Homework Blues

Homework - will it never end. Somedays it drives me crazy. First there's 15 minutes of reading, each child in elementary school needs to read to someone else for 15 minutes every night, then they need to answer questions about what they read to work on comprehension. Then there's math, from counting coins, to telling times, to probability. Then there is the extra 5 minutes of flash cards for math facts for one child, and 5 minutes of practice with telling time for another child. Then there is checking and signing planners to make sure the Middle School kids are writing down all of their assignments and getting them done. There's the last minute book reports, or research that needs to be done on the computer which is always on the same night as someone else needs the computer. There is piano practice and violin practice, and now voice lessons practice which requires Mom to play the piano while she practicies. There is encouraging them to do their best, yet not making them feel too bad when they bomb something. Helping them understand that studying for tests is part of homework, and no, you can't just skip an assignment - a 0% brings your grade down fast. Yes, grades are important, yes, you need to study, yes, you need to do your homework and practice your music and do your chores, and don't forget to keep your room clean, and rinse the dishes off before you put them in the dishwasher. Whew!! Mom is ready for bed!!