Homework

Allison and I were talking on our radio show today about a number of topics. The first part we discussed homework and how parents can support their children. (This topic has also been on the Island Parent Forum as a “What Do You Think?” topic.)

As a former teacher/administrator, my feeling is that homework is part of a child's education but should be relevant to the day's work and not given out as busy work. It does help the student learn to organize him/herself and take on the responsibility of their learning. As parents, we need to provide an appropriate place for our children to do their homework—the diningroom or kitchen table, a desk in their room, etc. With a younger child up to grade 3 or 4, we should be around to help in some ways BUT not to do the homework.

As the student grows older the responsibility for the homework clearly is their issue. It should not become the focus of a power struggle. If you, as the parent, are getting anxious or angry over homework, you need to check yourself and find out what it is that is bothering you. This is not your issue.

Don't get over-involved.