Change

Changing habits and ways of doing things is difficult for anyone. We all get used to doing things one way and if someone comes in and makes a change, it's really hard. Dynisha is learning this right now. It's a lot of little things. Most she doesn't mind, but others are harder. Putting your clothes in your own laundry basket and the towels in the bathroom laundry basket. Take your coat and book bag to your room, don't drop them by the front door. Put your dishes in the sink. You can't leave them in your room until I clean up and find them.

Yesterday, after letting her relax and play awhile after school, I asked if she had homework. "Yes, I have a book to read, but I've already read it. I just need you to sign the paper." I made her read it out load again. She read it to Jamie while I listened. I told her that I would never sign that she did something unless I witnessed her doing it. She said, "Momma says I have to read to myself. She can't stand to listen to me read. She says it bothers her nerves." How sad. Now she has an audience who really appreciates her reading. Jamie sat in rapture. He pretty much idolizes her and he loves books.

She lost the pink cup that she was drinking from the night before. I made her go find it. She pitched a little bit of a fit, "What if I can't find it?!" I assured her that she could. She stomped around the house a bit, but as soon as she actually looked for it she found it and I put it in the dishwasher.

She loves her room. I gave her an alarm clock and told her she could start getting herself up in the morning. We all get up at the same time, but I think it's good for kids to be responsible for their own daily routines. She complained because Matt had some scary skull as a background on the computer in her room and it sat beside her alarm clock. She said it scared her in the mornings. I quickly googled "girly backgrounds" and found a pretty pink floral she was happy with. This morning she hit the snooze button three times, but she got herself up.

Getting her to do chores is not a chore at all. I suspect this will change eventually. Right now she is determined to please us. I imagine once she is really comfortable (assuming her mom doesn't change her mind) she will start balking. I could be wrong. Right now it's really pleasant. I told her, "I'm going to clean the big bathroom. You and Jamie can clean the little bathroom." She smiled sweetly, "You don't have to clean the big bathroom. I can do both."