I generally do think the kids' appointments take up a good chunk of time each week. On the list: swimming lessons, therapy, visits from an in-home worker, visits from the social worker, and periodic meetings with educators regarding an IEP. Am I forgetting anything? Oh, yes, doctor appointments & numerous trips to the pharmacy to pick up meds. Oh, and the periodic visit to the psychiatrist who prescribes them.
I currently have the special education crew wanting me to decide where my children (who are not yet technically my children) will go to school in the fall and what services they should receive. Honestly! They haven't even lived with me for as long as the time remaining between now and next school year's start date. Oh well, I will go & make the best of it. I am surprised with what ease people will throw around terms like "bad neighborhood," "tough area," "struggling school," and "troubled kids." Thankful for the City Matters Class we took through Sanctuary Church in Minneapolis. It opened our eyes to some of the damage stereotyping does.
Anyhow, I've been told by moms of teens that things don't generally slow down as kids get older. Their lives get more complicated & so do those of the parents. So, I have been really enjoying some sweet time with the kids lately. We cancelled daycare, and now I can cuddle with them when they wake up from their naps. They still like rocking at night. I figure an elbow to the nose and heavy head boring into my arm are worth ignoring since the motive is simply to be close to me. I suppose the time will soon enough come when they want their independence. For now, a few books from the library and a rocking chair ensure a good time around our house.
