And no, it’s not my homework. Although some days it feels like it is.
Truth be told, my kids don’t get a ton of homework and I’m good with this.
Everyone has an opinion on whether homework is a good thing or not. As with most things when it comes to parenting…to each their own. As for me, I’m of mixed thoughts. On one hand, if my child is having trouble with something and he needs extra practice at home OR he didn’t get his work done in class…by all means…send it home.
BUT…
I don’t agree with the idea of extra work at night every night, just for the sake of it. At least not at the elementary school level. I think kids should have a chance to be kids and play outside, participate in sports, chill out, etc. Without staying up late to finish extra worksheets.
That’s my opinion anyway. For now. It’s totally subject to change.
But I digress. Whether or not my kids get homework or not isn’t really the point. The point is, when they DO get it I usually want to gouge out my eyeballs.
This is NOT the usual happy homework scene at our house
Because fourth grade homework often goes something like this:
(The boy is doing long division. I am helping watching.)
BOY: Mom, I think I’m not really sure what to do with this one.
ME: Well…how many times does four go into twelve?
BOY: I know that part.
ME: Okay…then what’s the trouble?
BOY: I just don’t know how to do this one.
ME: (looking once again at the problem) Well if you know how many times four goes into twelve, just write it up here.
BOY: We’re not supposed to do that.
ME: Why not?
BOY: We’re supposed to show our work.
ME: Then show it.
BOY: You don’t understand!
Clearly…I don’t.
And then we have the girl working on a chapter response or some other English type assignment.
GIRL: (After feverishly scribbling for about 45 seconds) Done.
ME: (Looking at her paper) Don’t you think you should write some more?
GIRL: Why?
ME: Well, the teacher has asked you three questions and I don’t think you could have answered all those with only one line.
GIRL: I did.
ME: (Looking again at the paper) Hmm…why don’t you elaborate a little?
GIRL: (Exaggerated sigh) I don’t think the teacher meant for me to answer ALL the questions.
ME: The instructions clearly say, ‘please answer ALL of the questions.’
GIRL: Mooommmm. That’s not what she meant! You don’t understand!
ME: Glad I could help kids, glad I could help. Is it too early for wine?
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