Slow.as.a.snail. That's how I would describe child #1 in the morning. She likes to get up at the crack of dawn but takes her sweet ol' time getting ready. And is distracted many times along the way. Last year I had her take pictures of what things she needed to get done. Hoping that it would keep her from getting distracted and forgetting what needs to be done. To eliminate any morning hang ups she and I pick out her clothes for the week and they are laid out ready to grab and go. Her sandwiches are made and all her lunch items are organized in a basket in the fridge/pantry for easy packing.
It works to a degree, at least I don't find myself yelling and getting frustrated trying to remember what needs to get done on her list while trying to get myself and the babies ready. Breakfast is the last thing on the list, in hopes that a growling stomach will be motivation. Sometimes it is, sometimes its not.
But I still find myself saying {in my head} "why can't you speed things up? your sister has been up 45 minutes less than you and she's already done with her list. Let's move this thing along" or I find myself helping her too much trying to keep her moving as the clock is ticking for her to get on the bus. I even have an ongoing punishment: if you dilly dally and miss the bus...I will take you to school but you will clean toilets when you get home. So far no toilet cleaning.
So I have to take a deep breath and find encouraging words. "You are almost done with your list, keep it up." Words that don't hurt her or compare her to anyone else. She's special and unique. She's my curly headed monster who's growing up and needing some room to spread her wings. She's creative and funny. She loves to dance and sing.
I could really see her as an adult who watches the news and has 2 cups of coffee before 7 then gets to her day. I guess in her world slow and steady wins the race! Love her!
It works to a degree, at least I don't find myself yelling and getting frustrated trying to remember what needs to get done on her list while trying to get myself and the babies ready. Breakfast is the last thing on the list, in hopes that a growling stomach will be motivation. Sometimes it is, sometimes its not.
But I still find myself saying {in my head} "why can't you speed things up? your sister has been up 45 minutes less than you and she's already done with her list. Let's move this thing along" or I find myself helping her too much trying to keep her moving as the clock is ticking for her to get on the bus. I even have an ongoing punishment: if you dilly dally and miss the bus...I will take you to school but you will clean toilets when you get home. So far no toilet cleaning.
So I have to take a deep breath and find encouraging words. "You are almost done with your list, keep it up." Words that don't hurt her or compare her to anyone else. She's special and unique. She's my curly headed monster who's growing up and needing some room to spread her wings. She's creative and funny. She loves to dance and sing.
I could really see her as an adult who watches the news and has 2 cups of coffee before 7 then gets to her day. I guess in her world slow and steady wins the race! Love her!
Here's other's who have perfect lives too!
i love this. it's amazing how our little ones know exactly how to push our buttons. thanks for linking up! xoxo.
ReplyDelete