Why children still get homework — and why some parents say it’s too much

Parents concerned about the amount of homework their children receive are once again raising questions about whether schools are assigning too much work.

The issue was discussed on 702’s Weekend Breakfast with Gugs Mhlungu, where parenting expert Nikki Bush said many parents feel overwhelmed by the homework load, especially in families with busy schedules.

Bush said parents often have limited time with their children after school.

“You only have about three hours with your children of wake time, and now you must spend some of those three hours doing homework with your children.”

Parents say homework can overwhelm families

Parents often report frustration when homework piles up, especially when several assignments are due at once.

One parent told the station their child had been given a three-page essay that had to be completed overnight, along with other homework tasks.

“My son had two other homework pieces, and he slept at 3 am. He was so tired,” the parent said.

Bush said situations like this can place unnecessary pressure on families.

“No child should be up at three o’clock in the morning,” she said.

She also urged teachers to coordinate assignments to avoid overwhelming learners.

“Please communicate with each other in the staff room and don’t all give a project in the same week.”

Why do schools still give homework?

Despite frustration from parents, Bush said homework remains an important part of learning.

She said practice outside the classroom helps children reinforce what they have been taught.

“You cannot achieve mastery without repetition and practice.”

According to Bush, children often need to practise concepts hundreds of times before they become firmly embedded in memory.

“That’s why your child comes home with 10 sums and 10 words.”

She said classroom time is often too limited for teachers to cover teaching and practice.

Teachers must manage large classes, sometimes with up to 40 or 50 learners, and lessons can lose time to classroom management and packing up.

Homework prepares children for later learning

Bush said homework also prepares children for future academic demands.

In higher grades and at the university level, students are expected to complete much of their learning independently through reading and research.

“You are going to have to teach yourself just about everything,” she said of university study.

Homework can also help children develop practical skills such as research, presenting information and time management.

Managing homework at home

Bush said parents can reduce stress around homework by introducing routines and structured time.

She suggested that children should complete homework before watching television or playing games.

Parents should also create a consistent space for homework and encourage children to focus on effort rather than just results.

“Try and keep your children as focused and organised as possible,” she said.

Bush added that parents who feel their child is struggling with homework should speak to teachers to understand the workload and identify possible learning difficulties.

“Hopefully, it does not lead to burnout. It leads to discipline that will serve your child later.”

For more information, listen to Bush on Breakfast with Gugs Mhlungu using the audio player below: