Has Homework Become Too Much for Children?

Have you witnessed your child reach their breaking point because of the crazy amount of homework they were assigned? Has this involved tears, yelling and pure frustration because all they want is for it to be over? Are their homework assignments taking over your weekend time? Enough is enough. Today, homework has become more of a problem and viewed as a nuisance rather than seen as a benefit to a child’s education.

As an educator I truly do believe in assigning homework. I feel as though it helps reinforce what was learned as it also promotes independent thinking on a particular subject matter. However, is the amount of homework assigned completely necessary? This is especially true for the younger, elementary grades. Today, schools are piling on the homework even after students have put in a full school day. It is safe to conclude, kids are stressed out.

            But in reality, homework isn’t only stressing out the kids. Parents are most likely taking just as much of a hit to this emotional roller coaster as well. With the type of homework assignments these teacher’s are assigning, it is nearly impossible for the parents to “stay out of it.” Kids simply cannot do this by themselves. They need the support and knowledge of older adults in order to do what is expected of them.

Let’s take a step back and see if the amount of homework being assigned to younger children is actually necessary or even of much benefit to them at all. I believe kids deserve to come home from a long day of school and have time to just play, rather than spend hours on end doing homework that is most likely seen as busy work.