{words of wisdom}
It has been one of those mornings. The youngest three kids have been arguing and pushing buttons and just making each other miserable since the second they woke up. (Gracie slept in and missed most of the fun.) There have been many frustrated tears and one tantrum. Happy Monday to us.
As a rule, I try to send Gracie and Luke off to school on a positive note. Most mornings I would have avoided any sort of a lecture on the way to school, choosing instead to talk about something fun or tell a silly joke or listen to a song we like, but the behavior today seemed a little extreme for us and too much to ignore.
So while we made the drive to school, I tried to explain my frustration. I wanted them to understand that our mornings together set the tone for the rest of the day. That they would then spend the whole rest of the day apart. That they should make the most of their little bit of time together. That there has not been enough patience shown. That in our family, we try not to yell at one another. That purposefully making someone mad for your own amusement is a really mean behavior and one that I am disappointed in.
In the middle of all of this advice that I was trying to give my favorite four little people, I wish I could say that the kids were quiet and apologetic and pensive. The reality was Katie and Drew arguing about who saw the Halloween house first and Luke turning around to snap "STOP KICKING MY SEAT!!!" at Drew and Katie crying, "But I want a marshmallow! I really, really want a marshmallow!"
My words of wisdom were clearly soaked in and appreciated this morning.
As a rule, I try to send Gracie and Luke off to school on a positive note. Most mornings I would have avoided any sort of a lecture on the way to school, choosing instead to talk about something fun or tell a silly joke or listen to a song we like, but the behavior today seemed a little extreme for us and too much to ignore.
So while we made the drive to school, I tried to explain my frustration. I wanted them to understand that our mornings together set the tone for the rest of the day. That they would then spend the whole rest of the day apart. That they should make the most of their little bit of time together. That there has not been enough patience shown. That in our family, we try not to yell at one another. That purposefully making someone mad for your own amusement is a really mean behavior and one that I am disappointed in.
In the middle of all of this advice that I was trying to give my favorite four little people, I wish I could say that the kids were quiet and apologetic and pensive. The reality was Katie and Drew arguing about who saw the Halloween house first and Luke turning around to snap "STOP KICKING MY SEAT!!!" at Drew and Katie crying, "But I want a marshmallow! I really, really want a marshmallow!"
My words of wisdom were clearly soaked in and appreciated this morning.
Comments
Awhhh yes,
Those moments when you think in your parental mind "yea, I really hit home with that one".
I am REALLY not rubbing it in, but it sure makes me smile when you experience one of those moments and it immediately conjures up a memory for me:)
Some day (as a grandparent) you will totally understand what I am talking about.
The things you share make me happy.
I love you,
Dad
I have always said...the good traits in all of you kids comes from your mother. I apologize for any of the bad ones:)
Love
Dad