<p>Oh, classicalmama, didn’t you know that social media/texting/video games = happiness and less stress? Whereas Latin homework = stomachaches. :)</p>
<p>I don’t think the problem is homework. I think the problem is the competition between students and parents to reach the top of the heap. Course load is only one aspect of that competition–and it is under the student’s control. I’m certain the student whose anecdote introduces the essay could have elected to drop down a level in one or two courses. Or, she could have elected to take on fewer extracurricular activities, at any time.</p>