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I write today an absolutely frazzled female. I try very hard not to be a yeller. I really don't want to have to yell at my kids to get them to do something. However, Lilly is about to drive me into the nut house. Every time I turn a corner in my home I am greated by a new masterpiece from my little artist all over yet another wall. I have yelled at her,I have spanked her, I have grounded her from tv and video games for a week. Nothing seems to help. So finally I fell to my knees and prayed. Lord please help me to find a solution. I know that she is so smart and creative that she just can't hold it in. Then it came to me. Stop cleaning it up. I didn't do this. I didn't color on the walls. So why do I have to clean it up. As we speak my little artist is scrubbing every bit of wall in this house with even a speck of crayon on it. If this does not break her of it I am out of ideas.
There are times I wonder if I am a glutton for punishment staying at home with my children and homeschooling them. We can barely(sometimes not even ) make ends meet,my house is always a mess, not to mention everyone has to question my own intelligence and ability constantly. If it was not for my faith in God and knowing that he has called me to this and in turn will give me the strength, I think I would have given up long ago. Yes the thought has entered my mind that if I put them in public school I would be down to one child during the day. Oh the things I could get done with just one child all day long. Well so much for the blissful, organized, super homeschool mom. But don't we all make sacrifices for our children. I love my children so much that I am willing to sacrifice my time,energy, and yes sometimes my sanity, to make sure that they are brought up in the wisdom of God. I DO believe this is my calling. Most days I find it very fulfilling. But this has been ONE OF THOSE DAYS. lol This sacrifice for my children doing what God has called and commanded me to do is nothing compared to the sacrifice that he made for me.
My mom used to sing that Sandy Patty song One Day at a Time. It definately comes to mind today.
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Nov. 20, 2007 - My Solution
This week I have kicked my kids outside to play while I clean. I told them that if they come inside they had to clean with me. They stayed out. I have been a cleaning freak. (I actually have a kitchen floor. I was beginning to wonder if it was an openfaced PBJ sandwich.) Praise the LORD for giving good weather.
B used to color on the walls. After he was disciplined AND had to clean his own mess, he decided to use paper (though I see pencil scribbles on his desk.)
When I was in school (5th grade) I had a wonderful teacher. One day I was in history class. I was bored and drew a picture of California on my desk. That teacher came by and complemented me on my drawing, but asked if I would use paper next time. Of course, that wiped off easier than a wall.
You did the right thing. Yes, discipline is necessary. And she should clean her mess. But I am talking about praying. L is a bright and lovely girl. She will learn the boundaries. Would you consider a craft kit for her for Christmas? Something that is "moderately" messy, but not damaging? That's another thing we did with B. He was able to be creative without damaging anything. Styrofoam balls, google eyes, glue sticks, pipe cleaners, etc.