Losing it

Not long after I got to work this morning, I got a call from Bill. Margaret couldn't find her homework.

She has a weekly packet that includes her math, vocabulary and reading homework all bundled together. She works on parts of the packet each evening and then turns in the complete packet of work on Mondays.

She couldn't find her packet this morning.

She was inconsolable. She wanted to earn a homework award for having all her homework turned in on time. She had completed her packet and just couldn't find it.

It was sad.

As parents, Bill and I always want to help Margaret succeed. And as a person who hates losing things, I was beyond sympathetic and considered running home to search for the lost papers.

But I didn't. I feel bad for her, but it is her reponsibilty to keep track of her stuff. We tell her that all. the. time.

ALL the time.

I mean, daily we tell Margaret to put away her stuff, keep track of her stuff, not leave her stuff where it can be lost or broken.

I know the lost homework meant that Margaret's day started with her in a foul mood. I'm sorry for that, too.

But how much is a mom to do?

If you were in my shoes, what would you have done?