readjusting

I spend my solo days with an unexpectedly delicate sense of contentment that I embrace with gratitude. but at 4pm, the almost illicit silence enclosing my home is violently dismantled as my sons detonate impudently. after a week of public school immersion I suspect that the rocketing whining and fussing and crying have more to do with my children's need of releasing and discharging frustration at the end of the day than with a flawed education. I am usually adamant about the rules in our house but lately I've conceded a little more contradiction, noise, jumping on beds, harmless acts of rebellion, tv watching and california-rolling with blankets. I try to be a recipient, a bridge, a bundle of mushy love expanding as much as needed. and I have absolutely no idea whether what I'm doing is right or resolutely wrong. some things change and it is pure and simple. and some shifts are more challenging.

I'm still trying to figure out what time is most appropriate to load the dishwasher.

Comments

[blackbird]

new schedules, systems, experiences.
I loathe them.
I don't handle change well and usually spend a couple of weeks treading water and seeing how it all fits together before I set up the perameters...

[Lucinda]

Surely it has something to do with being pent up all day at school. You're right- that energy has to come out some time,somewhere, and it looks like you're the lucky recipient of the overflow...

[christina]

You're so right--I've had so many parents say to me, "you're kidding, my son or daughter is wonderful all day??? when he/she get's home it's complete mayhem." But it's actually a mark of good parenting that your sons know they can release at home, and hold it together until then. School is stressful--especially such a long day. And you're doing an amazing job easing that transition.

[Alex]

either before the kids get home so you don't have them bouncing off the wall or get their help and do it after dinner :) hhehe

[jenny vorwaller]

it sounds like you are adjusting to their needs, and more important...it is obvious how much those boys are love love loved. it sounds like the change is something i will handle about the same. especially the blanket rolling and jumping on beds. i cant imagine a quiet house until after school and then a burst...but i can read about your dealings and know ahead of time how to cope! :) xoxo