Homework

Right now, I have no homework. It's quite amazing actually. I really can't remember this feeling of NOT thinking about school. We are currently "Work to Rule," meaning we only work the hours we are paid to work. For me, that's 7:45 - 3:25. I don't know what to do with myself getting home before 4:30. I've actually gone to the gym numerous times, cooked dinners that didn't involve using a microwave and ketchup, and gone to bed before Conan O'Brien shows up on Channel 11. I guess the guilt associated with not doing everything humanly possible to educate other parents' children is less intense than I thought it would be. (Or maybe I released that guilt when a parent called me at home while I was on vacation. But I digress.)

My lucky son. Now I actually have time to preach the benefits and importance of homework to my boy. Just what he wants to hear. My third grader would rather have his toenails pulled off after standing barefoot in the snow for an hour than have to do homework. We are talking writing spelling words and doing four math problems here. Not the five page research paper I recently assigned to my own students (and reason for that parent phone call, by the way.)

Needless to say, my newfound energy is being poured into my boy's education. "Gee, honey. Don't you realize that if you do a good job in school while you are in third grade that it will make a huge difference on your future? You want to be a lawyer someday, right? Well, it's time to get busy. Do your math. Do your spelling. Do your independent reading. Do it without complaining. You'll be so proud of yourself."

Unfortunately, the very thing that will make him a good lawyer is what makes this conversation linger.

"Mom, I am only a kid. I shouldn't have to do all of this. I should be able to relax when I get home. I work hard all day. I need to spend fun time with you and Dad. I need to do things other than school."

Hard to argue with.
Dang kid wins again.

Who knew my kid had the best reason of all for going Work to Rule?