IOW, don't treat them like individuals?
Treat them like a bunch of lemmings? Treat them like part of the faceless commune? Should we treat them all the same, like a-sexless beings too?
Did it ever occur to you that reading IS fun, that playing sports IS fun, that learning and expanding one's knowledge IS fun, it is a natural part of human growth?
Children are given distractions because elites don't want competition, they want dumbed downed consumers and obedient workers, not entrepreneurs, critical thinkers and competent citizens.
None of these things is fun when competitive dad is forcing you to do them. Kids need their own time to have fun.
I've never "forced" my child to do anything. I don't believe in forcing anyone to do anything. . . unlike you.
I use reason, logic, evidence and I offer choices.
For instance, you can finish your homework, read your novel after which you will be rewarded with a meal, or you can play your video games, watch TV, and take care of your making own breakfast lunch and dinner.
We all have roles to play and responsibilities in life. For parents, it is to take care of children, for children, it is to do something productive, learn, grow and educate themselves.
If they want to shirk their responsibilities, then I shall shirk mine.