Always trying to focus on everything at once is never a productive way to look at things.
I tend to do this though, without even thinking about it.
I have so many things going on in my mind, and a schedule to keep, that I get stressed almost immediately when we start our evening “agenda” after school / work.
I need to be focusing on one task at a time.
The kids are definitely a load to manage, and keep in line.
I have a full plate, this I know.
It’s all in how you look at it, right?
Gotta change my focus and face one item at a time. This is my little pep talk to myself, because, it’s hard to change a habit. It takes a conscious effort to make a change, big or small.
Example:
Austin comes in from school last night, and had forgotten to take his binder and homework from the previous day to school. He has additional homework on one of the sheets to complete, and an email from his teacher with a few pages to read and answer questions on for Literacy. He was only focused on “when can I play my computer game?” I had to explain (calmly) that he wasn’t going to have any device time because he had “forgotten” to take his important papers to school. He quickly threw the blame on me. I had to again, “calmly” explain that it is not my responsibility to make sure that he has everything for his day. I did mention that I DID tell him once or twice to make sure his binder and papers were in there though. (selective listening??) ha He shut down though, when I told him no device time. Thankfully, I had my step-sister, who is so amazing with him, right there, so she effortlessly managed to get him to complete his assignment correctly, and everything was smooth sailing for her. I had a babysitter coming, so I had to rush out of the house, and she was so willing to stay until she got there to watch the kids. I was stressed prior to leaving though, because I didn’t want Austin struggling with that and then I am just bouncing. It was not expected for this homework assignment to be such a drawn out, dramatic issue. But, with Austin, it seems like everything is that way. I know he is a very smart, gifted young man, but he needs to apply himself in the classrooom. He really struggles with in class group discussions.
Adam and Autumn had completed their work, so they got privilege time on their devices. Austin wasn’t thinking that was fair at all… fun times here.
Allie is amazing! She scored 1 point under perfect score for her first AP Human Geography course yesterday! Learning comes easy for this girl. I’m super impressed with her. I don’t have to get on to her for much. I do have to ask if she has any homework though, because sometimes, she forgets that she does… probably because she was so used to not having any in middle school..
Autumn has actually become less mouthy with me lately. I hope this trend continues, because it’s been nice and peaceful in that regard. She has a lot going on inside her heart emotionally, and I don’t exactly know how to get to her and make her feel better. I need to make sure I pay attention to her love needs. She is very passionate about things, and has no problem expressing her feelings. It’s just I need to her to soften her heart to me. I think I need to soften my heart toward her though as well. So.. note to self on that.
Adam has been having really good days at school, so there is nothing to address with him, other than some whining about little things. He will cry or whine about the silliest things sometimes. We have to remind him to use his words…
Hoping for a great weekend full of activities.
IHOP tonight for dinner, Halloween costume shopping after that, maybe a movie at home, then Silver Dollar City tomorrow and Hillberry Festival on Sunday, to attend my brother’s music festival and let the kids participate in some the kids activities. Papa plans on us taking the limo for fun.
Hoping all goes well.. 🙂
All in a Day 