Six Word Saturday- April 30

I love Six Word Saturday, hosted by Show My Face. It makes me really think about the events of the week.

Watching karate, science fair meltdown, parenting

Parenting isn't always easy or fun. This week I got to experience a little bit of both sides. As I am still recovering from shingles, I know I am a bit more touchy than usual. My poor girls REALLY have stepped up to the plate as far as trying to behave, and I definitely appreciate it. Being kids, they aren't always perfect, and I feel bad when I get frustrated with them.

Amber moved from beginning karate to the next level today. She was so proud of her gi and was ready to take on the world. (Pictures to follow just as soon as I get some!) Her class so far has been small (just Andrea and one boy), so this was a new experience as the class had about 15 kids of all different abilities and ages. There were at least three girls in the class, and they each had higher level belts. Amber really has something to aspire to and has good role models. He teacher said she should be ready to test for her first color belt in six weeks when his instructor comes in to do the testing. How cool is that? I never thought my little GIRL would excel in karate!

Andrea is competing in her first science fair this year. Unfortunately this is not by choice. Every student in the school from 4th through 8th grade has to enter a project as part of their science grade. Andrea is not really into the science fair. She would rather do three more experiments in the time it takes to write up this one. I completely understand. But, my job as a parent is to make sure she gets what needs to be done completed on time. So, she had to write up the conclusion for the written portion of her project before getting on the computer this afternoon. Typical 'tween meltdown occurred, and mom felt melted down, too. The only good that comes of this is that I know from a family viewpoint what I can do to be a better teacher for my students. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with asking the children to do a science experiment. Perhaps the competition part should be optional, though.

We've had a good week. Overall the girls are hanging in there and doing what kids do. They push the limits, find out where the lines are, then go about their business of having fun and learning what life is all about until the next time they want to go just a little farther than I think they should. To me, this is how children learn to live life. Without pushing they would be stuck in the same place forever. I definitely don't want that!