Spare Time, What's That?

A new school year and a new beginning. 


I don't really know what to say.  I'm working full time, and don't get home until 6:00 p.m.  I feel very separated from the kids and their schooling, and it's upsetting.  I try, though, not to feel upset, since everything seems to be fine.


Grant's teacher is what I was hoping she would be, and he has had no problems in her class.  We did have one really awful morning last week at home, but that is the exception and not the rule, at least this month. 


Today isn't going so well, either.


I've said it before, but it's easy to be pleasant when everything is going your way.  What shows true strength of character is behaving well - even pleasantly - when things are NOT going your way.  I have said this to my son and he knows it.  I think that even though he is bright, this is not something a child can truly process.  We are back to the consequences of our actions thing, only in a somewhat metaphorical adaptation.


No, I don't know why I'm talking like that.  I can't just say something today.


The Mark System.  Doing that.


At least I am.  I'm not sure Husband has been enforcing it, which is to say, he's teaching my children to go ahead and misbehave, since there is a reasonable chance that all consequences will be forgotten.


But I'm still busy with my other obligations and haven't been home.  How much guilt can one woman brew up?  Let's find out.


Abbie is not making progress in personal grooming or personal responsibility, either.  In fact, she and Grant have both been taking advantage of Husband's complete illiteracy in the field of music by telling him they've practiced their music lessons, when really they've just gone into their rooms and made a few sounds.  Disgraceful.


So.  From a few steps back, we are having a great year and doing extremely well, but when you take a closer look, we have much to work on, and much to improve.


*sigh*