Homework, Shomework...

When I finally finished my graduate degree in 2000, I swore I would not go on for more education because I was done, DONE, do you hear me, with homework. At the time I was pregnant with Katie and little did I know that I was just beginning that whole journey all...over...again. Only this time I would not be the one frustrated not knowing the answers. No, I am the one that knows the answers and is frustrated that they do not. I may be one of the few moms that was not ready for their kids to go back to school after Christmas because they would have homework...again. That this is one of my responsibilities as a mother, I know well. One time last year, Katie stayed at the table for two and a half hours pretty much refusing to do her homework. She finally got done, but it nearly killed me with frustration. We were able to work out a system with her teacher (and then her teacher this year) after that incident that helped motivate her to get it done (taking away recess the next day does that apparently). Now she loves to race and beat the clock most days, which is a big turn around. She loves to read which has always been a love of mine that I have wanted to pass along. Christian loves books too and is looking forward to being able to read, even though it hasn't clicked yet. They are at a school that is a little more advanced. Katie is doing multiplication in second grade. Christian is already learning addition sums up to ten. Now, there is more frustration with Christian's more than Katie's homework. By the time he gets home, being five, he doesn't want to do more homework, he wants to play. But after he plays and unwinds for a little while I have to reign him back in and do homework. I am trying to get him to the place that he realizes the faster he tries to go (i.e., instead of telling me stories, rehashing Scooby Doo stories, and wondering what he would do if he was Buzz Lightyear,...just doing his work.) the sooner he gets to play again. I am sure that I feel much more pressure than he feels, to do well. Truly, I am trying to let go. If he has to do Kindergarten again because he just doesn't get it...then that is fine, really. There are moms that have held their kids back and then the kids feel on top of the heap because they know what is going on and get it. It is clicking for them because their brains are a little more mature. Then there are kids that later, are a little bitter that their mom held them back and they are not with "real" age group. Katie actually wanted to be held back last year just so that she would be one of the oldest and not that absolute youngest in her class. (She made the cut off by 5 days) I didn't let her, I knew that she would be bored. In the end, homework is important, because it re-emphasizes the stuff Christian learns in school, which will hopefully help him get to the next grade. (But Kindergarten again is just fine, really.) But in the mean time, I hate homework and making my five year old sit and do homework is doubly painful. Add having a bad day with Katie...AGGGHHHH. Luckily, those are very rare now! But, have I mentioned yet, how much I hate homework...