Giant piles of homework are becoming commonplace for students of all ages these days.

And while the practice doesn’t look like it’s not going to end (…or be alleviated) any time soon, no matter what your age, you probably don’t look too fondly back on those stacks of homework you, too, had to plow through as a student.

Which is why the homework excuse, by now, is an ancient art. Finger-pointing at pets, parents, and pure laziness has been happening for centuries, but kids aren’t really getting any better at it.

When, exactly, has a late homework excuse worked?

Not often. But that hasn’t stopped students of every generation to try and try and try again. Check out this round-up of homework excuses shared by teachers on Reddit:

But It’s My Mom‘s Fault

Lifestyles of the Super Rich

Cat Comes First

…And Sometimes Ferrets

And Even Goats

Honesty (Still) Seems Best

For more excuses, head over to the original, full post here.