Hi friends, sorry I've been so laxe in blogging lately. Brandt is still commuting back and forth to Kerrville, staying about 10 days at a time, so last week he was gone. During those weeks, it's all I can do to get home, fix a meal, do homework and fall into bed shortly after Annie. WE did manage to have a little fun and as soon as I can get the pictures downloaded I'll share our hike in the Madera Canyon.
Annie is enjoying her new relaxed school atmosphere...Mom & Dad are not so excited. In addition to learning some new language skills on the playground, she has been sneaking things to school - small things really, but sneaky none the less. It started with a change of clothes on school picture day. Now really, did she think when the picture came I would notice a totally different outfit? OK 8 year olds don't think more than one minute ahead. That lead to a discussion about being trustworthy in the little things. Haven't I taught her one thing about consequences in the last 6 years???
So we were OK for a few days...then it was a box of mints that had somehow sneaked out of my purse into her backpack. I could hear them rattling as we walked into the school. Once again, did ja think about that noise? At least she is honest when I ask "what is that rattling in your backpack"...in a timid voice "mints"..."where did you get them?"..."from your purse". Then this week she was trying to sneak her Hannah Montana microphone/speaker to school in a plastic bag where I could PLAINLY see thru the bag that there was contraband....ARGH!!!!
We have had several discussions about being trustworthy, the bottom line is: good kids get to do more things. We have grounded her from a fun camping trip (which affected ME too - "see when your poor choices affect others in the family?"), taken away what little TV she watches, taken away what little computer time she gets...what else is left to take away? She doesn't seem to have a memory!
Now I realize, our living situation is not conducive to a great structured atmosphere, her school is not very structured (which I thought would help her test anxiety...it has, but it is beginning to backfire I fear), so the best structure we have is that we go to bed the same time every night, we get up the same time every day, but in between is up for grabs. Do we change schools, AGAIN??? Am I a terrible Mom for wanting to work full time? NO, I am just as good a mom...I am helping sick kids, and appreciating my healthy one even more.
But not backing down on this honesty thing...ever
HELP!!!
3 comments:
Relax! You're a great Mom if for no other reason than you are consistent. But other than that, you are a fabulous Mom because you love her and take care of her and make sure she does the right thing over and over and over again.
Adjusting to a new school means taking risks that other kids aren't allowed to do (just like she isn't allowed to do) in order to earn herself some much needed attention in the atmosphere where others have known each other longer than 6 weeks. Just ask me .... we moved every flippin' year and do ya think going to three high schools in two states during my junior year was only about grades?!?
Consistency. It's all about being consistent. And praise God, you are consistent and you all love each other a whole lot!
Oh isn't parenting so hard sometimes?! I think it is so great that you actually missed the camping trip (instead of it being an empty threat). I know what you mean about having a hard time finding things to take away. I have the same problem here. One thing I do sometimes that works really well is to actually take away their free time by having them stay by my side all of the time. I know you work, but when you are both home, she stays with you. No going to her room, no playing, just hanging with Mom. It's not really a punishment, it's more like discipleship. They also get some much needed time with Mom....in bulk.
I liked this post. I love to hear how people handle struggles with their kids. It helps! Lisa~
You are one of the coolest moms I know and I love the saying I have heard many times from your mouth - good kids get more priveleges. Man, I do not envy your situation one bit. I am glad you are walking that one before me! I am also so glad you followed through with the missed camping trip, idle threats - I have been guilty of that one. Miss you!
Post a Comment