The Homework Hustle
“Oh no…” That familiar groan from the backseat, usually just before we hit the school drop-off line, means only one thing: someone’s remembered something crucial we’ve left at home. Today’s forgotten treasure? A history project. Specifically, a family memento that my child needed to present, sharing something “special” about us. (Spoiler alert: the only thing special about that morning was my ability to keep a straight face.)
The tears started flowing before I even got the car in park. “It’s okay, we’ll figure it out,” I chirped, desperately rummaging through the SUV. My hopes were to find anything other than empty snack wrappers and ancient tissues that could vaguely pass as a meaningful family heirloom. Our valiant effort resulted in a series of photo booth pictures from an amusement park, featuring all his siblings pulling silly faces. This, naturally, was immediately labeled “cringe.” But hey, a valuable lesson was learned that day: always be more prepared, and perhaps, keep a closer eye on those assignment sheets.
We’re only a few weeks into the school year, and I’m already asking myself, “How are things already falling between the cracks?” And yes, the mom guilt is real and heavy. Homework with four kids? That’s not just a challenge; it’s a full-contact team sport. My youngest still think “due date” is a suggestion, not a deadline, and the older ones need help breaking down projects bigger than their actual backpacks.
My personal Everest is remembering which email, document, or mysterious online portal each kid’s homework assignment actually lives in. We’ve tried all the usual suspects: cork boards that look like abstract art installations, calendars that are more decorative than functional, and Sunday “family meetings” that quickly devolve into who gets the last cookie. None of it stuck. That’s why I created Pomnie. It’s here to help busy parents like me keep track of those elusive homework projects and other to-do’s. Plus, answers are only a quick chat away, because let’s be honest, sometimes you just need to know if that diorama is due tomorrow or next month. (It’s always tomorrow.)
