Aiden’s Homework

I’m pretty chill with my kids. They are all so smart and keep up on their grades so I’m not really strict with homework and reading. I know, I know, some may say that’s not ok. But my kids are all a few levels above grade level and I don’t feel they need the extra “busy work” at home.

However, last night, I went to get my kids in bed, after a great afternoon playing with tons of friends… and Aiden says to me, “mom, can you wake me up early so I can finish my last two questions on my homework?”

This was the first time he has ever said this to me. I said, “buddy, you should have done that earlier today. So I guess tomorrow, no games and no friends. I need you guys to be responsible and know what needs to be done before bedtime.”

I could see this was affecting him and he truly felt bad. He started making some excuses but quickly stopped when I told him he had plenty of time today and I was home all day to help. He put the blanket up to his face and I could tell it was making him sad that I was disappointed.

My heart softened at that moment. This was the first time he didn’t have his homework done before bedtime and he still asked to be woken up early. (I mean, I’ve procrastinated too and I’m 37 lol) . So I said, “ok, here’s the deal… (we make deals in this home)… I’ll get you up early and we can work on those last two problems together, but this is the one warning. Ok? You know if you don’t get your homework done from here on out, there are no games or friends the next day. I am home and can help you. Deal?”

The deal was made. And everyone went to bed.

About 20 minutes later, Aiden came out from his room to find me. He was so sad. He said, “Mom, I’m sorry I was making excuses. Sometimes I say things randomly but I don’t mean them.” I said, “What do you mean buddy?” He said, “I argued with you and I’m sorry.”

I grabbed him in my arms and hugged him. I told him it was ok and that we all defend our actions sometimes. I told him I understand that he got busy with friends and playing and that I understand. I told him I just want to teach him that we take care of our responsibilities first, then we play. That made sense to him. I hugged him again, said all was ok, he hugged me back, I tickled him on his side, he laughed and then went to bed saying “night night love you mom” and I said, “night night love you more” and he would say back “no way mom, I love you the mostest” and I would come back with “impossible”…. all the way until he was in his bed.

I woke Aiden up early and we finished his last two math problems over breakfast… in 5 minutes lol.

Sometimes I feel I learn more from my kids than they learn from me. I hope to keep listening to my heart and trying not to “sweat the small stuff” (literally 5 minutes) and I hope Aiden learned to take care of the responsibilities first, then play. I’m a pretty lucky mom to have such amazing kids.