A card from Fair Play by Eve Rodsky
Homework, Projects & School Supplies (Kids)
Has homework become a family affair? Even if you swore you’d never be the kind of parent who micromanages and digs in to your kids’ assignments, you at least need to be in the know if they don’t do their homework and be available if your child needs support. CPEing this card means not only taking the lead on daily assignments but also school projects and enrichment learning at home. If A child needs poster board for “Star Student of the Week” or munchies for “Snack Day,” that’s also on you, as well as outfitting your child for “Wacky Winter” dress-up day and providing two dozen (hand-signed!) Valentine’s Day cards on February 14. This is an endless job, so re-deal this card often.
Holding this card means owning all three
Conception
The kids have school
Planning
- Supervising welcome-to-school assignments (e.g., photos of my family)
- Assessing child’s daily/weekly homework needs
- Helping child prioritize what needs to be done based on after-school activity schedule
- Updating “Calendar Keeper” & “School Breaks” cardholders on all important school dates including fall school recess, half days, conference weeks, winter break
Execution
- Assisting child when needed and providing emotional support when homework is challenging
- Assisting child with studying for tests
- Supporting and purchasing supplies for major projects (science fair, school biography, secret buddy gifts, Valentines, etc.)
- Purchasing/arranging clothes for special days (e.g., school photos, performance concerts, field day, color wars, school theme days) and consulting with “Morning Routine” cardholder
- Ordering school uniform if applicable
- Ordering/shopping for back-to-school supplies
Suggested Minimum Standard of Care
Are the kids supported enough so that they can turn their homework in on time?
A starting point. You and your partner agree the real standard together, and the holder meets it without reminders.
Holding it well
- It’s a Daily Grind: relentless and time-bound. Make sure each of you holds a fair share of these, ideally one from each suit.
- The holder owns all of it: noticing, planning and doing. No “just tell me what to do.”
- Agree the Minimum Standard of Care together, then let the holder meet it their way.
- Not working? Bring it to the weekly check-in and re-deal it. Don’t take it back mid-week.
Put this card on your table
Deal it, agree its standard, and see who holds what. Free.