The word 'homework' describes the tasks assigned to a child to do at home to improve his academic performance. It prepares the child to manage time, set priorities, learn lessons better, solve problems quickly and stay organised. For parents, helping their child in doing his homework provides an opportunity to learn how the child is progressing in his studies. Thus, homework has many benefits.

However, too much of everything is bad. With the increase in competition in academics, children are being burdened with more and more homework with a view to improve their performance. According to an article written by Kelly Wallace in edition.cnn.com, a study, published in The American Journal of Family Therapy, 'found students in the early elementary school years are getting significantly more homework than is recommended by education leaders, in some cases nearly three times as much homework as is recommended’.

Excessive homework, which takes too much time to complete, denies a child the time to get adequate rest, go out and play with friends, or learn things outside the curriculum. It also results in emotional exhaustion and loss of interest in studies. Too much homework not only exerts negative effects on the child, but also on the entire family. According to the article ‘What Negative Effects Does Homework Have on a Student's Social & Family Life?’ by Van Thompson in oureverydaylife.com, ‘Parents may spend an inordinate amount of time fighting with their children over homework, enforcing homework rules and mastering concepts they need to help their children excel in. The study found that stress, frustration and conflicts over homework are particularly pronounced in families with a child who is struggling academically’.

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