Homework is often justified as a way to reinforce learning, but is it actually improving outcomes for students? I've seen my own kids spend two hours on repetitive math sheets that they already understood, and I wonder if that time could be spent on deeper projects or just being kids. A 2023 study from Stanford found no significant benefit to homework before high school, which makes me question why we continue to assign it. The downside is real: stress, family conflict, and a loss of intrinsic motivation to learn. Maybe it's time to reconsider whether homework is a necessary evil or just an outdated habit.