I am so pleased that some schools are now opting to ban homework, and this is not just primary schools. Apparently Cheltenham Ladies College is doing away with ‘prep’ and also making sure that students have more relaxation time, including weekly meditation classes. I only hope that this begins a trend across both private and state schools. Given the increase in rates of depression in children and young people, it is essential that the whole country changes it’s thinking in this way.

I have long felt that the amount of time a child is in school should be enough for them to be able to learn, and that home time should be just that – time at home to relax and unwind with the family. The demands on children and teenagers are so great now, that it is very important that they have some time to just ‘be’, away from the rigours of deadlines and school work. Of course, it is really important that this downtime is not spent just on smartphones or iPads, but that there is an encouragement to do other stuff too. But these need to be activities without structure, as endless clubs and sports commitments could end up being as tiresome and stressful as homework.

In many ways the world is a better place for youngsters now, much less bigotry and more freedom for people to be themselves, many more opportunities. However, by another token, there are so many more stressors on the young person, including the pressure to perform well at school, as well as all the other things such as body image, broken families, money and career worries, that we have to realise the importance of having the time and space to relax and just enjoy time at home.

I am mindful of the fact that many young people will be in the midst of exams at this time, so I’m sending my best wishes and thoughts to you all (and to your parents!) Take care.

Wendy x