One of my operative theories for raising kids is that they'll appreciate it someday. They may scream and yell now, but the theory is that someday, when they grow into actual adults, they'll realize that everything we did was for their best interests. Right? I was slightly surprised when it happened to me. At some point, I realized that knowing how to do laundry or scrub a toilet, plant a garden and tell weeds from vegetable sprouts, sew a button, frost a cake, make a meal, clean up after myself and generally handle things was REALLY GOOD. Useful stuff.
That in mind, I persist, but there are days, like today, when I just want to quit making the effort. After more than a week of choking smoky skies, the air has cleared enough that kids could, conceivably, go OUTDOORS. Or, if they're set on staying indoors, do something, anything, besides sit on a computer and vegetate. They don't seem to realize that they're not going to have any friends by the time school starts again, because they're ignoring them all summer.
I've tried. I made the effort. I said, "Why don't you call a friend to come over?" to the little one. She didn't hear me, with the headphones on, deep into a strange online role playing game. I want to pick her up and shake her and yell about ruining her life, but you can't do that.
I think for today I give up. I don't feel like fighting with anyone anymore, so I'll get back to knitting something for someone.
