To Do or Not To Do Kindergarten Work

Here's my question.  When is it appropriate to do your child's homework?

My son is in kindergarten and I make him do all his own stuff.  Then I volunteer at the school and I see the other kids' projects and over half of them are clearly not done by the child.  And the mothers openly admit that they did the whole thing.  One mother said something like "he did help me a little with it."

To me that seems nuts but maybe it's OK or even better to help them along.  I just don't know.

Part of me is just lazy but the bigger part doesn't want to do the special projects for my 5 year old because I think it's seriously ridiculous.  My mother didn't help me with anything.  I'm not kidding.  I can't remember her helping with any school project.  She admits it today.  She barely even went to the school.  We went to school and came home and the only things she looked at were our report cards.  She did tell me that with my youngest brother she got more involved because he needed more help but with me there was nothing really to do.  I did it all myself.

I was standing in the classroom today looking at these projects that were clearly done by an adult and I wondered how these moms could think that is a good thing to do.  How are they helping their children get ahead in kindergarten by making the best "stuffed bear?"

It's not a big deal now but what am I going to do when they're graded on their projects?  Am I going to settle for my son getting a C or B on a project that he did totally himself when his peers are getting an A on something that was a parent-child collaboration (probably more parent than child)?

I'm not sure if I can stand aside and not help in that situation.

Personality To Do List

1. Stop worrying about whether people like you or not.

2. Relax.  Be calm. Life is not that serious.

3. Remember that you're enough.

4. Be in the moment.  It goes by so fast and wasting it worried or angry is a shame.

5. Be more grateful for everything.

6. Spend a few moments in silence each day.  Even ten minutes with no noise, no distractions, nothing to do but just breath in and out.  Deep breaths.

7. Write more often.  It helps.

More soon....

Small Steps Matter

I heard a great quote today.  "When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion."  I just love that.  Small steps matter.  Small kindnesses, thoughtful gestures, helping hands, they all matter because together they can move mountains.

Here is where I heard it.  This guy's book, Getting to Yes, is one of the landmark books in negotiations.  At first I thought his talk was pretty Pollyannish but by the end I really saw the picture he was trying to paint and really liked it.

Adele, Adele, Adele!

I'm so excited.  Adele is coming out with her second album.  I love her and her voice.  Here is the first single, Rolling In The Deep, from her new album and it does not disappoint!

Candy Store

I was in the storage room this morning eyeing the clear plastic Christmas boxes like a kid in a candy store!  I wanted to open them up just to check out all the fun stuff we're going to be using to decorate the house but I resisted because...well, you know...it's just too soon.

I'm SO excited to make the house Christmasy with the kids.  :)

Making A Little Progress Each Class!

:)

Warrior Moms

Have you seen this post? It's been circulating around the internet. It's a great testament to how mothers need to be warriors for their children...strong, protective and loving.

I just hope that I can be like her no matter how my children identify themselves and they challenges they may face in the future.

Moms rule! :)