While they do their homework, you can do your homework.
Sometimes I feel like I’m the one who’s in school.
Every night, I have about half an hour’s worth of work from my daughter’s kindergarten teacher. There’s the reading log, the numerous forms, order sheets for fundraisers, and the active role I’ve taken in helping her with her own homework.
It’s ok because that’s the price of taking an active role in your child’s education and there’s no more important job. But there are many better things to do when you’re ready to go to bed than dig through a small child’s backpack. Here’s how manage the responsibilities and expectations placed on you by the teacher.
Do your work while they do theirs
It’s quite tempting to do other things while your child is doing their homework. Dinner needs to be started or laundry needs to be moved. You might even be able to fix yourself a drink and watch the news! Try to temper that temptation.
Parenting is all about modeling appropriate behaviors for your child. If you’re going to insist that they do their homework at a certain time, it can help to have you doing your work with them. They are also right there, easily available to clarify anything that comes in a note home.
Sign up for as many electronic updates as you can
These days, good teachers use a variety of tools to reach out to parents. Take advantage of all of them, even the PTA Facebook page that seems more like a swap meet and less of a meeting space.
The reason for this is simple: no matter how annoying all those texts and emails can be, it means there will be no surprises when things come home. Is it a notice about the bake sale that you heard about three days ago? Toss it. Has there been a case of lice and the principal is just now getting around to writing a letter to the parents? That can go, too. It will save you time at night, which is the goal.
Have your kid do it
I’m only halfway joking. Train your child to have everything filled out by the time you see it (but obviously not signed, if necessary). It’s a great way for younger kids to practice their pertinent information (addresses, phone numbers, etc.) and older kids should do it out of courtesy for you housing them their entire lives.
This might sound dangerous, but what’s the harm? This way, when you fish forms out of the bookbag, they’re already mostly done. If it’s something vital, sign it and put it back in the binder. If it’s an order form for cookies you’ve already bought online, toss it.