The Woes of Braces

Boy are we struggling today!

I've been sick all week with a sinus infection. I think I've been to bed before nine all week (thank you Nyquill!) We've had orthodontist appointments, swim practices, Science Fairs, and meetings to work with and around. To tell you to the truth...I'm flat out exhausted. I am so ready for a three day weekend! Thank goodness we have Monday off this week due to Presidents Day!

We have been struggling with Elijah and his braces. We practically are having to sit on him to get him to wear his rubber bands this time around. A couple days ago we had to get firm with Elijah and tell him if he didn't start wearing his bands, the iPod would be the first to go. Now, if you know Elijah, this is the ULTIMATE punishment for him. He carries his iPod with him everywhere. That kid loves music. I love that he loves it so much and the thought of grounding him from something he loves so much is awful but he has to understand that doing this is very important. Well, this morning it hit the fan. He hasn't worn his bands in two days so before he walked out the door this moring, we had to take the iPod away. He will get it back in twenty four hours IF he wears his bands all day today, all night, and all day tomorrow. We'll see. He was pretty upset about it and it definitely wasn't the way I wanted to start the day...but rules are rules.

I hate punishing my kids because seeing them unhappy and upset makes me unhappy and upset too. It's like a punishment for us too! BUT...on the other side of that coin, our children know what our rules are and they know the consequences for their actions (or reactions!) While Elijah hated this, he knew that his decision was cause for his punishment.

Isn't being a parent difficult? Man, some days are rough! Teaching right from wrong sometimes can be easy but the life lessons continue to get difficult as our chldren age. I want to be a good parent and do what's right for my kids because I want them to be successful adults and one day sucsessful parents themselves. I want to follow through and teach my children right from wrong. I know many of your are going through this (or will eventually.) Follow through is important. Even though sometimes it doesn't fit into our social schedules and can make life easier to give in.

I am very blessed with wonderful children. Elijah is an awesome kid and I know he will get through this and be even better than he now.