Jul. 13, 2007 - Coming To Grips
Months ago I posted a post of desperation. Over the months I posted little bits of musing of progress and not so much progress. Then yesterday Letitia dropped in and mentioned reading that post and being able to identify totally. It made me realize that I need to post again any more progress, or not so much progress, I'm experiencing now.
So, have things improved? Speaking directly to Letitia...my third child is 14 almost 15. When he was 10, like her third child, he was a bear to work with. He is the "lion" personality. When something doesn't seem quite fair, he's stubborn as a mule. Fidgety. Active. Hands on learner. This character trait, however, when they grow up a little gives them drive and determination to complete and achieve. Listen to me...trying to sound like an expert or something. Really, I've just observed mine to be applying himself. I just have to make my expectations clear, and be sure the work is not overwhelming. The gem of an algebra curriculum that was the 4th in a long line of them that finally worked for my first born, was a very bad match for this 3rd born. I happened to have not sold off one of the others so I grabbed it off the shelf and about threw it at him. Ok, not really! He loves it. Ok, maybe love is a strong word. He just keeps saying to me....It's so easy to understand with this curriculum. Too bad we didn't have the conversation in the winter. Or in December. Water under the bridge.........
How did we get to this point. When summer drew near I knew something had to change. This summer had to be different than all the others......"You will not have summer off until all of the work that I assigned is done. You will go on planned family trips, but any other day you are home it's a school day. If it isn't done, you will not advance to the next grade level."
I had never spoken like that before. I'd be so "done in" at the end of the year that I'd just call whatever they had accomplished "good." Shelve all the books. Then start over in the fall fulling intending to do better next time.
So, I don't have all my answers. I've read up on apprenticeships pondering that for my second born. This 3rd born wants to go into the Marines. My mind considers for fleeting seconds here and there that he'd do better entering the Marines with college courses under his belt. Yet, my brain can't stay on that complex concept for long. "I'll think about that tomorrow."
All for now...this post is already long!
Comments
Jul. 14, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SandBetweenMyToes
Glad to know things are starting to work out. The Lord is showing me things. I'm still searching , from Him, on what the balance is supposed to be in some areas. What He wants it to look like. I know for me and for my little girls it won't look like it did for the older two.
You're right, those things that frustrate us about our strong personality children now, are gifts from God, that He will use in ways that will probably amaze us. Again, for me, it is finding the balance--training and disciplining without crushing their spirit and gifts.
Letitia
Jul. 16, 2007 - Hey, we're twins
Posted by Danaover40
I can't believe I found you through clicking on Random Blogger. I've just recently re-named my blog "Do the Next Thing" and had to do several double-takes when your blog came up.
I enjoyed "meeting" you and loved your photos of Maine.
BTW, my daughter has attended Maryland's TeenPact.
Come see my blog and see why I named it "Do the Next Thing."
Have a great day~ Danaover40
