Parenting Insights
It’s hard to believe it’s already been a month since I dropped off my eldest for her first day of kindergarten. While other parents dabbed their eyes with tissues, I had a rather different response. Instead of tears, I was mentally celebrating the return of some quiet time at home with my younger child. Just kidding—I didn’t pour champagne in the pick-up zone, but I definitely felt a wave of relief as I drove away with my music blasting.
Our family is genuinely excited about kindergarten. My daughter thrives in the social environment, and I appreciate having a break from constant chatter. However, I can’t help but question why there seems to be an overwhelming amount of homework for such little ones. I’m not one to complain constantly, but hear me out.
Back in my day, kindergarten was a part-time affair, lasting just three hours daily, totaling 15 hours a week. In contrast, my daughter now spends a whopping 6 ½ hours a day in school, which amounts to 32 ½ hours weekly. When you factor in homework, she’s clocking nearly 40 hours of schoolwork each week—essentially a full-time job for a 5-year-old.
You might be skeptical about my claim of her tackling around 8 hours of homework per week. Let’s break it down:
Homework Packet
Each week, she receives a packet filled with worksheets that cover various subjects, including writing, drawing, and counting exercises. Once we manage to get her focused, it takes about 30 minutes daily to complete, totaling around 2 ½ hours weekly.
Reading
I wholeheartedly support reading; in fact, we make it a habit to read a book at bedtime. However, her teacher recommends that we read for at least 20 minutes each day. With a chatty 5-year-old, that often stretches to 30 minutes. That’s another 2 ½ hours added to our week, and don’t get me started on the dreaded reading logs.
Flashcards
We also have a collection of 72 flashcards that we’re encouraged to review twice a week. This usually takes about an hour or until the inevitable tears begin to flow (often mine). That’s an additional 2 hours added to the homework tally.
Doing the math, we’re looking at roughly 7 hours of homework on top of the 32 ½ hours already spent in the classroom. Isn’t that excessive? She’s just 5 years old! Shouldn’t she have plenty of time to play and enjoy childhood? Schoolwork can be prioritized during school hours, allowing her to unwind and engage in play at home.
You might assume that I’m simply too lazy to help her with homework, and there’s some truth to that. I also have a 3-year-old to care for, and I work full-time. So yes, I’m often too worn out to assist with 7 hours of homework each week. Plus, she’s just as fatigued.
Have you ever tried to get through 72 flashcards with a child who has the attention span of a goldfish? It’s a struggle for everyone involved.
I don’t oppose homework entirely; I just think there should be a more reasonable amount. Excessive homework can be a burden not only for kids but for parents too. I want my daughter to maintain her enthusiasm for learning without the risk of burnout.
Ultimately, childhood is fleeting, and I wish for her to have ample time to relax and play each evening.
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In summary, while kindergarten offers valuable social and educational experiences, the amount of homework assigned can feel excessive for young children. There needs to be a balance to ensure that kids can enjoy their childhood while still fostering a love for learning.