They whined.
They begged.
They hollered and screamed.
They threw fruit.
They hit and wouldn’t share.
They called to mom to referee though dad was there too.
And the littlest one laughed at their antics.

I shushed, made them ask and say please and thank you.
I spoke and spanked and made them share
And all became clear: Having no routine for a 2 and 7 year old doesn’t work unless you want MORE work.

So, on my blogging break I learned a break for me can’t be a break for the kids, at least not in the same way. They need an organized schedule that includes plenty of energy-burning activities to keep them focused and calm, kind even, and keeps the mommy feeling like she’s still having some sort of break, even as a part-time referee.

Copyright 2010 by Rhonda J. Smith