SuperMom Mentality

There’s this one tune I hear Mica stand and play at the piano.  I’ve heard her play it before on several occasions and it’s a sweet, soothing piece.  She’s never taken lessons.  “Who taught you that song?” I ask.  “No one, I made it up.”  Wow, She’s a diamond in the rough.  What other hidden talents might she have that we are not able to foster at this moment.

Lately it feels like all of our free time is held hostage to this one major task – homework. It’s not that she has too much or that it’s too complicated.  It’s just that it’s boring, repetitive, and time-consuming.  In addition, on the weekends, Mica’s teacher has been sending home a packet of work she was unable to complete during the week.  There are also 3 websites she’s supposed to spend at least 15 minutes a day visiting and “playing” and 2 Accelerated Reader books (one English and one Spanish) that she must read and take a test on each morning.  It feels like we are under water all the time, struggling to breathe.  When is this child supposed to get a break, be a kid, feel free, play with her barbies or watch one episode of Sponge Bob Square Pants?

There are so many important things that I wank Mica to learn.  I want to teach her about personal finance and the importance of tithing.  I want her to have hobbies such as music and sports.  I want her to do chores and be able to keep up with her own room (cleaning and organizing).  I want to teach her how to write in cursive so that when she’s older she can read all the little notes I’ve written to her over the years.  I want her to read some of the things I read as a child, such as “Chick tracts” and “Help me be Good” books to build faith and character.  But most of all, I want her to learn about God and His Word.  The Bible should not come second to homework!  It should not come second to anything.

So I looked at the situation from this angle.  What’s more important?  Drawing 79 cubes or reading and discussing the story of Daniel and the Lion’s den?  I think in life, courage in the face of adversity and faith that God will come through if you are faithful to him, is a more valuable lesson.

So I wrote Mica’s teacher and explained the situation.  I politely told her I would be limiting homework time, at least until we get a diagnosis for Mica (if she does, in fact have A.D.D or A.D.H.D) and focusing on what I think is important.  Thankfully, she was understanding.

The past few days, things have been a bit calmer during the once-dreaded evening hours. I pick out several key questions from the homework assignment or uncompleted work from school and we make those our goal.  I set a timer and she gets done what she gets done.  After that, we do “God Time card” activities (our church’s kids’ devotionals).  Just before bed, we read her AR books and then her Children’s Bible.  Now, finally, we feel some peace.

(Note:  This “Relatable Lyrics” link below is a must see!)