My kids hate homework and it is driving me crazy?

What can I do to make homework somewhat appealing to my kids? Everyday there is a struggle to get my kids to do it without complaining and crying about it. I have a 1st, 4th and a 7th grader. I used to make them get started right after school but, now I let them watch tv or do something fun for an hour or so, then we get started on it. It never works. I have to put up with sluggish attitudes and crying and pouting. I'm at my wits in. One day I was so mad that I just ripped up all their work and told them screw it. Please someone help.