Why Does Homework Cause Stress?

Homework is meant to help students learn. But for many children, the mere mention of the word "homework" conjures feelings of fear, anxiety, or boredom. Instead of being a tool for growth and a stepping stone toward academic excellence, homework becomes a thing of dread.

But why does homework cause stress? And is there a way that parents and educators can shift this perception so children can benefit from it the way they're intended to? 

In this blog, we explore the main reasons for homework stress and what you can do to help children achieve their learning goals without sacrificing their mental health.

Understanding Homework Stress

A child might do their homework diligently every day after school, but that doesn't mean they enjoy the experience. In fact, a common complaint among young learners is the amount of homework they need to do and the long hours they need to put in to complete it.

"Homework stress" is the mental and emotional strain students experience when their take-home work becomes overwhelming. Some stress can be beneficial. "Positive" stress, which psychologists call "eustress," can motivate rather than overwhelm. For instance, challenging math homework once a week can teach children important skills like time management and determination.

So how does homework cause stress? It does so when the balance tips. When the workload becomes heavier than the time, energy, or support a student has, the imbalance shows in various ways. 

Symptoms of Excessive Homework Stress

Research, including a 2013 Stanford University study and another published in 2024 in the Economics of Education Review journal, suggests that students who spend too much time on homework experience higher stress levels, more health problems, less time for family and friends, and an overall loss of study-life balance. 

Too much homework stress can manifest differently for each learner, both at home and in school: 

• Feeling overwhelmed 
• Anxiety about falling behind and disappointing their loved ones
• Avoidance or procrastination
• Physical symptoms like headaches and stomach aches
• Negative self-talk 
• Difficulty sleeping
• Loss of interest in learning or school in general 

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These signs indicate that homework is no longer serving its purpose. Instead of supporting learning, it drains a child's energy and confidence. By recognizing these patterns early, parents and teachers can explore solutions and help children build a healthier relationship with homework.

Main Reasons Homework Causes Stress

Homework may be intended to help, but too often it creates pressure that leaves students feeling drained and discouraged. Why does homework cause stress? Many factors can contribute, such as:

Too Much Homework

The National PTA and the National Education Association support the "10-minute rule:" students should receive no more than 10 minutes of homework per grade level, per night. For example, a first grader should have about 10 minutes' worth of homework, while a fifth grader would get around 50 minutes. However, a study of primary school children found that they received about three times the recommended load of homework.

When students are given more work than they can handle, this could lead to burnout and negative feelings toward learning and school. 

Lack of Understanding

Ideally, homework is for refining and applying concepts and skills they've already learned at school. If they don't fully grasp the material assigned to them, they might feel stuck, especially without a teacher's guidance.

Over time, constantly struggling to understand and making mistakes lowers confidence and makes homework feel like punishment, not practice.

Time Management Challenges

On average, elementary school students spend six to seven hours a day in class. They also have to juggle family responsibilities, extracurriculars, hobbies, and social activities, leaving little time for rest. Too many things to get done daily can quickly become overwhelming, especially for children who haven't yet mastered time management.

Perfectionism and Pressure

Some students feel they have to get every answer right every time; otherwise, they'll disappoint their loved ones or teachers. This pressure turns homework from a simple practice lesson into a high-stakes task.

Learning Differences

Young learners with ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences may find homework more demanding than their peers. This is especially true for assignments that require extended focus, like reading and writing.

How Parents and Teachers Can Reduce Homework Stress

Parents and teachers can encourage a healthier approach to after-school academic work. Here are some ways to get started:

Limit Time Spent on Homework

Follow age-appropriate homework guidelines, like the 10-minute rule, to encourage a healthy study-life balance.

Provide Support and Encouragement

When parents provide support, regardless of academic performance, children are more likely to stay calm and try their best. For kids, knowing they can always reach out to parents and teachers for help can also make homework feel less stressful.

Create a Positive Routine

Routines make homework feel like a regular part of the day, instead of a stressful and unpredictable task. Set aside a quiet, well-lit space where the child can study peacefully and without distractions at a particular time each day.

Teach Time Management

Breaking big tasks into smaller steps makes assignments feel less overwhelming. Consider teaching children how to use tools like timers, checklists, and planners to help them manage their time better.

Encourage Breaks

Five to 10 minutes between assignments gives children time to recharge with play, rest, a quick chat with loved ones, or a snack.

Provide Alternatives to Conventional Homework

Game-like alternatives to traditional assignments spark curiosity and a love for learning instead of causing stress and anxiety. For instance, educational apps and platforms like Prodigy reinforce important concepts in various subjects in a fun and interactive way.

Turn Learning Into an Adventure!

Homework stress is real, and it can impact not just a child's academic performance but also all their mental health and their overall attitude to learning. To alleviate this stress, parents and teachers can introduce activities that spark learning, beyond the typical book reports and worksheets.

Replace stressful study sessions with interactive, curriculum-aligned practice on Prodigy. Trusted by over 3 million educators worldwide, Prodigy is an educational platform that instills a love of learning through colorful and exciting games.

Make homework feel like play while building confidence and skills.