Who's homework is it, anyway?
A mom emailed me this note right before school started:
"Good Morning. I was up half the night. I am so stressed out that I won't be able to help my daughter with her school work. Help!"
My answer:
Ok
#1. It's only middle school, you can breathe
#2. It's her homework, not your homework
#3. This is the perfect time in life for you to let her take full responsibility for her actions.
It is hard as heck not to help them when you can, but this is the way they grow up to be responsible adults.
#4. Your job is simple. Just make sure she is doing her job (homework).
#5. Quiz her for tests and exams even if she doesn't think she needs it.
#6. Stay on top of it at all times, you slip (or relax) and she will too!
#7. Remember, No homework will be assigned that wasn't covered in class.
If the homework instructions, or problems, are not clear, it's her fault she didn't ask at school. Again, not your fault.
Learning responsibility and the consequences are two reasons middle school is so difficult for kids. If you "feel sorry" for them and do their homework for them in middle school, be prepared to do their work as adults.
