**2.3. Importance of homework**

One of the essential components of the program for CBT is homework. Thanks to homework, clients might practice the skills they have learned in sessions in their daily life, and might gain the chance to apply the coping techniques taught by the therapist when they encounter with problems in life [69]. Another advantage of homework is the opportunity it provides for the therapist to understand which techniques the child has earned and which he/she has not [70].

While using homework actively is important, the way homework is presented to children also matters. Firstly, it is required to precisely distinguish homework given at schools from the homework given in therapy to be done between sessions. By this way, prejudice of the child toward these tasks will be prevented, and performance anxiety will be triggered as little as possible for cases with anxiety disorder. When examining the therapy programs, it is seen that various names are given to break down the "homework" perception that the child might have: "Show That I Can" or "Take Home Projects" are two examples [50, 71].

Especially, if the academic skills of the child fall short in this aspect, it is important not to focus too much on writing skills and grammar, and structure some of the activities and homework verbally, if required, thus enable the child to feel more comfortable and happy. Another point to take into consideration about homework is informing the parents about homework every week. Therapist should talk to the parents in advance to advice them to encourage and help the child, especially in tasks that are difficult to perform.

When literature is examined, it is seen that homework given to children with anxiety disorder mostly includes self-monitoring of anxiety, relaxation exercises, keeping records of thoughts, problem solving exercises, and exposure exercises. Typical homework types observed in children with depression focus on activity scheduling, social skills training, problem solving skills, self-monitoring of mood and thought records [72].
