A New Chapter

Today was Gary's first day at his new job- his frist day as Principal an no longer teacher.

Change is inevitable and going to happen at some point. And so with Gary's new job- we are dealing with change. Not all change is bad, but it is still change and it still means an adjustment on the part of everyone involved. For example- today Gary had to get up and go to work- no longer on summer vacation and no longer able to sleep in. But this is good change for him and once he gets his routine down and learns a few thins to help him feel more at ease, he will do a great job! He has already learned the names and grade level of his staff and some things about them (some are Steelers or Penn State fans so he is happy about that!). He checked out all their class websites to get a jump start on his new life. He has jumped right into this new challenge. I couldn't be more proud of him.

But with his new job means change on the home front. While I still get to be home and enjoy my summer- I am the only one here with the kids. yeah, I know- I'm not getting any sympathy from all of you, this is your life and you do it everyday. But for me, this is a bit new. A change that we need to adjust to. And it is a slow process - Riley is so very strong willed and stubborn and I'm having trouble. That isn't easy for me to admit. I'm so good at classroom management as a teacher- it is my strength and I am confident in my ability. But at home- it is a different story. Riley has gotten the best of me and I'm not sure how to teach him to follow the rules, be nice, and show love.

We are off to a rough start. Riley is 2, so that means he is by nature an irrational being and there will be tanrums. But his level of strong willfullness is beyond what I know how to deal with. He is mean too- he will go up to Ashlyn and pinch or hit her for no reason. Of course I need to deal with that, but then his strong will kicks in- he will not sit in time out- he keeps getting up and I keep putting him back- for well over 30 minutes. He will not apologize, he will not stop doing it despite my best efforts. So unless I can divide my house in half to seperate my two children- I need to fix this part of his behavior and so far this summer, I have not made any head way with him. But that is just some of the problem. Riley does not listen to me. If I ask him to do something it is nothing short of a small war. I try the normal- give choices, reward and praise when he does listen, etc. But still I am met with defiance. Sadly- at this point, I'm looking forward to school starting because I'm just don't seem to know what to do with him.

So, think of my family as we start this new chapter in our lives. Think of my hubby and pray that he is an amazing leader who shines with integrity, understanding, support, and inspiration. And think of my children and I as we keep trying each day to help Riley be more loving and obedient. I know I can use all the extra well wishes and prayers.