Back to the grind

Gracie has officially completed her first two weeks of school.  I must say that this has NOT been the easiest back-to-school for us.  We have had a few teachery-type issues, and I have already had to meet with the teacher this year because of them.  Gracie seems to be handling things fairly well now.  She had homework every night last week (which she thought was awful), but it wasn't anything she couldn't accomplish within 20 minutes or so.

Thankfully, going back-to-school puts everyone back on a regular rhythym.  We get up around 6:30 and get ready.  I generally make breakfast of some sort for everyone and pack Gracie's lunch.  We sit down for breakfast, and then we are out the door for school.  John and I have been dropping Gracie off around 7:35, and then we go over the civic center and walk on the trail.  I pick Gracie up at 2:45, and if it is a regular day she comes home where she has a snack, practices guitar, and then completes homework.  On Monday's, she has guitar lessons right after school, so that takes the place of practicing.  On a good day, Gracie is done with all practice / homework by 4:00, and she gets to spend an hour or so playing or just relaxing before dinner.  We also have soccer practice on Mondays and Thursdays, so the relaxing time is limited.  I generally cook dinner while Gracie is doing her homework, but it just depends on how long it takes to cook.  We try to eat around 5:00 every night.  Gracie's bedtime is 8:30 this year, but she is required to be in bed for reading time @ 8:00. 

I will be honest...it does seem like Gracie's life is very scheduled.  For the most part, this is correct, but I don't know how to operate any other way.  My parents will tell you that I scheduled my own life from the time I started school.  It is just how I work.  I know from experience that letting Gracie make her own schedule does not work.  When we allow her to deviate from the plan, she becomes irritable and hard to deal with.  (This doesn't mean we never allow her to deviate, we try to stick to our structure as best as we can.)  As a teacher and parent, I know what benefits scheduling provides, and I also know what happens when there is absolutey no structure.  From my experience, scheduling is a much better option.  Gracie knows what to expect.  No child will ever say...please organize and schedule my life, but you will see happier, healthier children if you take the time to do it.   Off the soap box now...