Does homework stress crimp kids' family life, well-being?

(CNN) -- Too much homework can create family stress, cut into family time and foster tension and tears among American students, according to some experts.

VIDEO CNN's Pat Etheridge looks at a community that has devised some guidelines on homework Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)     MESSAGE BOARD Does homework create unnecessary stress for kids?

Where Cheryl Weaver's kids go to school in Piscataway, New Jersey, homework has become a problem that local officials -- and concerned parents -- decided to do something about. The local school board recently voted to ease the pressure on students by setting firm limits on homework, according to school superintendent Ronald Bolandi.

The idea, Bolandi said, was for educators to "give assignments that children can go home and try (without) having to get their parents actively involved in teaching them or getting their parents to hire tutors." Also, weekends and holidays are homework-free, he said.

"They're in school for six-and-a-half hours a day," Weaver said of her children. "They don't need to come home and do another two or three hours of homework. That's more than a full-time job."

Critics contend there is no link between children doing homework and doing better in school. Other experts argue, though, that homework is good for teaching students to manage their time and to study independently.

CNN Parenting Correspondent Pat Etheridge looks at the debate.

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Education forum link for KewlSyte.com
United Kingdom's site on National Curriculum
U.S. Department of Education

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