How to Survive Summer with Your Kids

I have been in a sour mood all week.  Trudging through the day and rolling my eyes haven't helped.  The weather is beautiful, my house is fairly clean and the bills are pretty much getting paid. So I ask myself what's with the funky mood?  Have you ever found yourself feeling like this? How did you snap out of it?  And please don't tell me to pray and read the Bible. I already do that.   

Everyone has their share of ups and downs in life.  It may seem for some like as soon as one storm is over here comes another.  In those instances it's totally warranted to feel drained and weary.  But for this particular case none of that applied.  

My husband and kids are well aware that when mommy is feeling a little antsy, it's best to not ask for anything extra.  I even shared my sour mood with a friend, hoping to receive some wise words to pull me out of my funk. Then I remembered. School was out in three days and I didn't have the first plans as to what my four kids would be doing this summer.

The thought of them home all summer caused a tad bit of anxiety.  Visions of me chasing behind them, chauffeuring them around town and the endless snacking, hit me like a ton of bricks.  Factor in the noise level, the fussing, the in and out, and the trail of destruction, that's enough to give anyone the heebie jeebies.

So what are you doing to make sure you survive summer with your kids?  I really want to know. I checked out our local community magazine and found several churches in my area that have VBS. Many were free or very inexpensive.  Then I found several three day camps available for my future tennis champion, my volleyball expert and my football running back.  The month of June was finally shaping up.  But camps can be expensive so July would have to involve some creativity.

I contacted one of my friends who lives in the area and we agreed to set up times where we swap kids. Yes!  I shared my frustration with my husband and we decided to rent new Wii games, purchase a Foosball table and a volleyball net for lots of outdoor fun. And lastly we instituted "morning learning".  

In order to participate in any fun activities our kids will be required to read for 30 minutes in the morning, complete one hour of online tutoring, (Check out Khan Academy) and read 30 more minutes before bed. This is how they bank their play time. A good friend of mine reminded me that my son who is sixteen going on twenty-five can also help chauffeur and assist them with their studies.

The shadow of darkness is lifted and I can breathe now! (pun intended)  My next novel "Shadows" is fifteen thousand words from being finished and I just might make my deadline.).  

What plans do you have for your kids this summer?

-Terri Whitmire
Author, Writer, Workshop Host

Finally Our Work is Paying Off

In January of 2011 my husband and I decided to take on the responsibility of raising his eight year old nephew.  He is a sweet, bright-eyed, curious boy who can be quite stubborn at times.  At first I didn't understand why.  Then I had to think back to his previous living situation.  As you can imagine this eight-year old was left to make many decisions on his own.  Much like Tara, my character from Breathe for Me, there was very little supervision or positive influence. 


When he first arrived, I was often times met with that deer-in-headlights  stare when I asked him to perform simple tasks such as: brushing his teeth, finishing his food or tying his shoe.  Each request was often followed by a confusing pause as if he were deciding in his mind if he should comply.   


If any of you have a blended family you'll know what I mean when I say that it is truly a test of patience.  Our discipline tactics were often times met with tears and it seemed that things were getting worse.  I'm ashamed to say but I started to question my commitment to this set of circumstances.  We continued to pray with and for him and our whole family.  I had to remember that my kids were adjusting as well and to continue to give to them their own portion of attention and affection. 


Just when we thought we were getting nowhere fast, we both attended a school function called portfolio breakfast at his school.  This is a time when the children can show off their work to their parents.  The program started at 8:15 am and my husband and I went almost begrudgingly.   He read to us all the fun stories he had written and also shared with us the great art work he crafted.   But one piece quickly caught my attention.  The paper was entitled Love is:  


Each page of  the "Love Is" booklet included a short description on what he felt exhibited love.  On page three it read:

Love Is:  When my aunt prays for me and kisses me on the forehead.

I sat there stunned with my heart in my throat. My husband also had his love page that shared with us how his nephew felt about him.  We looked at each other and thought, "Wow all our hard work is finally paying off" .   

So parents whenever you think you're beating your head against the wall,  remember that your words will eventually sink in and this will be revealed when you least expect it.

Take care and continue nurturing your seed.

-Terri Whitmire