How whack is it, that when I want to really punish my oldest son, I have to take away reading????? I know it sounds absurd, but ever since about 6th grade, he has been an avid reader. Good right?? I love that about him. We even love the same kind of books. We both love mythological stuff, and history, and biblical fiction. He is so interesting to talk to, it is like having our own exclusive book club. My younger son Michael is developing this love of reading too, which is awesome!! So what is wrong with this picture? When reading becomes as much of a diversion from doing what you are supposed to be doing (studying, homework, annotating, copying notes), when wanting to get to your book makes you rush through a test, it becomes as bad as an iphone, or a video game or TV. Messed up. It feels completely counter intuitive to take it away, but we have to. We took away his kindle, he went to the library. Even though our new agreement CLEARLY states, NO PLEASURE READING DURING THE SCHOOL WEEK.... I look at him reading that book (in complete defiance of our agreement), and I can't bring myself to take it away. I am soooooo wrapped.
I enter this new week a little tired, but smiling. Why? No drama this weekend. We had sunshine, and sports, and cuddle time--- less the drama. Most families don't experience the intense level of emotions that the Rhodes clan does. Sure, they have the hectic life of families, perhaps some fighting, the normal mess--- perhaps a little teen hormone induced drama....but we have drama of a different kind in our house. The kind of drama caused by a brain that is shooting off crazy chemicals induced by years of trauma. When our son Victor is home, the whole world is a great big land mine. Saying the wrong thing, calling him out on behavior, or even suggesting that he not eat a 4th serving of ice cream can cause the the peace to recede, and for chaos to ensue. He is now in a boarding school for kids with emotional issues. As sad as it is that our family isn't all together--- I must admit that the peace in our household is a welcome blessing. We are learning more and more
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