The American public has adopted a routine which involves students dropping their school bags on the floor and studying mathematics at the kitchen table for several hours after school. The current situation in American homes shows that families are undergoing a complete transformation. Parents who used to manage their children’s after-school study time now doubt the value of schoolwork which they consider to be additional duties.
The “Second Shift” Fatigue
After studying for seven hours students must complete two to three additional hours of homework. Parents observe that their children return home from school with complete mental fatigue which makes them unable to perform extra studies. Students who face an “all-work-no-play” situation will experience burnout at an early age starting from elementary school.
Impact on Family Time
Working parents use their evening hours to create time for family bonding activities. The use of that time for studying materials creates a stressful situation. Parents believe that homework takes away their limited time to spend with family members for important moments of family connection through talking and sharing meals.
The Research Gap
Elementary students show almost no academic improvement from homework assignments according to research findings. Parents have learned about this information which makes them question why their children must lose sleep over work that does not help them learn.
Sleep Deprivation
Students with heavy homework commitments must stay awake beyond midnight according to their requirements. Sleep deprivation causes physical and mental health problems which lead parents to worry about their children developing anxiety and depression while their immune system becomes weaker.
Increased Stress and Anxiety
The main reason for family arguments at home comes from homework. The homework battle creates emotional distress for both parents and their children while it brings tears to their faces. Parents now choose to give their children emotional support instead of making them finish every worksheet assignment.
The Rise of Extracurriculars
Children today participate in sports and musical activities as well as community service work. The activities teach teamwork and discipline to students but students struggle to manage these activities because of their heavy homework requirements. Parents dedicate their time to safeguard their children’s ability to participate in activities which help them develop into complete individuals.
Equity and Resources
Some students lack access to peaceful study areas and fast internet and assistance from their parents with difficult algebra problems. Parents believe that homework creates educational disadvantages because it makes socially privileged students achieve better results than students from low-income backgrounds.
The “Mental Load” for Parents
Parents today are more involved in their children’s schooling than previous generations. Parents experience stress because they have to manage multiple platforms and applications together with their children’s academic schedules which forces them to take a stand against the unnecessary extra assignments their children receive.
Lack of “Downtime”
Children need to play without restrictions because it is essential for their brain development process. Parents now understand that children require time to experience boredom followed by outdoor play and imaginative play. Homework takes away the necessary time which children need to achieve their crucial requirements for brain relaxation.
