1Increasing numbers of primary schools are chucking traditional homework tasks for things like 'visiting grandma' or 'making the bed.' How do these activities enhance children's academic development? Does homework encourage good study habits, time management and self organisation, or does it keep children from developing other characteristics such as social responsibility? Further, do parents--many who are time-poor--really need to be struggling to get their children's homework done? While research points to well-targeted homework being a positive thing for secondary school students, the jury is out about the benefits for primary school students. Penny MacKay investigates how homework is changing in New Zealand's primary schools and what it means for students and their parents.