- For many parents, the moment a child brings home their first “homework” is a source of pride. It feels like a sign of maturity and academic progress. But what if that pride is misplaced? What if the struggle to get a four-year-old to sit still and write is actually damaging their relationship with learning? It's time to challenge the outdated notion that early homework is beneficial and embrace the powerful, evidence-based alternative: play. Forcing a four-year-old to do homework, especially writing, is developmentally inappropriate and counterproductive. At this age, a child's brain and body are not yet ready for the fine motor skills required to hold a pencil correctly and form letters. The act can be physically frustrating, leading to a poor grip and a lifelong aversion to writing. More importantly, it can cause emotional distress. When a child is pushed to do a task they are not equipped for, it can lead to anxiety, meltdowns, and a feeling of inadequacy. We are inadvert...
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