Great support from other moms

First, let me say.....Aghhhh!!!!  It's been a SUPER tough week with the kids.  I really felt like giving up in many of those hard moments and second-guessed myself numerous times.  I would ask, am I being too tough, too gentle, too inconsistent, too easy to say no?  Why are they not listening?

I have been challenged much this week with poor attitudes from Ethan.  I couldn't believe what a 6 year old's bad attitude can be like!  Everything I asked him to do, he had some kind of negative response and tried to negotiate his way out of it.  I ended up falling into the trap of arguing and explaining myself to him!  By the time I realized what I was doing, my anger had built up so much that it wasn't pretty.  I had resorted to sending him to his room a couple days without having any school time.  I was just too mad.

By Friday, I was exhausted physically and was beaten up emotionally.  I felt so miserable and not sure what to do.  However, I was changed by Friday evening.  I met up with my homeschooling prayer group over Skype, we vented, prayed, and encouraged one another.  My dear friends told me to persevere, to keep on training the boys because God is faithful.  I also got some great insight and ideas about setting time-limits on meals as well as scheduling exercise breaks in between lessons.  I can't wait to try them out tomorrow!

I want to thank my homeschooling mom's group for all their support and encouragement, it really makes a difference when you know you're not struggling alone.  Each child has his/her own personality and we all need to teach and train them with patience, love, and grace.