This morning, I told my seven year old Soleil to clean her room before we started school.
First, she made a chart.
Next, she spent fifteen minutes looking for a clipboard to hold her chart.
Then, she sat down with her Bible. When I raised my eyebrow at her, she explained that Bible was first on her chart, and we haven’t done Bible yet today, and of course she can’t start her day without it.
Now this kid loves her Bible, but I’ve never seen a more intensely devoted reading session.
Forty minutes later, I’m enjoying my third cup of coffee and not saying a word.
The laundry basket I set in front of her door for her to fill and bring to the laundry room is still there. Empty. She is making several “Oh, this is so interesting!” faces as she reads. Coco smiles at me over her head. Soleil is fooling no one.
Because we have nothing pressing this afternoon, I’m going to let her read as long as she wants. She can be pretty stubborn. I can be pretty patient. And hey, if free time rolls around and she’s still doing school, too bad… right?
I know this would drive some people crazy. But I have no problem admitting that sometimes my kids don’t jump when I say jump and I don’t immediately take care of it.
I could yell, scold, punish, insist she start cleaning. I could find some creative way to motivate her. But to be honest, I’m not in the mood today. Let her procrastinate and let her experience some natural consequences. Maybe she’ll miss some playtime later because she’ll be finishing. I hope not. I don’t enjoy these things. Alas, parenting is never easy, is it?
All I have is three words. I’m sorry, Mom.
Elissa says
Yes, Yes, Yes.
Delilah inherited her Mommy’s distractability.
Sharon says
Learning consequences at on early age never hurt anyone. Plus, she is learning the Word of God at the same time.
Melissa says
So I have to ask…did she miss some play time? and throw a fit? because I have quite the stubborn little lady too!
Homegrown Mom says
Well, so sorry I took a while to get back to you on this! We’ve actually moved to a different house, but I still remember this day and the little stinker got all her work done on time 🙂 Just goes to show… you never know!
Allie says
Funny how this is the first post of yours I am reading and I came about in a funny way…from your Probloggers endorsements for his 31 days of blogging book.
And this post is funny, why? That is my daughter. She would rather stare at the wall than get her chores done. If I don’t constantly remind her she drifts. I have even tried to let her experience consequences the natural way but she just forgets the very next day that there are consequences.
And then to top it all off, when she gets in trouble she doesn’t throw a fit, she gets really angry at herself for letting me down. Man, I must have guilt-tripped that girl all the way to the shrink. It makes me feel so bad that there are times I let her slide. Bad mom, she is probably working me. But I love her more than any other little girl and we can both give and take.
Mamala says
Yes, I accept your apology.
However, truth be told–one of my favorite memories is sending you to clean your room, then checking in 15 minutes later to find you cradled in the middle of the laundry that was your floor, lost in a book.
The charm of your intensity has fueled your Angela-ness. Being neat is nice–but life is sometimes most exciting amidst the mess.
Check out our spare room sometime.
Jolene says
Ah, isn’t motherhood a day by day adventure? I love the windows of insight into our little ones’ minds during moments like this.
Alyce says
I need to learn more patience from you! We have this happen many times. Unfortunately, if I am in a not-so-patient mood, I do yell and fuss. Does it really get anyone anywhere? Not exactly. My will fuss and whine cause of having to do chores/school longer, etc and never “get it” that if they don’t go ahead and do it, there will be no free time. I’m still figuring this all out anyway…as this is my first year homeschooling. Ahhh…the joys!
sandy toe says
I think every family has this-
At least you recognize it!
sandy toe
Michelle says
This is such a sweet story. And I love that you chose to let her learn a natural lesson.
Thanks for your blog! I just found it. I’m a new mom, and a rookie home maker. I can’t wait to read your archives!
Amy says
Oh I am amused…
Natural learning at its best…
… consequences for every action whether good or bad or in between…
Thanks xx
Mandy says
My girls are the exact same way and I was the same way when I was a kid, too! ANYTHING to keep from cleaning my room! I have vivid memories of forcing myself to take a NAP instead of cleaning! How sad that I would have rather slept through it (while my sister cleaned the room, heh heh heh) than to at least handled the toys I so loved while putting them away! Kids are weird.
Cheryl @ Treasures from a Shoebox says
Wise Momma! 🙂
Farnoosh says
What a lovely story – I don’t have children but you wrote in such a way that I imagined your house, your child, the Bible and everything. Beautiful story telling and yes, parent as you deem appropriate. It’s the best way to raise one’s own child. (PS: I came here from your testimonial on 31DBBB! And love the site)
Kimberly @ Intentional Mom says
That is awesome! My kiddos have been guilty of that, as well!