Growing up, I dreaded homework because I thought it was a respectful duty I had to do to make my parents happy, to impress my teacher and to accomplish high grades for respect. I kept thinking, Why must I do this work for them? I don’t understand!  and did it out of duty.

Now, I watch my daughter with her homework and my perspective evolved. I was looking for a viewpoint my child could relate to when I realized that homework isn’t about respecting parents, impressing teachers or a ticket for respect from others, it’s a practice of self-respect that a child learns to get better acquainted with who they are. When children consider how the work could help them, they figure out the interests that are inspired by their studies and determine how profound they wish to be. Homework isn’t an activity to make them good for parents and teachers, or something to make them better than others, it’s a practice that encourages them to apply their knowledge, skills and explore more. It isn’t the deadline or marks that matter most for a young child, it’s the process of getting to know how they work and building a recognition of what motivates them. Every child has the potential for greatness, even if they don’t make the top marks in school.

As parents, it’s hard separating ourselves from the treasures that make us feel proud and accomplished. Remember that what matters most for the child is their motivation and their connection to themselves and the experiences they harbor. They will always be part of us, as any other we meet will also be, and they must find who they are to accomplish their full potential. To all the children in the world, both young and old, let’s keep striving for who we are and contribute greatness together!