Kids are overwhelmed, parents are overworked. Just whose job is this homework, anyway?

The parents’ role in homework is…

to help foster responsibility, creativity, and independent learning.

I’m a firm believer that in the grand scheme of things, my children shouldn’t feel like school exists to stress them out over getting the perfect grade. But that also comes from a place of privilege — Hashem blessed me with children who are strong academically and don’t need endless review to follow along in class. For that reason, I’ll remind everyone about homework once, maaaaybe twice, and then the child is responsible for their own work. I also believe in having a non-parent figure (homework helper, rebbi) step in to assist with homework if necessary. I don’t relish being a nag, and homework and nagging tend to go hand in hand. The only thing that’s a must in my house is quiet reading time before bed.

When it comes to projects, though, where there’s an opportunity for creativity and fun, I’m there. Let’s brainstorm, let’s sketch out models, and let’s buy fancy supplies if needed, because projects are awesome. I still remember my mother helping me sculpt a model of an American buffalo for a third-grade project (the silver foil core was key!) and I hope that one day, my kids will remember the things we work on together with the same fondness.

—Esty