Ransack the backpack
I don't know why it took me this long to figure out that the best way to keep your finger on the pulse when it comes to your child and his or her schooling is to keep your hands in their 
backpack.
Over the years as Creed headed toward the 7th grade (that's where he is now, though I think I just made it sound like that was his ultimate goal in life, making it to 7th), he has not always been the best about letting me know that projects are due, that he was supposed to have been reading a book for a report, that he has picture day coming or yearbook money is due, etc. Matter of fact, at Open House the other night, all the other parents were holding a map and schedule that had been sent home via the backpack the day before. EXCEPT ME!
[I asked Creed why he hadn't given it to me, and he said something like, "I didn't know you wanted it." !! Fortunately I had made a copy of the school map and his schedule on my own, and that was a fine substitute.]
But I resolved at the beginning of this school year that I would prowl through his backpack every day. (Obviously I missed a day, hence my showing up without the Open House materials.)
Creed didn't object. I mean, what would be private about a bunch of school papers?
I have found this immensely informative. I find out way ahead of time what long-term project deadlines are coming up, and I actually knew a week ahead of time when the school pictures would be taken.?
I also rifle through his notebooks and papers to see what he's working on. I found this item in his composition notebook:
"One time I experienced conflict with someone last year. I didn't like this kid and he didn't like me. He was getting on my nerves. So I threw him on the ground a couple of times. Then he punched me. So I punched him like six times in the face, then threw him on the ground. That was how I resolved the conflict because now he never messes with me.''
Do you see what I'm saying here? By snooping in his backpack, I am getting a peek into his mind and soul! He thinks punching someone in the face qualifies as "conflict resolution''!!!
If you think about it, what does a child do with privacy? They hide things from their parents!
Invade the backpack!
Gretchen Day-Bryant has a son in high school and a daughter in middle school. She’s lived to tell about the struggles of juggling little kids and work.
Joy Oglesby has a preschooler...
Cindy Kent Fort Lauderdale mother of three. Her kids span in ages from teenager to 20s.
Rafael Olmeda and his wife welcomed their first son in Feb. 2009, and he's helping raise two teenage stepdaughters.
Lois Solomon lives in Boca Raton with her husband and three daughters.
Georgia East is the parent of a five-year-old girl, who came into the world weighing 1 pound, 13 ounces.
Brittany Wallman is the mother of Creed, 15, and Lily, 7, and is married to a journalist, Bob Norman. She covers Broward County government, which is filled with almost as much drama as the Norman household. Almost.
Chris Tiedje is the Social Media Coordinator and the father of a 7-year-old girl, and two boys ages 4 and 3.
Kyara Lomer Camarena has a 2-year-old son, Copelan, and a brand new baby. 
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