Jan. 23, 2006 - Crash and Burn

Well, it wasn't a complete crash and burn.  DS 10 did all of his assignments today with no complaing and actually said he was enjoying what we were studying in science.  We worked extra hard on spelling today, which he hates and he didn't even give me a hard time about it.

Now, the crash and burn comes in the form of my six year old!!  He refused to do any school...stated he was taking a break from school!  Well, I was tempted to force him and exert my parental authority but thought twice, knowing this wasn't the kid to respond to such tactics.  So, I agreed but kindly reminded him that he would not  earn any marbles and thus would not have enough for his 'red day'(Which is his day to play video games).  He retorted, "I don't care!" and pranced off to spend most of the morning outside, alone, playing something or other!!  This did not go over well with older son, but I tried to explain how David was different and required a different appraoch.  He could not be forced or coerced into doing what we wanted him too, he had to come to it on his own.  AFter lunch he asked if I would read The Ice Wizard (a magic treehouse book).  We ended up reading the entire book...with me slipping in comp. questions ever so often.  He really absorbed that book and then was off to pretend it...that's what he calls it.  So, I guess now that I look at it...it wasn't a total crash and burn...my agenda was what burned, his was completely fulfilled and appropriate for him!  So, I guess we had a good day after all. 

Boy, writing this stuff out really helps me 'see' what I am doing.  Thank God for words!!