I don't usually use my blog for journaling because generally I only want to write extensively about feelings when they are negative and I don't assume that would be fun for anyone to read. Today, however I feel that it might lend some balance to my otherwise very selectively positive blog. I had a friend tell me yesterday that she thought I was a very positive person. Well, I guess that is because I have to work really hard to come across as positive.
I must always preface my negative rantings with the admission that is could be hormonal. Actually, almost always is. So, I will probably regret this post and erase it tomorrow.
I have tried really hard to plan something everyday so that we would have plenty to do this summer and not watch T.V. all day (or worse, having the kids bugging me all day to watch T.V.). My plan has been outlined on this blog. I don't think it is too much, just a single activity comprising a couple hours each day. Something we can do together.
Today, I had a list of things I need to accomplish. None of them very fun for the kids. Post office, grocery store, hardware store, phone calls for my calling (necessary), hanging pictures and shelves in Zoe and Lydia's room, dishes, laundry, etc. So I decided we wouldn't do anything today except work on my list. I try to involve them as much as possible. They are just going around whining "I'm bored", and even worse fighting and tattling. Sometimes when there is a lot to do I switch off: doing a chore, then 10 minutes of games with the kids. Our first game Liam whines, "Zoe got two Wild's and I only got one"! I didn't bother to tell him that everyone got two Wilds. I was finished. I just told them to go and watch T.V. for the rest of the day. For those of you who know me, know that is an extreme measure.
I think by having the days planned out so precisely that the kids don't know how to entertain themselves for an afternoon with out driving each other (and myself) totally crazy. My plan backfired and now the very thing I was trying to avoid (turning my kids into zombies) has come to pass. Ah, another parenting lessen.
7 comments:
Okay when you find the solution to keeping them happy let me know. He don't have TV here in NH because I refuse to pay for cable and we are too far out to get any good antennea channels. So I have been having to be creative too. We do have a good morning routine down, but afternoons are so boring for me and them, which means fighting and wrestling. I hate wrestling!
Whining in the worst! My Morgan is the best at it. It's a constant battle. Today I said, "Let's have a no fighting, no whining day." "Okay Mom."...ten seconds later Morgan starts whining. They just don't get it.
(I think a day of TV is okay once in awhile. I have a lot of fond memories of watching cartoons in the summer...and I turned out okay.)
i don't have TV either, which is great because i OFTEN put in a DVD of the Backyardigans or Fraggle Rock (remember that?)and, i admit, i let her watch every episode the DVD has to offer...and she's not even 1 1/2 years old! horrible! and i only have 1 child! what would i do with fighting kids? I think it's great that you have the structure you do...you are a wonderful mom and i know that even though i've never seen you with your kids. you're too much like your own mother to NOT be great! I will still be sending you something (whenever I fit in the Post Office, that is!)
Everyone needs a TV day once in a while! Even me sometimes. Don't beat yourself up over it. If it keeps the kids sane, and not fighting, I say that's a pretty good thing:) I don't think your kids IQ is going down for watching TV today!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a solution! Move your sweet little family to Texas and when you fee like you're about to go crazy, dump them on my doorstep.
Seriously though, we all have days (and children) like this. Your structure for them is so great and you are so good with them. I felt sick all day today and so the children spent the morning watching Toy Story and listening to me yell at them to stop fighting. Fun times! I can't believe I'm going to homeschool . . .
It's amazing how similar our lives are each day and how universal whining is! Yeah, I too completely dislike the zombies that my kids become when they watch TV, but sometimes a mom needs 15-30 minutes to finish a task. Mike watched the kids this morning for a few hours while I was at the temple and when I returned he asked, "How do you get anything done?" I know he appreciates me, but I was more gratified to hear that he actually thinks I get things done! Keep up the good work!
I agree with Jennifer! You can drop your kiddos off on my doorstep, too! Then the kids can just fight it out together!
My summer has felt exactly the same way. In fact, when we get back from our little vacation that we have been on to change up the pace, I will institute a Monday Movie Day!! I think that is the only way I can get a few things done in the house. Out of the house, well, that's another story. I'm so glad there are others out there going through the same feelings! You are an amazing mom and I so wish you guys were closer so we could get together, but thank goodness for technology that helps us moms get through the day!!
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