As a parent, do you feel nightly homework is worth the loss in family time?

Here is the situation, my kids get lots of homework! Between nightly homework, special projects, and studying for tests, our lives seem to be surrounded with chores and tasks and family time is lost all together. Both of us work retail with shift work that leaves little time for the kids and us to be together (Including weekends). The school is rolling out a discipline program for the kids that don't comply with their homework policy. The school gives out homework for the kids that in many cases we aren't even sure what they are expecting or how to do it, so it takes a lot longer to complete. They are expecting to keep kids back on their breaks to complete their work, and after school if (on the third time) the homework isn't complete. We have three kids and all have hearing disabilities and two with speech apraxia that already has us stretched with speech therapists and appointments after school. How far can the kids be pushed like this?As a parent, do you feel nightly homework is worth the loss in family time?
Very true. It does impinge on family life.Study should be limited to reading books finishing projects and studying for tests.There is a life beyond school and they need to do other activities like sport and Guides.They should not have to bring home maths work which is a lot harder to uderstand these days.My daughter is very studious.But she has a tendency to stress out. I understand what you are getting at.As a parent, do you feel nightly homework is worth the loss in family time?
effective homework does not need to be lengthy.





I would shop around and consider transferring to a school that grasps this concept .


Even adults get a break.


These kids are gonna crack %26amp; who can blame them?!
I'm sure your kids should at the very least get modified work as per their IEP or 504. You might want to contact the principal or the parent organization to have them do it. Talk to the teachers first though, if there is one thing they hate is parents that go over their heads.
I understand your frustration. I will try to help.





Thanks to standardized testing and the nature of No Child Left Behind, schools are under great pressure to perform and, in turn, have increased those expectations for the students. Now, homework is an essential part of the learning process to help reinforce what is being done in the classroom but there is a line that can be crossed.





My advice is to speak to your children's teachers and discuss the necessity of the assignments, your position as a parent, and discuss if more time can be allotted for assignments. Since your children have some disabilities, I am sure that the school has accommodations for your children and each teacher is following these accommodations (assuming they are receiving special education services).





If they are, make sure the teachers are following these to the letter. Also, discuss with the principal this new homework policy and discuss with him/her your honest opinion on its impact on your children. They will listen.





As for your home life, set a schedule and make sure you stress the importance of family time as well as school work and weight them equally.