My eldest has had about a month to write out 10 questions and interview someone about a historical moment that they experienced. It was due today. We both forgot. I know it was his responsibility, but I feel bad for dropping the ball.

Not only that, but the little three had about a week to fill out little slips of paper with sweet things to say about their teachers, and I tucked the envelopes away to do over the weekend … and I forgot. Until that WEDNESDAY. D’oh!

This is one of those times when I feel like a slacker parent. Please tell me I’m not the only one who feels that way occasionally!

I keep a rather detailed Outlook calendar — complete with color-coding for meetings, personal appointments, extra-curricular activities and school functions, etc. I think that when school starts back in the fall, I will add a color for assignments due. I may even be neurotic enough to add reminders like “Bring empty water bottle for Nos. 4 & 5 on Monday” for those random crafts that they do at school. I remember having to keep an assignment notebook as a kid, and yes – the ball falls in their court, ultimately – but hopefully this extra step will help them (and me!) stay a bit more organized.