I am no fan of vacation/ holiday/ weekend homework. I truly believe that not only do children need a break from homework, parents need a break from their children's homework!

Here's some relief from vacation/ holiday/ weekend homework.

1. Make a decision. It's your house, your vacation, and your kids! You can decide exactly how your holiday will look, feel and smell, including whether or not anybody has to deal with homework. You can decide that your vacation will be homework-free.
2. Write a note. If you decide to forgo homework altogether or just reduce the amount, let the teacher know as early as possible. You can do it!
3. Get some information. Talk to your child and find out how much homework she has and exactly what she has to do. Find out the first day of vacation! You don't want to hear about a 20-page homework packet the night before school starts.
4. Map out a plan. Now that you know what needs to be done, ask your child how long (really) it will take her to complete it. I strongly recommend that you child does her homework either at the beginning or the end of her vacation, but not throughout. Everybody deserves some homework-free days!
5. Go shopping. Even if your child will be starting a project later, buy the supplies and materials NOW and put them away. You will have one less thing hanging over your head, plus the project will be easier to start.
6. Be quiet. Once your family has decided what homework to do and when to do it, write it on the calendar and then forget about it! Just hearing the word "homework" stresses kids out, raises their blood pressure and increases their heart rate! So, no reminders, discussions or complaints about homework.

Let everybody relax for a few days!