I have a confession: moi, the one known for being on top of things, in charge, with a plan in hand . . . well, most mornings I've allowed things to slip away while I work, prepare for school, check email, get my bearings, putter around. Some days I don't even know where the time has gone, and then I remember that I have to get a shower, get dressed, summon the troops from their games and adventures, get everyone else dressed, brush teeth, feed snacks, etc.
What I discovered (and should have known) is that on the days when I put it in gear and get it all moving by 9 (school, that is, with all the preparations completed), we finish sooner (duh) and with fewer problems. I think letting them run a bit wild in the morning--free play, in educational lingo--sabotages the day. I suspect this hypothesis is true because yesterday and today went swimmingly. I put it in motion by 9, and by 10:30 both days we were finished. Fit-free school days! And we just started regrouping in addition and subtraction! I cannot tell you how remarkable and magnificent it has been.
I hearby pledge to be motivated and on time in the mornings, and to save the free time for after school work has been completed (for myself as much as for the little people). The (hourlong) deep breath before the plunge is not worth the fights, tears, and frustration. A little discipline and we'll all have a better day. And sunny days are coming: burning up the cool mornings at work so we can play later sounds just right.
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