AFTER a full day learning at school, it’s unsurprising that kids can be reluctant to tuck into extra sums and reading at home.
It can also feel difficult to cram in after extra hobbies and activities, dinner and bathtime are all done.
Some mums across Glasgow have now revealed they don’t make their children do homework at all – and even teachers have agreed with them.
The conversation was sparked after a mum asked on social media for “people’s thoughts on homework in primary school”.
She said: “My oldest and I have fought everyday since he started school about doing his homework.
“He still does it at the end, but that’s after the both of us have argued and ended up angry with each other. It’s really stressing me out.
“He does have after-school activities so this is also a factor in trying to get it done before we attend these.
“Has anyone told their kids school that they wont be doing the homework and if so how did they take it?
“I just feel after all day in school and then coming home to do more work is a bit much.”
The stressed mum immediately had the backing of a primark school teacher who said: “We do provide homework but it isn’t mandatory.
“Personally, I think extracurricular activities and quality time with family is a much more beneficial way to spend time after school.
“I would just speak to your son’s school, they’ll understand. Pretty sure you’ll not be the only parent fighting this battle.”
Another echoed: “As a teacher I would say if homework is causing stress then ditch it!
“That’s always my advice to parents. Our school offer it as opt in or opt out which I think is fair.”
And other parents revealed they’ve already ditched homework for their kids – prioritising after-school activities and playing instead.
One said: “I may get some backlash for this. In primary school I didn’t agree with homework and I never pushed my son to do it. The only thing I did do was his reading book.
“I feel 6 hours at school is enough so to then come home and continue with homework is too much.
“I find learning doesn’t just come with school work and homework, we do a lot of activities together which develops learning in our own way. “
“I don’t make my son do his, and the school are great”, wrote another.
“If he sees the folder and wants a go then of course I let him but it’s not worth the stress and hassle of a fight.
“Life lessons, cooking etc is just as important.”
A third revealed: “Our school has now changed homework to optional.
“I don’t agree with 6hrs at school plus mandatory homework in primary.
A fourth chimed in: “They comment on every report card that homework’s not handed back completed but it doesn’t bother me.”
Meanwhile, a fifth added: “My youngest is in P3. When she started P1 she just wasn’t interested in learning and I didn’t battle with her about homework.
“In P2 we just did reading and now she’s very happy to do the rest of it. It’s not much. I decided to go with her feelings as the battle wasn’t worth it.”