homework

I hate homework. I hate that the kids come home from school and have to do over an hour of homework before they can pay with their friends. I hate making dinner, but not as much as my kids hate eating it. I hate cleaning up before bed, and my kids hate it too.  Why they continually dirty the house if they hate it so much is beyond me!  I hate that every evening begins with the promise of fun with the family and ends with a battle to get teeth brushed and people in bed.  I wonder if there's anything I can do to make afternoons relaxing and peaceful or if this is just the way it is with a busy family.  Maybe my expectations are too high?