5 November 2026Big feelings
Ten minutes of homework turns into an hour of tears. Every evening. Are we doing school wrong?
You're in crowded company. After a day of sitting still, following rules and being watched, a lot of children come through the door with nothing left. The tears are often tiredness, not laziness or a lack of brains.
Try this tonight
Snack and a bit of moving around before the books come out. Sit nearby and leave the pencil in their hand. Short bursts, then a break. If it's all tears, stop: "We'll tell your teacher this was too much tonight." That's a plan, not a failure.
When to check in
Tell the teacher if homework regularly ends in distress. Talk to your GP if learning seems much harder than for their classmates, or worry about school is spilling into sleep and weekends.
Official guidance: NHS: Talking about feelings
You're not alone.
