Children must learn that homework is their own responsibility

My son is only in primary school, but he has a lot of homework and it's a struggle to make him do it. It sometimes includes lengthy research projects and he also gets Chinese homework as well as maths and English. All he wants to do after school is play sport, play with friends or go on the computer. It is causing a lot of arguments and homework takes time at the weekend when we want to go out as a family.

Your son is still young and it is natural for him to want to let off steam, relax or follow his own interests after a long day at school. Down time and play for children can be undervalued and are crucial for their natural development. Getting a work-life balance is so important for everyone - happy, healthy people perform more effectively.

It is impossible for schools to please all parents where homework is concerned. Parents have differing opinions about how much homework is appropriate and what it should consist of. Hong Kong parents typically have high academic expectations of their children and, therefore, prefer to see more rather than less homework. Some also regard homework as a useful time filler for their offspring, especially if they work long hours and want to feel that their children are doing something 'productive'.

The issue can be further complicated in a place like Hong Kong where children themselves are busy, many attending a wide range of sporting and academic extra-curricular activities that can eat into their valuable leisure time.

Every child has a different level of commitment and concentration. Some prefer to get homework over with, and others need down time to recover from a busy day. You can play a pivotal role in helping your son create a written schedule that balances homework and recreation. Ask yourself whether your child does too many extra-curricular activities? Some children have too many commitments, and this can create stress and be counterproductive.

Some schools design their homework timetables to allow work to be completed either during the week or at weekends, giving flexibility for different family situations.

This is something you could discuss with your son's school.