homework blues...

Every day after school a battle rages at our house.  It may just be a battle of wills but weapons are drawn and shots are fired.  Yes, the homework battle is an every day occurrence.  I would like to tell you that I always come out the victor but that isn't always the case.  Sometimes tears are shed and sometimes there is yelling.  I would like to tell you that I am never the one doing the yelling but that isn't always the case either.

I do all the things they tell you to do: I have a set routine, I give the kids some down time before they have to start their homework, I give my kids a snack before they start, I talk to them about their day, I encourage them.  Of course, I then say the dreaded declaration of war, "It's time to start your homework",  and all those things go right out the window.  (As I was typing this I heard this phrase come from Ashlyn's room, "I HATE HOMEWORK! The person who invented homework REALLY didn't like kids!")

The funny thing is that when Ashlyn and Landon focus on the task at hand they do a great job.  Landon struggles with reading sometimes.  He has come a really long way since the beginning of the year but he still gets frustrated easily.  Ashlyn, on the other hand, is having a hard time with math.  If I could only get her to memorize her multiplication facts she would have a much easier time.  I am trying my best to help them and make homework fun but sometimes no amount of "spinning the situation" makes the homework any easier.

I for one would sometimes rather be doing this...

We made these cookies this week to share with some friends.  I didn't even get upset when flour spilled out on the counter and the floor.

I even forfeited my perfectionism and let the kids twist their own candy canes. See, people can change!

Speaking of change, I even have a kid craft planned for later this week.  Yes, Mom, you can pick yourself up off the floor now.  More to come!

Happy Tuesday!