Sometimes I wonder if I’m tougher on my daughter than I am on my boys. Tonight I had another crying dramatic scene with her as she was working through the subtraction problems. I became so annoyed with her when she was just sitting there looking dazed as if she couldn’t recall the easy math facts. And then came, of course, the “I can’t” phrase. Well, those 2 words push my buttons quicker than just about anything, especially with her. I know her all too well. She can turn the water works on quickly when she’s not interested in something, and she can quickly turn them off when it suits her. I lit into her with my words and had no sympathy. I made her sit there and finish the assigned problems while ridiculing her for her attitude. Now, I must admit that these particular problems were being done at 10:00 at night while eating a very late dinner of scallops and broccoli, so I appreciate the fact that she was very tired. I thought to myself that I must be a bit on the nutty side requiring such of her and I admittedly felt briefly ashamed of myself. That was until she had finally solved her problems. The tears quickly vanished once she was released from my stronghold and allowed to go play Legos with her brother before retiring. So, I then realized she was playing me, at least a little. I don’t know. It’s a struggle for me to know just how far to push them.
I’m off to finally retire. I didn’t work out but instead ate several peppermint cookies. Sometimes you just need to eat a cookie or two.
This week will be another shortened academic week, as we are considering taking a family vacation this month. I’ve got to get my mind around packing yet again but with more people to factor into the mix.
Happy Veteran’s day to you. Both my husband and I served many years in the Air Force, so we appreciate the pause and remember holiday.
