Me: We need to have a conversation about homework, but this isn’t going to be one where we plan or schedule anything. It will be a meta conversation about homework.
Kiki: (At first looks cautious and then relieved.) Okay.
Me: I feel like lately you’re up high doing something and I’m running around under you with a net to catch you if you fall. It’s kind of tiring.
Kiki: Thats…a pretty accurate description.
Me: So I’m going to stop running around with the net. I’m going to sit on the sidelines and you can call me out if you need me. I’m happy to help if you need it, but I’m not going to keep track or make you do it.
Kiki: Okay.
Me: Except for math. I’m still going to be in your face about math, because ignoring it to death isn’t going to work. I don’t want to underestimate the power of your loathing of math.
Kiki: (nods) That’s probably wise.
I hope it works. I’m really tired of dreading her homework.