Who’s Doing the Homework in Your Home?
Growing up, my sister and I were on our own when it came to homework. My mom had to work and my grandfather, who watched us after school, didn’t make it past the fourth grade. So we did our own work, and then when my mother would get home, she’d quickly check it over and help us correct anything that was out of whack.
As far as special projects went, we always did well, but I used to resent the prize-winning science fair kids who had fancy computer print-outs to go with their projects (a big deal back then in the days before having a home computer became the norm), or intricate displays with way too many moving parts for a first-grader to have conceived on their own. In short, even then, I could always tell which kids had parents who did their homework for them.
Now as a parent, I’m fortunate enough to be home in the afternoon to supervise J.J.’s homework time, and I’ve made a promise to myself that I’m going to let my kids do their own work. This is no easy task sometimes. I tend to be a tad on the perfectionist side, so it’s hard for me to let my son paste a picture in his homework book crooked. It takes a lot of willpower on my part to not go find a picture that rhymes with “red” (which would take me 30 seconds), and instead let J.J. leaf through a magazine until he finds a “bed” (which could take 10 minutes). But most of all, it’s hard for me not to take over an art project that I know will be hung up in the classroom next to 15 other parent-perfected masterpieces.
So far, the homework has been reasonable. I’m sure the day will come when he’ll be given assignments that are a bit over the top, and I may have to intervene in some way. And I will to a point. But here’s the thing: I know that if I let my son do the majority of his work on his own, he’ll learn what it feels like to accomplish something (and what a feeling that is!). I also know that the math problems he’s practicing will sink in faster if he’s not using me as his crutch. If I let him cut and paste and practice penmanship without holding his hand steady for him, his teacher will surely know that I didn’t do it for him. And I’m OK with that.
What’s your take on homework? How much help do you offer? Share in the comments below!
-Dawn Papandrea
What’s Your Morning Ritual?
Photo credit: rosevita
We all have our own special morning rituals. Whether it’s waking to take a nice jog or flying from bed to the shower, it’s an important part of the day. It’s what sets you up for a good and happy day …
For my four-year-old son, the morning routine involves bounding from bed as soon as he starts to wake — even if that means still rubbing his eyes whilst walking into my home office to say good morning. For my daughter, that means singing her ABCs on repeat until my son wakes.
It’s adorable.
My morning coffee is really important to me. It’s the make-or-break moment of my daily routine. A good cup means excellent things for the day—a more relaxed me who is alert and ready. The thing is, I hate actually making coffee. So, for awhile, I stuck with those single serving pods that you use a special machine to brew. Then, my wonderful husband took up the task of daily coffee brewing.
Yes, he’s wonderful.
And in the once-in-awhile case where he forgets to brew me some coffee? Well, then I have to improvise (read: pack the kids up and rush out for a cuppa). A mom’s got needs …
What’s your morning ritual? Share in the comments below!
Around the Orchard
This week’s internet roundup is all about the kids. Here are a couple fun things around the web that are just for your kids!
Lil Sugar share the 10 best classic movies that your kids should watch
Savvy Auntie talks about the new game Story Hour Adventures for the Wii (for kids ages 2-4)
We Covet shares a cute way to get your picky eaters to enjoy their food
Disney O Rama shares the great deal Disney is offering for all volunteers in 2010
MomDot is already into the Halloween spirit and is giving away several Wow Wow Wubby prize packs including the new DVD Wubbzy Goes Boo perfect for any preschooler
Celebrity Baby Blog is also into the Halloween mood already and shares several great costumes for your little ones
Questions Answered About The H1N1 Vaccine
The H1N1 virus caused much hysteria last spring as it swept through schools and communities. Kids were kept home from class, for fear they’d contract the virus from their peers. And scientists set to work on a vaccine.
Now, one has been developed and is available. But should you get it for your kids?
Real Moms Guide has a Q and A about the new vaccine, to help you find answers to some of those tough questions. Check it out, and tell us: Will you be vaccinating for this one?
