
• Clear out your internet history so that they won't know you were playing on the internet during the day.
• Don't forget to especially clear this search from your history.
• Do not save bookmarks or download items on your computer; parents will notice that you did these things during your “sick day.” Delete this page from your browser history so that your parents won't see it and question you.

Fooling Your Teacher and School Nurse

• Wait about an hour to two hours after the school day starts, then ask your teacher if you can go to the bathroom.
• After taking a little longer than usual, go back to class and tell her/him you threw up and need to go to the nurse.

• When you first get to the nurse, tell them that you don’t feel well, that you are dizzy, or feel like you want to sleep.
• Ask if you can rest a little while before going back to class. This makes it seem like you don't necessarily want to go home, and are trying to make it through the school day rather than faking it.

• Don't overdo it with fake snoring, though, just keep it simply by covering your face with the pillow or a rag.
• This will also make it seem like you're sensitive to light (migraine symptom), and seem like you are indeed trying to sleep it off.

• If your nurse wants to take your blood pressure, hold your breath while he/she is taking it. This helps to lower your blood pressure and make it seem like you are, indeed, ill. [12] X Research source
• Tell your nurse that you threw up; they most likely won't question that.
• Your nurse will also most like want to take your temperature. Be prepared for an oral thermometer by rinsing your mouth with hot water right before you go see them, or by running around a little so that you can raise your body temperature and appear to be feverish.

• Tell the nurse that you're tried but are still not feeling well and that you are "too sick to concentrate." These are golden words.
• Say that you're starting to feel some of the above symptoms for the flu, nausea, etc.
• Keep it simple. Don't overdo it by over-exaggerating symptoms or listing too many. Just say that you feel "bad," "have a headache," and "can't concentrate in class because it hurts."
• It will be tempting to ask her to call your parents, but don't do it! . This will be a red flag for her that you're trying to go home rather than really feeling sick. [13] X Research source
• If you know someone who is already sick, say that you had recently hung out with them. Especially if the nurse knows that he/she is sick, you can act as though you caught whatever bug they had.

Community Q&A

• Read about how parents catch kids who are faking illness , so you know how to combat their techniques. [14] X Research source Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• If you have makeup, use pale foundation and rub a bit of black eyeshadow under your eyes. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• If your parents put their hand on your arm and ask you how it feels, say it feels cold not warm. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• Diaharea is a great illness to fake because you don't need to show proof and most parents won't ask questions about it. The night before, say your stomach hurts. Go to the bathroom often and spray lots of air freshener. During the night, keep getting up and going to the bathroom. In the morning, tell your parents that you kept going to the bathroom and you didn't get a lot of sleep.
• When you're going to sleep, put on a bunch of layers to make yourself hot. When your parents check on you, say that you're cold and need more layers. They'll likely think you have a cold or fever.
• Staying home on days in the middle of the week rather than Monday or Friday might make your illness more believable to your parents.

• Faking sick too often can lead to parents not trusting you. Then when you really need the day off, they won't believe you. Even if you fake once and get caught, you will lose your credibility, and your parents won't trust you anymore, even if you are sick (think of the little boy who cried wolf). Thanks Helpful 73 Not Helpful 6
• Do not fake the same illness multiple times, and don't fake too close together. Your parents will be on to you in no time. Thanks Helpful 65 Not Helpful 5
• Viruses typically only last 24 hours or so. Do not fake a stomach virus for longer than this time period. Thanks Helpful 61 Not Helpful 6
• Don't all of a sudden get better. This is extremely suspicious because your parents could find out you weren't really sick at all. Thanks Helpful 34 Not Helpful 2
• Do not, under any circumstances, take real medicine or make yourself throw up. There is no safe medicine. They all have side effects, and even over the counter (OTC) medicine can harm you if you are not actually sick. Spit out any medication that may be given to you. Thanks Helpful 39 Not Helpful 4
• Self-induced vomiting is also dangerous. It can lead to stomach, esophagus, and dental damage. Thanks Helpful 24 Not Helpful 5
• Don't fake your sickness for more than 3 days. Your parents might take you to the doctor and you could get caught. Thanks Helpful 16 Not Helpful 5
• Don't miss a whole week of school because you will end up really behind in school and have to make up a lot of work. The best days to fake being sick are Fridays and Mondays. However, this will raise suspicion. So be careful when you use those days. Thanks Helpful 18 Not Helpful 8
• If you fake a fever, your parents may ask you to take your rectal temperature, which can be quite embarrassing to you. Thanks Helpful 22 Not Helpful 12
• Never, ever fake having COVID-19 (coronavirus) . Not only will you be easily found out if your parents take you to get tested for COVID-19, it can also be very worrying to your family and those who have been in close contact with you recently, especially if they are elderly and/or have health conditions that put them at high risk of serious illness. Be particularly wary if you fake symptoms that commonly occur from COVID-19 infections, such as coughing and a fever. Never fake a loss of smell or taste or your parents may take you to the hospital to get COVID tests. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.buzzfeed.com/natashan3/simple-tips-to-look-too-sick-for-workschool-7mc8
• ↑ http://thestir.cafemom.com/being_a_mom/151821/a_kids_guide_to_faking
• ↑ http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/15573/1/How-to-Fake-a-Fever.html
• ↑ https://www.care.com/c/stories/7613/how-to-fake-a-fever-and-get-out-of-school/
• ↑ http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20537878,00.html
• ↑ http://www.associates-degree-in-nursing.org/illness/
• ↑ http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/is-your-kid-sick-just-faking-it
• ↑ http://abcnews.go.com/WN/secret-lowering-blood-pressure-breathing-exercises/story?id=11656769

About This Article

If you’re trying to fake sick to stay home from school, mention the night before that you aren’t feeling well. Go to bed early, especially if you usually try to stay up late. The next morning, pretend to vomit, act lethargic, or pick at your breakfast to show your parents you still aren’t feeling well. Once they agree to let you stay home, keep a low profile and don’t leave your house. Just relax and enjoy your free off day! Keep reading to learn how to fool your school nurse so you can go home early! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Jan 27, 2021

Did this article help you?

Kara Mendelsohn

Feb 12, 2018

Feb 26, 2018

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter