Actually there IS research indicating positive outcomes for non-academic skills (such as responsibility and time management) for students in lower-elementary grades. Meta analysis of findings suggest that the low correlation between homework and achievement at the elementary level may be due to the intended purpose and type of the homework and the reaction of specific students, rather than the homework itself. Homework CAN be meaningful even at the lower grades (with correlative results as low as first grade). Unfortunately, it is very difficult to assign homework with that level of planning, and homework becomes either busy work or an instructional tool (neither of which is good).

Homework should never be a stressful situation for families. Homework should be developmentally appropriate (which includes developing those life and family skills). For instance, reading or writing homework can include helping write out the grocery list, writing a post card to grandma, reading a book together before bed, or reading a recipe for tonight's dinner. Math homework can include figuring out how many more minutes until dinner...).

I've been that working parent with two elementary aged kids and a deployed spouse. I have always appreciated the schedule and family-time. I'm not giving a blanket endorsement for packets of math fast-facts and bundles of flash cards. I'm saying find out what the purpose is, ask about philosophy and intention, and "push back" when it's overly burdensome busy work. Unfortunately, many teachers aren't given the option of whether or not to assign homework (in fact, that creeping autonomy-grab is THE primary reason I left the classroom).