Mama Diaries

Thursday, November 14, 2013

A Win-Win Situation

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!

28 comments:

  1. 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. :)

    Great post!

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  2. Replies
    1. I think just about all moms welcome a little rest from time to time!

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  3. That's excellent. Be there, but don't watch. Nap.

    Love,
    Janie

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  4. he has trained you quite well :P

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  5. Don't expect things to change anytime soon. My eleven year old son still does the same thing.

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  6. A win/ win if I've ever heard of one!

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  7. Anything to get a little nap time in sounds good to me.

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  8. You gotta fit a nap in where and when you can.

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    Replies
    1. I wish I could figure out how to add them into my busy schedule!

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  9. I 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!

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  10. Your son reminds me of my youngest BIG TIME. He would do the EXACT same thing. So sweet, but whew, focus kid!

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  11. You're needed but it mustn't appear so. A nap sounds good:-)

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    Replies
    1. So nice to know that my presence is a positive thing!

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  12. Wanting to be dependent but not quite sure how to. Yep. I know what that's like. Way to multitask! :)

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    Replies
    1. Ha! Moms are definitely experts at multitasking!

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  13. Very cute and I'm glad it was a good solution for everyone.

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    Replies
    1. Now if only the dinner would get up and make itself!

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  14. I like the fact that you help him focus. You're his rock. So sweet :)

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