February 22, 2010

Monday
08:30

Home. And yet another cold and rainy day causing us to be stuck inside again. The kids, and me for that matter, really need to get outside. We are all feeling the effects.

My need and desire to have even an hour during the day to myself for personal time or just to do some much needed house cleaning is overwhelming. Every time I sit down for a few minutes to write or anything, one of the kids needs something. I know that is to be expected when you are a parent but I know other parents that get down time or free time to reset or relax for small amounts of time. It is very frustrating and it is negatively affecting how I respond do to the kids. I need a parenting make-over.

10:00

I am having a very hard time getting the boys to keep on track with their school work. I have a rewards system that I have been using to motivate them to do their lessons but it is not working as I would like. They get a poker chip for each lesson that they complete. Then they can use their chips to play a video game, watch a movie or other things.

Today, J is doing his lessons. He has earned three chips so far. Z on the other hand, has earned none. He refuses to do his lessons. I have confined him to his room until he thinks he can do his lessons. If he stays in there all day, he won't chips for anything. I am hoping that if he sees his brother playing games and watching a movie that will motivate him to do his lessons. I will not be holding my breath though.

If only I knew why Z has so much trouble doing his lessons.

17:00

Just about time to start fixing dinner. I can't believe it is already that time. Time is going by way too fast.

Z ended up doing only one lesson today. He is going to get way too far behind and given a warning. I am at a loss as to what to do. J did five lessons with minimal fussing.

It has been raining constantly it seems since Saturday or late Friday night. I will not be able to let the kids outside to play for some time. Earlier it was raining one minute, then snowing, then back to raining in the span of a few minutes. Crazy weather. I am sure farther north like Flagstaff is getting a lot of snow.