You Have to Do WHAT??

Yesterday afternoon, after returning from a great day at the park with friends, I reminded my son that he needed to study for his science test. The fact that he had a science test the day after a 3-Day weekend, was enough to send me off the rail but that can wait for a future post. Anyway, he dutifully sat down at the counter and pulled out his book and began reviewing his earthquake chapter. Little did I realize, how much he had to review--stick slip motion, surface waves, describing the 3 scales for measuring earthquakes---there was a lot to cover.

I asked him if there was anything else he needed to do and much to my surprise he rattled off a list of things. ARGH!!! It was 4 o’clock on Monday afternoon, he had all weekend to tackle this work but saved it to the last minute. I thought to myself, let's not panic (he was fine, it was my blood pressure that was starting to rise) he can get through this, he/we just need to focus. I took some deep breaths, found my happy place and helped him slowly but surely complete his work and prepare for his test.

I realized that my blood started to boil because I was angry that he waited until the 11th hour to do his work and I was annoyed with myself for not checking his homework load more thoroughly. I did ask him earlier in the weekend if he had any homework to which he replied “just my science test. " However, I didn’t verify his workload by actually looking through his binder or checking his teacher’s website. Must I do this every weekend? I thought his word was enough--but he's 11 and tends to forget and minimize things. I find this all extremely frustrating because just when I think I don’t need to “big brother “ him I’m reminded that I do.

When all was said and done, I asked him “So was it worth saving all this work until now?” Much to my surprise he said “no.” He agreed that it would have been better to work on his homework throughout the weekend. Hallelujah!!! I’m elated he realized this. Maybe it was worth him sitting at the kitchen island for 4 hours straight, maybe he needed to figure this out for himself, and maybe, just maybe I don’t have to be the homework nag after all!