When my nine-year-old son does his homework, I have to sit next to him, supervising. If I don't, his mind has a tendency to wander, and the work doesn't get done. Last night I sat next to him at the kitchen table. But instead of doing his homework, he was goofing around, looking out the window and humming songs.
"Bubba. You need to focus, or you're never going to finish!" I said.
"Maybe I'll focus if you stop watching me," he answered.
"Fine. I have lots of work to do, anyway," I said getting up. "Go ahead and work on this yourself."
"But Mama, you have to stay."
"Why do I have to stay?" I asked.
"Because your presence helps me focus. Just don't watch me."
Okay.
So I closed my eyes and took a little nap at the kitchen table while he did his homework. Not a bad deal - I get some rest, and he gets his work done!
Don't you just love the conditions under which we must behave? My 9 year old daughter is the same way. "Mom, stop looking over my shoulder!" (very indignant.) "Mom, where are you going?" (also equally indignant) lol. Mommyland is a very tempermental place to abide. For lots of reasons beyond our control. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Ha! So true!
Deletelol best of both worlds
ReplyDeleteBelieve me, I needed some shut-eye! ;0)
Delete:) Sounds good to me!
ReplyDeleteI think just about all moms welcome a little rest from time to time!
DeleteThat's excellent. Be there, but don't watch. Nap.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
he has trained you quite well :P
ReplyDeleteI suppose so. ;0)
DeleteDon't expect things to change anytime soon. My eleven year old son still does the same thing.
ReplyDeleteAs does my twelve-year-old daughter.
DeleteA win/ win if I've ever heard of one!
ReplyDeleteAnything to get a little nap time in sounds good to me.
ReplyDeleteNaps are good. Too bad a never get them!
DeleteYou gotta fit a nap in where and when you can.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could figure out how to add them into my busy schedule!
DeleteI always get wigged out when people watch me, so Bubba's request doesn't surprise me, heh. At least you got to sneak in some rest this way!
ReplyDeleteCatch a nap, sounds good
ReplyDeleteI sure need one!
DeleteYour son reminds me of my youngest BIG TIME. He would do the EXACT same thing. So sweet, but whew, focus kid!
ReplyDeleteYes. He has a big issue with focus!
DeleteYou're needed but it mustn't appear so. A nap sounds good:-)
ReplyDeleteSo nice to know that my presence is a positive thing!
DeleteWanting to be dependent but not quite sure how to. Yep. I know what that's like. Way to multitask! :)
ReplyDeleteHa! Moms are definitely experts at multitasking!
DeleteVery cute and I'm glad it was a good solution for everyone.
ReplyDeleteNow if only the dinner would get up and make itself!
DeleteI like the fact that you help him focus. You're his rock. So sweet :)
ReplyDelete