About Rebecca Eckler
Since becoming pregnant with her daughter Rowan, Canadian journalist and author Rebecca Eckler has penned three hilarious books, including the best-selling Knocked Up. Catch Rebecca’s weekly unique perspective on motherhood and single parenthood.
Homework?
eckler plus one canada
(Oct.01.09)
I’m screwed. This time I mean it. I’m not over-reacting! And, no, it’s not that time of the month either.
My daughter has started Grade One and that means – gaa! –homework!
As a single mother, (Oh, god, here Eckler goes again…) there’s a lot do by myself. Having homework added onto the list of things we have to do each day, like dance class, music lessons, eating dinner, bathing (and breathing) may just put me over the edge.
I know, I know. It’s only Grade One. So far, my daughter has only come home with papers with words she has to unscramble to make into words. It takes about three minutes. I hate every one of those three minutes.
Yes, I hate homework. ESPECIALLY, it turns out, when it’s not mine.
I was always one of those annoying A-plus students who would moan that I was going to fail every test, while secretly studying my ass off until the wee hours. Which is probably why I never want to do homework ever again. Been there for years, done that for years.
But, perhaps it’s because she’s my daughter, I want her to enjoy life, especially because she’s only five. I’m so much more laid back with her, when it comes to schooling, than I was with myself, and I think that’s a good thing.
I don’t want to be the mother who makes my daughter believe that the only thing in the world that is important is getting into a good university. I honestly don’t think I’d care if she’ comes home with a B. (I’d care if she came home with C’s. I have standards.)
But I honestly don’t care if we miss a day here or there of homework. I rather take her for dinner or watch a movie or read a book with her.
Unfortunately, for me, it turns out, my daughter LIKES homework. No, make that, she LOVES homework. She wants more of it. I know I should probably be bragging about this, but I find it worrisome: What about watching a movie with me?
Every day I have to sign off that she’s done her homework, which is such a small thing, but to me, it’s just another thing to add to the list of Things I’m Probably Going to Forget To Do. I mean, will I get in trouble if I don’t sign off every day?
Homework is terrifying, and not just for the students.
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