In this solo episode, I’m talking about something that has been on my mind lately: kindergarten homework.

My son’s school recently started sending homework home during the second half of the year, and it’s put me in a bit of a dilemma as a parent. After a full day at school, sports practices, dinner, baths, and bedtime routines, there just isn’t much time left in the evening—and I’m not convinced that five- and six-year-olds should be spending that time doing worksheets.

In this episode, I walk through what our afternoons actually look like, why play and family time matter so much to me, and why I’m willing to push back when something doesn’t sit right. I also share some of the research around homework for young kids, which suggests there’s little to no academic benefit in the early grades.

This isn’t about blaming teachers or criticizing schools. I genuinely like the people at my son’s school, and I know they’re trying to do their jobs well. But as a parent, there are moments when you have to decide where you stand—and whether you’re willing to accept the consequences that come with that.

More than anything, this episode is about the bigger lesson I’m trying to teach my kids: you should respect authority, but there will be times in life when you respectfully disagree and stand your ground.

And if someone out there thinks I’m completely wrong about all of this, I’d genuinely love to talk about it. My invitation still stands.

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Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production