In our household, and many others, kids are in school for a full 7 hours, while both parents tirelessly work, or single parent households are sometimes juggling two jobs just to make ends meet. The little time left in the day should be allocated for family bonding and leisure activities – time for the parents to rest and the children to play. However, the requirement of homework further seizes this already scarce family time. 

The National Parent Teacher Association recommends 10 minutes of homework per grade level per day. This amount is attainable, yet the reality is that students are given much more. A study conducted by The American Journal of Family Therapy found that students are receiving three times the recommended amount of homework, indicating a problem that needs immediate correction (source: The American Journal of Family Therapy, 2015).

Children's lives should not revolve solely around academics. Simpson et al. (1997), emphasizes the importance of play in a child's cognitive, emotional, and social development. A balance must be struck between academic pursuits and leisure activities for a well-rounded upbringing of a child. 

No parent wants to see their child exhausted from carrying too much on their little shoulders. Simultaneously, no working parent should be deprived of their much-needed rest and quality time with their family due to excessive homework obligations. 

It is time for us to revisit this outdated and excessive homework culture. We, the parents, students, and conscientious members of the community, call on educational authorities to reconsider the burden of homework and formulate guidelines that respect family time. Time we rightfully deserve, time for family. Support our cause and save our families – sign this petition today.