XCam2 Does its Homework

Homework is the bane of every school child, no matter what age, from first grade right up through college (and beyond for those whose jobs follow them everywhere). It’s one of life’s greatest anomalies that, after spending all day in school, we only to have to bring more school home with us once the bell finally rings. Homework frustrates, it annoys, and worst of all, it cuts into playtime. It’s no wonder kids hate it (even the big kids working on their degrees).

Rob and Janet Waller have three children, and all of them are in school. The oldest one just started middle school. That means that their kids have already had some experience with the homework saga. It also means that things can get a little difficult around the Waller house every night about homework time.

It’s a busy day at the office for Rob and Janet, and once they get off work, it’s home to the kids. When mommy and daddy get home, the kids get to spend some quality time with the parents. "We take turns fixing dinner and setting the table," Janet says. Then once dinner is over, around seven or so, it’s time for the kids to do their homework, and they hate that. "The problem is that we don’t like to sit in their rooms and look over their shoulder while they’re supposed to be doing their homework," Rob says. "But if we don’t, they won’t do it." So Rob and Janet enlisted the XCam2 to help them out.

"First of all," Rob says, "my wife and I think that a good education is important. We know that the kids don’t understand that now, but they will soon enough. So until then, we have to help keep them interested and focused."

To help add an extra pair of eyes, they set up the XCam2 in the den where the kids go to do their homework. "It’s a nice safe place for them" Janet says. They hooked up a Wireless Video Receiver into each of their television sets throughout the house, making sure they were each set to the same address. "Now we’re there helping them do their homework," Janet says, "but I can also be at the kitchen table going through some of my work, or talking on the phone." "And I can go through my briefcase, lay out my clothes and get ready for work the next day," Rob said. All the while, whatever room Rob and Janet are in; they’ve got an eye on the kids. "Heck," Rob says, "I can even watch the news too. Every time a commercial comes on, then I can switch over and see how the kids are doing."

And then when homework time is over, and the work is actually done, the kids are free to play a video game, watch some TV, or talk on the phone. "Once they’ve done their homework" Janet says, "We give them a lot of options. After all, we’re not asking them to give up their whole lives to schoolwork."

Once the kids are in bed, Rob and Janet can have a little time for themselves. "Sometimes we just like to cuddle and watch some of the kid’s antics while they’re trying to avoid doing their homework," Janet says. "They grow up so fast."

Thanks to the XCam2, Rob and Janet can actually enjoy a little bit of time so that they themselves to get some things done, all the while knowing that their kids are getting their work done too.

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