Letting Go of Perfect

Week one of the COVID-19 School Closing: We had it all planned out. A daily schedule to provide routine and structure to the days at home of our four school aged children, ages 11-18.  Three mandatory study hours at the dining room table, time outside, and time together playing board games, watching movies, sharing stories.  An opportunity, I thought to myself, to bring us closer as a family doing all those amazing activities together that parents post about on FaceBook.  All of their kids full of smiles, no electronic devices in sight.  Yes - that was going be us!  Pictures of the kids and I doing crafts, cooking, hiking, etc. Week two of the COVID-19 School Closing: A slightly raised voice calling the kids down for breakfast.  Frustration as I try to figure out how to shut off their individual devices for not following the guidelines set during week one.  Confusion as 4 voices at once tell me how much time they earned off their study hour with the extra incentives provided each

Be honest.  Be age appropriate.  Be honest.  Be age appropriate.  Be honest.  Be age appropriate. This has been my mantra for the past five years as I have done my best to come up with the "perfect" answer to the many questions my son has had about his father. "Why can't I see my Dad?" Because he has an anger sickness honey and until he takes care of himself and gets better, it is not safe for you to see him. "When is he going to get better Mom?" I don't know honey, but I do hope it is soon. "Why doesn't he take care of himself?" Unfortunately bud that is not an answer I have.  That's on your Dad. "Why was he laughing at you when you said you were going to call the police on him?" Because it was the first time I stood up to him for you and for myself. "When can I see my Dad?" When he starts taking care of himself little man.   Were these perfect answers?  Were they honest?