In my house, we do our homework.

We tackle *at least* ten minutes of math and twenty minutes of reading a day.

We log time on iReady and abcmouse.

We complete worksheets that are sent home, even when they are optional.

We say "yes" to extra credit and study for planned tests.

We do math flashcards and use math apps on the phone.

We play MathSlam or give each other spoken-word addition and subtraction problems.

We practice name writing.

We read stories.

We write stories.

We work on speaking in a grammatically correct fashion.

We even do homework in the car.

And, we share our work with each other, every night, at the dinner table.

The really good stuff, it's makes its way to the fridge and the other still outstanding work, well, it either goes in a memory box, the trash or the kids may choose to keep if they would like.

I guess it sounds like I run a pretty tight ship with all this homework nonsense.

Maybe you think any time spent on homework is just that.

And, perhaps you think I'm raising too serious, obedient, overly-structured robots over here, but don't worry, I assure, I am not.

You see, just because we do homework in this house doesn't mean we don't do fun or that we skimp on play.

Quite the opposite actually, because in my house, once we have completed our homework, we

play basketball,

go to the park,

see friends,

read freely,

go to the aquarium,

head to the trampoline park,

watch tv,

aimlessly lounge,

participate in afterschool activities,

play with the dogs,

play music,

write songs,

choreograph dances,

catch lizards

and

have all sorts of ordinary and unexpected adventures.

It's not about being so rigid with schoolwork that your kid can' t be a kid.

Not at all.

What it is about is

recognizing,

respecting,

and valuing

the role of homework in a day for a child.

BUT, never overdoing it, and balancing out the sometimes monotonous brain work, with physical movement, and other mental and emotional work.

It's also about being cognizant and mindful of what works for your child and noticing and allowing for breaks, both the periodic and the whole day kind.

In my house we do homework, but not because we have to or we should, but because we want to. And, if ever we don't want to, we talk about why that is and how so very important it is for us to challenge ourselves, stay motivated and strengthen that developing brain muscle of ours.

In my house, we believe in hard work and no work. There are days we don't do any because we busted our biscuits the day before to double-up.

In my house, we learn wherever we are, but for us, that belief doesn't encourage the mindset that actual paper or computer homework is pointless.

You may not agree with me, and that doesn't make you wrong.

No part of me believes or will contend that my way is the right way.

Every child is awesomely different, and only you know your child best.

It is you that knows what they need, and me, well, I know mine need to do their homework, and so, we do ours.

In my house, homework is a tool we use to keep the kids and me in check, ensuring that I am not dropping the ball when it comes to their learning and growing.

Three kids and busy days and only one me makes me a mama who very often feels like I'm failing in some way or another, but knowing that my child will arrive at school the following day, having done some homework, it feels like a win -- for both us.