My kids' teachers tried loading them down with homework to the point where they had had enough time to eat, do homework and go to bed. Kids, especially teens, need some time to relax, have a little time to put their feet up, have a laugh, chat, and decompress. I called my kids' teachers and told them if they were so deficient in their teaching skills that my kids had to spend the rest of the night trying to finish the job, I'd really have to discuss it with the principal. I told them an hour a night of homework was reasonable and that's what I expected. Guess what? My kids were given one hour's worth of homework a night, and they still managed to retain the highest marks.