Friday, April 17, 2020 - Coronavirus Pandemic
by Michele L. Mueller on 04/17/20
Yep, yesterday Governor Evers made the official announcement that school is cancelled for the rest of this school year. Um...NOOOO!!! Yep. I'm all in but the stress when the kiddo complains about having to do school work drives me INSANE. He gets good reviews during each parent/teacher conference; "he's a sweetheart; he's a good friend to everyone; he likes to talk; his focus sometimes is lacking; I love having him in class; he participates, etc." Well guess what...kids test their parents. They get mouthy and argumentative and fuss and cry, etc. It's the same but different. Then I get stressed out because we just started and I'm having to argue with my kid because of his complaining and not spending that time getting his work done. It makes the whole entire situation feel overwhelming for him and myself.
Am I terrible parent? Did I actually raise a kid who is acting like this? What did I do wrong? Self doubt is drowning me. Then, when he's standing in the corner and his computer has been taken away for the rest of the day and we both feel terrible...he decides he's going to get to work and apologize for acting up. WHAT? Like...why do it to begin with?! Just behave and get your work done. That's all I'm asking. I'm here to help him through whatever he needs, I even fix him snack plates and everything to keep him happy and productive. I feel like I'm doing all I can and he still has to upset the situation before he even begins sometimes? WHY? Because he's a kid, I guess. Because he's going through a lot, too, I'm sure. Because we aren't perfect. Because he has bad moments just like the rest of us. He's testing the waters to see what he can get away with - it's normal. Now I just have to keep reminding myself of that. I'm the adult here. I don't need to add to his stress. I need to help him sort it out; we can sort it out together. If there's a lesson to be learned through all of this it's...be good to one another; support each other; don't add to the stress; be loving and understanding and help each other be a better version of ourselves.
Now I have to go talk to him and check in with his emotions. Dang...the love we have for our kids keeps us grounded AND insane all at the same time! It's the toughest job ever but the benefits are life altering and worth it all.
-MM
