Let the Games Begin
You just thought the Olympics were over. But the real tests of feat, skill, endurance, and pure strength have been displayed this first week of school.
Consider the following:
1. "Meet me in the morning" games: Getting everyone out of bed, to the kitchen table, and fully clothed has been an event unto itself. Luke gets the gold on this one; Grace didn't even qualify. She has been RESISTANT every morning, flopping herself onto the floor and digging in her heels--both Olympic-worthy events. All in all, some rough starts this week. Glad this event wasn't televised.
2. "Pull out the details" game: To have a son who loves to talk, this has become one of our more interesting games, because he offers NO DETAILS about his school day. Nothing. Nada. When asked, everything is "fine" or "good" and he can't "really remember anything" about his day. So I feel good about the money I'm spending on this education. Seriously, people. I just found out his classroom has a pet guinea pig--from another mom. I also found out about Darth Tater--from another mom. About his school program--from another mom. I am a person who LOVES the details--if I could, I would read a play-by-play description of the school day and Grace's day at the babysitter. Sadly, nothing. I'll keep you posted when I found out something about life in the 2nd grade. For now, know that it is "good" and "fine." I guess you can't ask for more than that.
3. "Wake up the Mama" game: Unfortunately, this game is being played at night. Usually around 11:30 or midnight when Rob has to wake me up to tell me that the night is indeed over, that I've been asleep on the bed, in my school clothes/full makeup/no teeth brushing/ etc. since about 9:30, and that I really need to "officially" get ready for bed, OR, get up and do all the things on my to-do list.
Ugh.
4. The "How Many Days Until Summer" game: Believe it or not, we've already started counting. :-)
We're looking forward to the week-end and all being back together in the same place. Until then, let the games continue!
Jana
posted by Jana @ 11:33 AM
4 comments
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Okay, Grace may be too young for this, but at my house, if you aren't out of bed doing what you're supposed to be doing, and somewhat civil about it, bedtime gets moved back (earlier) 15 minutes. Lather, rinse, repeat until we've found the right bedtime to get your tail out of bed! Now just the threat of it works in the morning!
Yeah, folks tell me Luke is very typical of a male. Fortunately, my daughter is older, so I knew somewhat what to ask for brother: what was your favorite part of today, has the music teacher mentioned a program, who did you sit by at lunch, etc. Usually somewhere in there I would get a half-answer that would give me insight into things like class pets, etc. It's all a game.
While Rob is cleaning up from dinner (!!) hop in the shower (washing your face and brushing your teeth -- you're a multi-tasking mom!) and change into your PJ's. Then you can at least fall asleep taking care of several of those things. 'Cause little stinks more than being SOUND asleep and having to get up to do all kinds of stuff!
So, I've been bossy. Good times, those 'get-to-school games'!! You get a gold just for having a second to blog!
I am reminded of Luke's father, who had never met a stranger in his first five and a half years of life, and who talked the ear off the teacher during his orientation visit to school, and who spent the first two weeks of school all day, every day, all through choice time, and as many other parts of the day as he could get by with, at the easel, so he didn't have to interact with anyone else. At least you get to see what's happening two days a week while you're being lunch room monitor. Babi
PS And I think Grace's problem is not a matter of enough sleep, but a matter of having very definite ideas about why she does or doesn't want to do, which may be harder to deal with.
I'm an artist - what did you expect!
And Grace gets that from her mother ... or perhaps her paternal grandmother... ;-)
Yes, getting your child to tell you about his/her day at school is much like pulling teeth "without" anesthesia, and sometimes more painful. When my children were in elementary and middle school, I could "usually" get them started talking "for real" by asking them NOT "what did you do today", but by asking some really insane question, like "hey, aren't you learning quadratic equations about now?" which, in turn would generate this incredulous look and a "no way, Mom, we're doing "xyz, etc." Or, I'd ask them if they had steak for lunch, which, in turn would lead to a more realistic discussion about what they "did" have, or, rather, what they actually "ate". Of course, then, when they got to high school, they readily told me about the daily happenings because then I would tell them that if they couldn't remember what they were doing in school, "I guess I'll just have to come to class with you". And, I did go to class with Shelly one day and never had to attend class with her or Ed ever again!! Let me say, also, that one of your earlier blogs mentioned that you were "older" than most of the moms. Well, let me tell you that parenthood is NOT for sissies, you need age in your favor. Anyway, I just love hearing about your family and eagerly check your blog regularly.
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