As a mom of five kids, I’ve heard it all: “Homework should be banned!” my son recently complained, throwing his backpack on the floor. And honestly, I get it.
Over the past decade of parenting, I’ve read a growing body of research showing that there’s little evidence homework helps most kids—at least before high school. In fact, I’ve come to love our post-school wind-down routine so much that I refuse to let busywork take over those precious hours. After a long work day, I wouldn’t want to clock back in at home with more tasks—so why should kids?
It turns out that there’s actual science to back my kids’ complaints—and my hunch that homework might be doing more harm than good. In this article, we’ll break down the flaws of homework culture and explore healthier ways to encourage learning without sacrificing family time or mental well-being.
Rethinking homework—Danielle’s viral “homework optional” approach
One of the loudest voices calling for change is Danielle Gallacher, a Glasgow mom whose viral TikTok clip—now with over 1.7 million views—sparked a heated conversation about how we approach homework. Gallacher declared homework “optional” in her household—and while many parents applauded her, others criticized her stance as too relaxed.
Gallacher believes that homework isn’t essential for learning. What matters most to her is that her kids have time to unwind, play, and connect after school. She’s noticed that giving her son the freedom to recharge has boosted his independence and confidence in the classroom. In response to critics calling her approach “lazy,” Gallacher points to his progress: sometimes doing less really can help kids thrive.
Parents weigh in on the homework debate
When Motherly polled their community of 1.2 million Instagram followers, the responses reflected the same mixed feelings about homework I’ve encountered in my own parenting journey. Here’s what parents had to say when asked, “Do you think homework should be optional?”
- 27% agreed, “Yes, there’s already so much to worry about.”
- 21% felt “No, it helps to learn responsibility.”
- 51% said, “Depends on how old the kids are.”
This data shows that while there’s significant support for optional homework, many parents still see value in it, depending on their child’s age and developmental needs. This aligns with the growing call for more flexible and age-appropriate homework policies that meet kids where they are in terms of readiness and personal needs.
The toll on mental health
Research, including studies from Stanford, shows that too much homework can cause stress, anxiety, and even burnout. High schoolers aren’t the only ones feeling the pressure—elementary-aged kids are also reporting heightened stress from heavy workloads. The physical and emotional toll of homework has left many parents wondering if it’s worth it.
Homework vs. family time
Parents like Gallacher argue that homework disrupts essential family time, making weeknights more stressful. Between dinner, baths, and bedtime routines, squeezing in assignments often feels impossible. Instead of helping kids learn, these tasks can create tension and leave little space for connection, play, or just relaxing.
Does homework actually improve academic success?
The research on academic outcomes
There’s surprisingly little evidence that homework boosts academic success for younger students. Researcher Alfie Kohn argues that elementary school homework shows no measurable benefit to learning. Instead, focused in-class instruction—without the burden of nightly assignments—may actually help students retain information better and engage more meaningfully with schoolwork.
Quality over quantity
Excessive homework can backfire by overwhelming kids, leading to disengagement and poor study habits. When students feel buried in assignments, learning feels like a chore rather than something to be curious about. By focusing on quality over quantity—giving kids meaningful work during school hours—educators may be able to spark more genuine interest and motivation.
Schools are shifting their approach to homework
New policies on homework reduction
Across the U.S., some school districts are experimenting with reduced or no-homework policies. Schools in Florida and Texas are piloting programs focusing on learning during class hours, giving students more time to relax after school. Many teachers are also advocating for minimal homework, especially for younger students, citing the importance of rest and play.
Alternatives to traditional homework
Instead of piling on assignments, some educators are adopting project-based learning and hands-on classwork to foster engagement without adding stress. These approaches encourage students to develop critical thinking skills—and they often yield better results than traditional homework. Experts argue that when kids are excited about what they’re learning, the need for extra assignments outside of school disappears.
Why more parents are choosing a homework-free lifestyle
Supporting a healthy balance for kids
Unstructured time is essential for creativity, social development, and emotional well-being. Many parents, including Gallacher and myself, are choosing to prioritize family time and play over homework. It’s not about avoiding learning—it’s about creating space for kids to explore the world, rest, and grow in ways that worksheets can’t provide. Thankfully for me, my kids’ newest school has minimal homework but added an emphasis on family time and reading in the evening.
Every family’s approach is unique
At the end of the day, every family has its own rhythm. Some kids thrive with structured homework, while others benefit from having time to relax and unwind. Gallacher’s “homework optional” philosophy resonates with parents like me, who want to raise kids who feel supported, not overwhelmed. To me, a “no homework” policy rightly emphasizes time off in a culture that values overwork for kids—and adults. Time off at home is a healthy balance that I’m happy to support, especially with my youngest kids.
Learning should be a lifelong journey of following your curiosity, not a punitive daily punishment. If homework is a battle, talk to your school and show them the evidence.
To me, the bottom line is that learning shouldn’t come at the expense of kids’ well-being or family connection. It’s time to rethink how we balance school and life, giving kids space to recharge—just like adults need.
