Time Trials

It is happening – again.

I swore it wouldn’t. I had a plan. But yet here I am in March, on the verge of watching my young son crowned the undisputed King of Tardiness.

This morning’s conversation:

Me: You took a half an hour to get out of bed. We’re going to be late, you know.

Micah: Why do you always assume we’re going be late?

Me: Oh, well, let me see, because we’ve been late about 14 times this nine weeks! It’s a pretty safe bet.

Micah: We haven’t been late once this nine weeks.

Me: What?! Ha ha. Very, funny, Micah. (We are about three days into this grading period).

As I wrote at the beginning of the school year, mornings are often not a happy time in my house. None of us are morning people. I’ve learned to be because moms have no choice in the matter.

My children, however, are usually unfazed by even my most obnoxious attempts to provoke them to a state of wakefulness. Especially my son Micah.

This year, however, I had a plan. Earlier bedtimes, laying items out the night before, a penalty/reward system. It was all going so well.

But then February arrived. And for some reason February is always the Month of Doom for our promptness streak.

I think I start to let things slide a bit. The monotony of the routine combined with the busyness of spring sports sparks weariness and complacency.

So many times in parenting, I've started a program or declared a new way of doing things, but then lost momentum. I'm inconsistent. And it all falls apart. Along with my credibility.

I still have yet to crack the code on my morning madness, but I have gained some ground in this area over the years. Here’s a few things that have helped me:

1.) Keep it simple. I used to institute these elaborate systems with stickers and charts and bells and whistles. And after a week, it all seemed like hieroglyphics to me, let alone my kids. Now I try to keep it very simple. And I also have learned that what works at one age often doesn't work at another.

Recently, I learned a simple tip from another mom I'm going to try: I’m always having to remind (aka nag) my kids to pick up their clothes, room, etc. This mom suggested that I put up a wipeboard and write down what each kid needs to do. Once they finish the list, then they can go on the computer, etc. Easy. No nagging. I love it.

2.) Focus on what’s most important. I will drive myself and my kids crazy if I try to hold them to perfection in every area (believe me, I’ve tried. I don’t recommend it.) Choose the areas that relate to character issues. For example, doing homework, BEING ON TIME, relate to the areas of discipline and responsibility. Let the little stuff go. Bottom line: Choose your battles carefully.

We can’t do everything perfectly. But consistency is important in parenting.

It’s TIME for me to stay with the program.