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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to not make my kids do holiday homework?

75 replies

CokeAndCrispsAndDip · 18/12/2019 16:28

Every school holiday my kids get holiday homework, its never something quick and simple its always something time consuming and tedious. They are year 3 and 5 and and so far I've done every one. But this Christmas its really just pissed me off. The kids have a packed schedule with me visiting family then they go to their Dads for a week and he's the same. I just don't want to waste a day doing it! It's my holiday to and want to relax and enjoy down time with them.

So, am I unreasonable to not do it?

OP posts:
DukeChatsworth · 18/12/2019 16:31

I wouldn’t. I’d write a note to say they won’t be doing it due to family commitments.

Expressedways · 18/12/2019 16:35

What is it? If it’s academically important or something they’ll be tested on when they go back to school like spellings then I’d make them do it. If it’s some stupid pointless art project that needs to 90% done by the parents then I’d write a note saying you’re travelling over the holiday and can’t complete it- SIL did this when we were skiing the entire break but DNephew was supposed to handcraft a Viking warship.

skintbutok · 18/12/2019 16:56

Crikey no, they're tiny. If it was exams stuff then it would be different though.
I'd send in a note saying that they're busy with holiday stuff.

BlueJava · 18/12/2019 17:05

we were skiing the entire break but DNephew was supposed to handcraft a Viking warship
Sorry @Expressedways that really made me laugh, it sounds ridiculous.

Personally I always tried to keep up with reading, a few off the cuff fun maths things (how much for these teabags plus sugar?) and if they are given spellings then do them. I hated all the bloody art projects. Utterly pointless.

Technonan · 18/12/2019 17:05

Education research shows that homework for kids of the ages of yours does no good at all. It's helpful in secondary school, but right now, no. The schools only set it to keep OFSTED and the Daily Mail happy, in my view.

twoshedsjackson · 18/12/2019 17:06

As teacher, you're damned if you do, damned if you don't. Some parents want the packs to keep the children quiet, I think. Others want their kids to have a break, and have a bit of a life. I certainly didn't want to chase up at the start of the new term, and give myself an extra heap of marking!
When I had a Year 5 class, I used to make up a set of worksheets on topics covered that term, which would be coming up in exams.
I'd provide the answer sheet at the back, tell them to check their own work, and if the revision showed up any gaps, let me know on our return to school.
I don't remember ever being taken up on that offer, and I'll never know how much actually got done.
The only feedback I ever got was that someone tried the gingerbread recipe (practical Maths) which I was cheerfully told "turned out rubbish!"

WendyMoiraAngelaDarling · 18/12/2019 17:13

Well they're the ones that have to deal with the telling off at school, not me, so yes, we do it here.

Lipperfromchipper · 18/12/2019 17:16

Good god! What homework does the 3yr old have and how??? Surely they are not even in school??

Lipperfromchipper · 18/12/2019 17:17

My 4.5 yr old isn’t even IN school yet!!

Drabarni · 18/12/2019 17:18

Surely it can't be that much, what do they have to do.
Why do you say you normally do it, it's for them to complete.
Half at yours and half at dad's should sort it.

reluctantbrit · 18/12/2019 17:19

At that age, forget it. We did our share of holiday homework in primary but the times when we were away for the entire holiday we didn't.

In Y6 they got worksheets as SATS preparations, that was enforced by us as DD also needed more practice but otherwise the school set it as optional and more as a preparation to get the children interested in the next topic.

PBo83 · 18/12/2019 17:20

Good god! What homework does the 3yr old have and how??? Surely they are not even in school??

I think the OP said they are in years 3 & 5 not 3/5yo

edwinbear · 18/12/2019 17:20

Year 3 and 5 not aged 3 & 5. My Y3 and Y6 both have holiday homework and yes I will ensure it's done - it's valuable non screen time for us! DS sits an entrance exam for his senior school first week of Jan anyway so he has a lot to get through. He knows the score and there is still plenty of time for fun stuff.

WendyMoiraAngelaDarling · 18/12/2019 17:21

They're in years 3 & 5 so around 8 and 10 years old.

BlaueLagune · 18/12/2019 17:22

Years 3 and 5? No way would they be doing homework in the Christmas holidays.

It's great isn't it. On the one hand you can't take holiday in term-time (which I agree with on the whole with sensible exceptions made for eg family events like weddings and funerals and those who can't take their holiday when they feel like it) but on the other schools set homework in the holidays. You can't have it both ways, people should be able to enjoy some time together at some point!

AwakeAmbs · 18/12/2019 17:22

Nah I wouldn’t bother. But I’m a home educator so it’s a bit different for me lol.
They are young and need down time with family. If they feel inspired to do some learning or crafts just do what they want to

BlaueLagune · 18/12/2019 17:23

Why do you say you normally do it, it's for them to complete

Ha ha. In my experience most primary school homework is for the parents, apart from reading and tables.

Original poster
CokeAndCrispsAndDip · 18/12/2019 17:23

Sorry they are Year 3 and Year 5, so aged 7 and 9. The 9 year old has to make a model of a polar animal from clay and research and write all about the Artic Circle and the 7 year old has to build a robot and write about metals and their uses. Neither of them have any enthusiasm for it. I will do their spellings and we read a chapter of an Enid Blyton book before bed every night. But this just seems more work. The other thing that hacks me off is every time they do take their art project in its met with a brief 'very nice' and that's about it. The Summer homework took hours, art and written, and my 7 year old was upset that the teacher didnt say anything as she worked on it for hours!

OP posts:
PBo83 · 18/12/2019 17:24

Personally I would say that they should do it. Not so much for the homework itself but for the precedent you set if you tell the 'not to bother'.

Ellisandra · 18/12/2019 17:25

If it’s something my child enjoys (we have spent HOURS doing the handcrafted Viking Warcraft type homework!) then I’d do it.
If not... I wouldn’t.

NomNomNomNom · 18/12/2019 17:26

If its a project I'd probably just send in a token effort that takes no time if that's possible. If not I'd send a note saying the kids were too busy with family commitments.

Lipperfromchipper · 18/12/2019 17:26

Oh yes I see!! 🤣🙈 well it’s still a no from me.... no need at all!!

Catapillarsruletheworld · 18/12/2019 17:27

At their ages how vital can it be. I’d not do it and send a note with the reasons why.

TheBrockmans · 18/12/2019 17:27

Dd is in yr10 and even she doesn't have homework. If you usually do it with them then I would highlight to their Dad that it hasn't been done and if he wants to help them he is more than welcome to.

edwinbear · 18/12/2019 17:27

Agree with PBo we've never allowed homework to be optional. Some of it has been a monumental pain (DH and I both work full time, throughout school holidays) but we explain homework takes priority and once it's done, they can do fun stuff. I think it sets an important precedent.