homework really does suck...
One of the most challenging aspects of parenthood is empathy. For all the reasons that Kole hates to do homework, I did too. I remember homework time being the most frustrating, tear-inducing, boring and agonizing time of day. I would spend much of it in just sheer negativity... and would beg my mother in a hundred different ways to let me not do it. Of course, it never worked out.
I find myself in her position now, faced with her begging, crying, whining and procrastinating. And I find myself completely understanding her, but having to be the adult, and try to find ways to motivate her in learning. And, I'm not always pleasant or supportive. The thing is, I know she can do it. She's done work like this before, but under the guise of fun. So, she gets lazy. Puts her foot down and refuses to go on. And I get upset with that, so I start to lose it. I find myself having to excuse myself to go to the bathroom, just so that I can keep it in control.
I know homework at an early age is focused upon because it is a time when children are starting to make connections. Some studies have shown that those who do not do homework are at a disadvantage later in life. And maybe it is good for the brain, but I sometimes wonder how much damage is being done to those who find it excruciating. Where every attempt ends in tears. Where, no matter how fun you try to make it, or how painless you strive for it to be, it still is fucking awful for a six year old to do.