Monday, July 28, 2008

I am having a homeschooling NIGHTMARE

It is just one of those days, I guess. I tried to start the day well, made buttermilk pancakes for breakfast so that Monday wouldn't seem so yucky for the kids, started school only a few minutes late, but Number One Son is just being so sassy and obstinate this morning, and I am a little more short-tempered than usual. The two of us together are like fire and gunpowder today. I've had to administer corporal punishment (something I detest doing, but I realize there are times when nothing else gets the message through) and I am tired of being talked at like I'm my seven year-old's equal).

Sometimes my kids make me feel like I've completely failed as a Catholic parent. Why don't my kids embody the principles of duty, obedience, respect? I don't blame them for grumbling about work they don't like, as I'm not very good about "cheerful giving" either when it comes to chores I dislike, but I do them out of duty anyway. I show respect to others...so why are they not learning respect in turn? Am I a pushover?

Anyway, after screaming, busting a couple of pencils and holding back tears, I came in here (the office) and locked the door to vent. My saintly daughter--the one who keeps me from feeling like I'm a complete flop--is trying to hold everything together out there. I'd better go and save her.

Later: Okay, we got past the schooling, and actually everything went a lot better after lunch. I don't know why, but after The Boy and I have it out, things usually improve. He worked diligently and with less distractedness this afternoon.

Tomorrow can only be better. Unless we all come down with an intestinal virus or something.

2 comments:

  1. Reminds me of my house! I have one son with whom I'm always knocking heads. He's my #3 son and he is the born leader. Keep your chin up - things will get better!

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  2. Sounds like you needed to break out one of those bottles of cheap Italian table wine, my friend! ; )

    Seriously now, thanks so much for writing about the frustrations of your yesterday morning. So often, it seems, blogging mommies share only the pretty pictures of their lives. And that's fine - I mean, I like pretty things as much as the next gal. But I like the not so pretty pictures too. Somehow they're just a bit more "real" to me - more honest, perhaps - and they remind me that I'm not alone on this often difficult, but always joyful journey.

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