TGIF

It's Friday. Officially made it thru one week at the new job. It was tedious but I met a lot of great professionals and look forward to taking care of patients.

Even with the commuting I managed to make 3 homemade meals for dinner. That was an accomplishment for me. Not too long ago I would have pulled into a mcdonalds or ordered pizza. Monday night was therapy night which included a trip to noodles ( per usual) and Friday is pizza night. 

There has been frequent breakdowns into tears by both mom and kiddos. Not simultaneously, though. As the week progressed I could see the behavior for what it was, an attempt to get some attention and affection and I did my best to set reasonable limits and give lots of hugs and kisses. 

I even made it out to CrossFit one night. A while ago I read that if you are doing something to avoid making your kids upset, then that is not a good parenting strategy. On Monday, Oliver asked if I was leaving for my class and I told him I was going on Wednesday only. He cried, but came out of it pretty quickly. When Wednesday came around I said I was leaving for my class and there wasn't a single whine, tear , complaint. In fact, Oliver encouraged me to go.  It was a remarkable moment for me. I realized that if I asked for what I needed, my kids would give it to me. It may take some practice, but eventually they will get it. 

So many times I tell my kids they need to be brave. To try to solve their own problems and work thru the frustration. I wish it was easy for me to follow my own advice.