Do kids really need nightly homework?

It's basically a joke that's as old as time. A tired parent comes home from working all day and has to help their kid with homework. The kid doesn't understand the homework, and after 2 hours and many tears, there's a full meltdown.

I remember working through math problems with my dad just as I had to with my children. And honestly, it sucks from both standpoints. But does it even matter in the long run? Is homework really necessary? More and more schools are saying no more homework, and parents are saying thank you.

Let's break down the logistics of homework and why many Northern Colorado schools are getting rid of the old-as-dirt tradition.

The benefits of nightly homework

According to a study by Duke University...

• Homework reinforces what is learned in the classroom.
• Homework builds strong study habits, which are needed the higher your child goes in education.
• Homework provides repetition so the information sticks for the long run.
• Homework keeps parents aware of what their child is learning all day.

Homework has been around for generations, and as you can see by the list, there are definitely upsides. But what about the downsides?

The downside to nightly homework

• Kids crying and having an emotional breakdown every night.
• Parents crying and having an emotional breakdown every night
• Research has found that homework doesn't have many long-term benefits. And everyone cries.
• Kids need time to rest after a long day of learning. This will reduce the amount of crying.
• Kids need exercise, and being cooped up inside at school all day and then being cooped up at home at night doing work is just too much. And that alone makes children cry because they lack vitamin D.

So what have we learned today? Both parents and kids need time to breathe and relax after very long days.

That way, no one cries.