Preparing Myself for Homework Again

As we get just a few short weeks away from the start of a new school year, my kids aren’t the only ones dreading it.  My source of contention isn’t because I’ll miss them (although I will very much), it’s because of the exhausting homework sessions we’ll need to endure for another 9 straight months.

I know this challenge isn’t experienced by all kids and parents, although I do know many parents whose kids struggle with homework for one reason or another.  

Our difficulties lie in the fact that my oldest son has a learning disability as well as high anxiety.  So when homework is difficult, which it usually is, his anxiety gets higher, which stresses him out and makes it even more difficult for him to get the work done.

I know I’m a bit biased on this topic, and for good reason, but I really believe the amount of homework dished out at the elementary school level is extreme.  Whether it’s for a child that takes longer than most kids to complete the work due to a disability, or because he is involved in activities after school and has little time before bedtime once he gets home for the day, is so much necessary?

I know It’s a challenge for many of these kids to focus their little brains long enough to effectively make it through 6 ½ hours of school and retain it all, but to then have another hour or two (or more, depending on the grade level) of homework makes it not so fun to be a kid anymore. 

I say let’s tone down the amount of homework so we can allow kids to play sports, get involved in after school or community groups, or just have time to play and release before they get up for another full day of learning. 

After all, when you are a kid you want to be a grown up, but once you’re a grown up you wish you were a kid again.  It would be nice for these kids to have less pressure and stress and really enjoy being a kid while they can. 

What are your thoughts?  How much homework do your kids see and do you think it’s too much?