After teaching for 15 years, I think the greatest impact on my teaching occurred when my oldest son, Brennan, was born. I feel like I am a compassionate and understanding soul, but nothing made me more compassionate and understanding than having my boy, followed by my girl, and my littlest boy!
I have NEVER been a big homework assigner, but after becoming a parent, I realized just how tricky adding homework to the mix of a family’s daily routine can be. Families need time to be families and with so many activities and responsibilities, it can be a challenge to find this time together.
Here is a sample of our family’s schedule:
5AM: I wake up to work out so I can have some peace and sanity to begin my day.
7-8:30AM: Husband off to work. Kiddos wake up and our daily routine begins-snuggles, breakfast, getting dressed, teeth brushed, etc.
8:30AM: Leave for school and work!
9-3:30PM: School for kiddos and work day!
3:30PM: Pick-up from school.
4-5:30PM: Snack, homework, lunches packed, dinner made, eat dinner, get ready for sporting activity.
5:45PM-8PM: Practice, scrimmage, game, etc. (Not every, but most evenings)
8-9:00PM: Shower, snack, books, and bedtime.
REPEAT! Forget about all of the other household tasks, errands, appointments, pop-up events, coaching, volunteering, and time-suckers…
Does this look like your day? It is non-stop, busy, and FULL! In addition, after 6 1/2 hours of school, my kiddos are drained from learning, following directions, and sitting at a desk! They want to be outside, play with friends, ride bikes, and RUN! I get it! The last thing they want to hear me say is, “Come sit down and do your homework!”
So here are my 4-tips to make your life as a parent, or to share with your students’ parents, to make homework time as successful as possible:
While I know that different school districts have varying homework policies and beliefs, homework exists! We can fight it or determine how we can make it work in our own households. I would love to hear any strategies that seem to work best for you as a parent or for your students. Best of luck as you navigate this “hot” topic.
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