Children should not have homework.

Give the Kids a Break! The Legatum Prosperity Index of 2016 ranks Finland at 3rd in 2016 with the United States in 8th place [1.], that accounting for a lot of factors, nonetheless, here are other sources that keep Finland among the highest of educational systems in the world. We can learn a lot from examples like Finland and the successes of their educational achievements. They, however, have taken the education of their future generations very seriously. Finland hasn't always had the best numbers in education, but they worked hard for them. Finland's educational standards for having no homework is one of many progressive choices they have made towards improving the educational system for children. Mary C Lamia Ph.D. attempts to put it into perspective, " Most often, what motivates a child to do his or her homework are negative emotions. Negative emotions, like distress, fear, anger, disgust, and shame, will motivate a child to do something to avoid them, or urge a child to do something that will relieve their effects," [4.]. She is not the only psychologist that has spoken up about the obstacles homework poses to children. One psychologist explains, "What hasn"t been researched as thoroughly is the association between homework and misery. Homework and lost opportunities for joy. As a child psychologist, I see this up close every day, where over-tired kids and stressed-out parents regale me with problems that could certainly be improved if families had more time to relax and reconnect" [5]. Psychologists aren't the only ones speaking up for the children, Texas teacher Brandy Young is well known for being a strong supporter of no-homework. "If something"s not working as an educator, you need to change it. You"re here to help these kids," says Young [6.] It is my opinion that the emotional and psychological well-being of children should be taken more seriously. It is these observations that have led me to believe that keeping children inside and limiting their free time is unhealthy for their development. Homework is not in the best interests of children and I wish to speak up for them in hopes to spread this awareness to encourage other to stand up for change. I have lost precious moments of life stressing over grades and homework and it is not a life that should be forced on those who are not given a choice. For anyone who grew up spending most of their childhood inside a school, remember the moments when you questioned the authenticity of your time spent there. Let's listen to the children and give them one less reason to stress over by eliminating homework indefinitely. For those who worry about the emotional and psychological risks that homework can add to the stress of child education, the evidence is substantial. For those who worry about children being less prepared for business success in society, we don't need to rush them into growing up so fast. Homework robs children of their free time, time that can better be spent on more engaging and fulfilling activities. Former school teacher Jessica Smock lists a range of activities that children could rather be doing, than homework, and explains why, including; talking with parents, digging in the dirt, and playing dress up. [7]. There is no definitive proof that when children are left to do homework themselves it does not teach them self-discipline, time-management, work habits, because they don't have an example; there is no one there to correct them or guide them. These lessons can be learned in school. After spending the most substantial hours of the day being crammed with information they are expected to go home and do it some more. Free time should be free time. I will focus on the time table I had when I was in high school. At the end of the day I had only 6 hours before I needed to go to sleep or risk being tired when I woke up early for the bus, which if neglected, severely inhibited my performance at school. The weekends didn't make up for the stress of studying for tests, writing papers, and being stuck for agonizing hours inside with lack of social and stimulating educational engagement. When you get to high school, homework builds up from multiple classes becomes overwhelming and what adds to the stress, is big assignments that require time for research. House chores, basic necessities (eating, baths etc.), getting dressed (+1 hour) sleep (+8 hours) bus ride to and from (+1.5 hours) time spent at school (+6 hours) homework (+2 hrs unless there is a big project or essay due).This is how I remember high school. I was tired, and felt like I had little time to do what I wanted. I wasn't the only one. It was psychologically and creatively oppressive. If the school system was improved I may be inclined to accept homework, but not without significant modifications to the whole educational system. I'm curious how you calculated 10 " 11 hours of free time. Is this in a school day or during the weekends? Not all children experience the same time tables, but one should not No one can deny that homework can be a factor in kids staying up late to take the free time that school has robbed from them. Do adults want to spend the day at work only to come home and do more work? One could argue it would prepare them for potential future jobs, but is their childhood worth that sacrifice? Don't they have a right to be children before their imminent ascent into adulthood? Children aren't adults yet, and should enjoy their time as children while they have the opportunity. It takes time to develop relationships, interests, and an understanding of "who I am" and "what am I here for" and adults want to further control the time children spend on school-work than on themselves. Leave home time as a time children can feel free from the forced responsibilities from school. As an adult, I am certain that homework did nothing beneficial for me as a child and a teen. Homework was worth the sacrifice moments of my childhood which I can never get back. One has to ask, is homework essential for the growth of children or is it causing them more stress than they deserve. I'd like to point out the very few children coming forth defending having homework as something they themselves feel comfortable and confident about. Isn't it time we started listening to the children? Psychologist Dr. Stephanie Smith says in her own words, "I am always hopeful that teachers and administrators keep in mind that each minute a child spends doing homework is one less minute they can spend: exercising, spending quality time with family, engaging in music lessons, volunteering in the community, preparing healthy meals, relaxing, engaging in imaginative play, and/or getting the sleep they need to grow and thrive. Is the homework assigned more important than those things?" [3] Pros Alleviates a component that adds to stress. Gives their mind a break from repetition and their body freedom from poor postures and inactivity. Gives kids more time to be kids. [1.] http://www.prosperity.com...= [2.] http://ncee.org... [3] http://www.drstephaniesmith.com... [4.] https://www.psychologytoday.com... [5.] http://www.philly.com... [6.] http://www.cbsnews.com... [7.] http://www.parent.co...