September 1, 2020 – You’re Breaking My Heart Kid

Is there any medicine that you can take that makes you focus?  If so, that would be love of life.“ — The little one

Yesterday was a rough day for the little one and I. She could not keep herself focused during the school day, which meant we spent a couple of hours after school catching up. She missed a bike ride as a result.

My little one has long been impulsive, a super-charged mover and shaker! She cannot be bothered with slowing down or asking for permission. We like to say, “she gives NO damn” or “zero fox given!” She is truly one who lives her best life, no apologies.

This did not come in handy yesterday. It was the first day where teachers were starting more structured lessons and assigning a bit more work during independent time. I spent most of the day asking my child what she is supposed to be working on, telling her she doesn’t need her mouse to listen, saying “Hocus Pocus” (then she says, “everybody focus”), and asking her if she needs to take a minute to check her attitude. In summary, she and I had beef by the end of the day.

Then today at breakfast, she says, “Is there any medicine that you can take that makes you focus?  If so, that would be love of life.” #Tear

Children know! She recognizes that I am constantly trying to refocus her to tend to the task at hand and she doesn’t understand why her body has trouble doing that. What she doesn’t realize, is the answer to her question is yes, but that is not an option until we have exhausted all other non-medicated methods. I know my child. She has it in her to focus when there is something she is truly interested in. I mean, I’m pretty sure she can veg out on Roblox and forget there is a world outside of it. So, I need to find a way to bring that same enthusiasm to her virtual classroom.

Her teacher offered some great suggestions, like an exercise ball for sitting and stepping away from her desk during independent work times. I plan to try both of these, but if I know my kid, I need to have some other tools in my Project Home E-Learnitude pocket!

We shall see what tomorrow will bring! Until then… #ItsWineTime