should children have homework

I think a little homework is good but have always fought a battle with our daughter - she got better the last couple of years and is in her final year at school. When they are younger I don't think they appreciate that you nagging them to do their homework is for their own benefit (I know I didn't) but it does get them used to managing their own work and if they want to go into further education where you doing the work is down to you it's better to get them used to it.

I think homework is good - it also give parents an idea of what their kids are doing at school. My daughter was the world's worst for leaving things to the last minute. She was just as bad at Uni. I think some people just thrive working under pressure.

I'd say it's a good thing, not just because you know what they're doing, but also because it prepares them for their GCSE years as well as college/Uni, where doing work outside the classroom is very common. Shouldn't be more than 1 or 2 pieces a day when at school though. I sometimes left mine until the last minute (ie waking up at 4am to do it), but generally did it the same day...........sometimes. But yeah.

thank you all for your replies your answers have helped towards my sons homework LOL :)