Running Red Momma

I was sitting with my kids at the swing set reflecting upon the day. Today, homework did not take two and half hours to do. My son got to it right away. Actually, after meeting quickly with a teacher, I came home to both kids bent over their homework. The house was semi-clean and I felt semi-on-top-of-it. I thought, "how would I feel if it were like this every day? Imagine the glory, peace and organization my life would be!" I closed my eyes and smiled at the image. Suddenly, my rational self knocked on the dream. You wouldn't know that it was wonderful if that is all you knew. How would I know how miserable homework, mud, yelling, begging to concentrate, get up, pack your lunch, get your uniform/leotard, clean your room, empty the dishwasher, stop yelling, start sharing, that is a warning, sit down could be? I was delighting in the day because of the very opposite nature of most of my daily pursuits. I love and enjoy my active children. Yet, in my perfect ...

I loved school when I was young. I would lay out my clothes the night before the first day and waited for the sun. Admittedly, it may have been excitement to wear new clothes. But, I really do love school. As I pursued my masters, I discovered such rich/innovative teaching for topics in math and reading. I couldn't wait for my daughter to come home with stories of joyful learning, growth and accomplishment. She is bright with a bubbly sense of humor. I imagined all the journeys she would take and I became thrilled for her. She is now in 5th grade. Together we have killed a forest with all of her worksheets. She rarely has learning centers or process driven experiences. She rarely discusses or learns about the joy of learning. Instead, she takes tests, fills out mind-numbing worksheets and gets percentage points stamped on her homework. She continues to try because she trusts me. I tell her school is awesome, but her favorite time is lunch. She cries over her math. ...