For many parents and children, homework time is an ongoing battle - and can arguably be comparable with “pulling teeth.” As a parent, I find the hours between 4 pm and 6 pm in our household to be a whirlwind of frustration as we tackle group sharing and rainbow looping (somebody please explain) in math. And to be honest, I still don’t fully understand rainbow looping. I am too embarrassed to ask my seven-year-old to explain.

Many parents across South Africa share similar frustrations, and recent studies confirm growing concerns about the volume and purpose of homework.

Research in the Western Cape found that eliminating homework in a primary school improved learner motivation and well-being and raised concerns about reinforcing learning habits. Another study involving eight public primary school principals in Johannesburg revealed that while homework supported classroom instruction, inconsistent policies and varying levels of parental involvement hindered its effectiveness.

Experts from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) believe a more structured and intentional approach is necessary to balance schoolwork and home life.

Professor Rouaan Maarman

Professor Rouaan Maarman, Associate Professor and Deputy Dean of Research and Postgraduate Studies in the Faculty of Education, says that structured school planning is crucial for meaningful educational engagement.

"The school experience itself should be engaging, stimulating, and academically challenging enough to foster growth without overburdening learners with excessive homework," he says.

Many schools, he adds, focus too much on administrative compliance rather than structured learning, leading to excessive out-of-class assignments.

Meanwhile, Dr Toni Sylvester, a lecturer in the Department of Educational Psychology and a registered educational psychologist, agrees that excessive homework negatively impacts learners’ cognitive, emotional and physical development.

"Overburdened learners experience stress, fatigue and disengagement from learning," he says.

Parents - some of whom preferred to remain anonymous - spoke about their experiences, shared emotions, anxiety and frustration.

One mother, a single parent with two young children, described the daily struggle of balancing school, work and home life.

"My Grade 2 child has extracurricular activities and extra lessons from Monday to Thursday, often finishing school after 2.30 pm. By the time she gets home, she is mentally drained and not eager to do endless homework. Young children need more time to rest, play and engage in creative activities that support their well-being,” she says..The increased workloads shocked another parent who recently moved from Johannesburg to Cape Town. The impact resulted in a decision to cut extramural activities.

"My son received two homework pages for the entire week. The workload has tripled, and we’re struggling to keep up. We even put extracurricular activities on hold to make time for studying,” she notes.

Dr Sylvester says excessive homework can be detrimental to a child’s well-being. He says the consequences of excessive homework include:

• Limited Free Time: Play is essential for social and emotional development, yet too much homework reduces this time.

• Increased Family Tension: Parents often feel frustrated due to unfamiliarity with content or lack of time, leading to stress at home.

• Sleep Deprivation: Late-night homework sessions can affect a child’s concentration and mood.

• Loss of Enthusiasm: Homework may feel like a chore rather than a learning opportunity, reducing curiosity and engagement.

Dr Thembisa Kosi

Dr Thembisa Kosi, a lecturer in the Language Education Department at UWC, says that while homework reinforces learning and promotes independence, it has to be assessed to ensure it serves this purpose effectively.

"A significant challenge is the assumption that all learners have equal access to resources and support at home. Many children, particularly from underprivileged backgrounds, lack parental assistance, educational materials, or even a quiet space to study," she explains. "In these cases, homework can become a source of stress rather than academic growth."

Dr Kosi also notes that while the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) does not explicitly mandate homework, many schools still enforce it.

”The issue is not just about the quantity but also the design. A one-size-fits-all approach fails to accommodate learners' varying needs, abilities and home environments. If homework is to be effective, it must be inclusive, engaging and purposeful."

Prof Maarman, Dr Kosi and Dr Sylvester suggest helping families manage homework effectively.

For Parents:

• Establish a Routine: Set a structured schedule with dedicated homework, play and rest time.

• Communicate with Teachers: Discuss concerns with teachers if homework is overwhelming.

• Encourage Breaks: Short breaks between tasks improve concentration.

• Create a Conducive Environment: A quiet, clutter-free space helps children focus.

• Prioritise Well-being: Ensure children get enough sleep, exercise and downtime.

For Learners:

• Break Work into Manageable Chunks: Divide assignments to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Ask for Help When Needed: Encourage children to seek clarification from teachers or parents.

• Stay Organised: Keeping track of due dates reduces last-minute stress.

• Practice Mindfulness: Breathing exercises or stretching can help calm the mind.

Professor Maarman concludes: "Education should not be about compliance; it should be about meaningful engagement. We must rethink how we approach learning, ensuring that it benefits students rather than burdens them."