A new school year is almost here. While many parents enjoy the structure the school year brings, other households struggle with the added stress of homework. According to a recent article published by CNN's Kelly Wallace those feeling the stress may have a good reason. The article entitled "Kids have three times too much homework, study finds; what's the cost?" notes that homework levels have increased above the standard levels endorsed by the National Education Association and the National Parent-Teacher Association. Those Associations endorse a "10-minute rule" for 10 minutes of homework per grade level per night. As Ms. Wallace points out, a recent study shows that in some instances children are getting significantly more homework. Understandably, this can place increased stress on children, their parents and the entire household.
What can parents do to address the problem? The article provides recommendations and insight on what parents can do to make the homework experience less "anxiety-producing." For example, if homework is taking too much time parents may want to examine where, when and how their children are doing homework. If there are environmental distractions, discuss eliminating them. And if it is not already clear, the article recommends that parents present "clear expectations at the beginning of the school year about the homework getting done and ending up in the teacher's hands."
These solutions may be helpful but they may not always be easy – particularly for parents who are involved in custody litigation. Implementing these suggestions requires discussion and agreement. It may be necessary for parents to agree upon and establish similar homework routines in two separate households. Difficult as it may be, sorting these issues out early may reduce everyone's stress in the long run.
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