Momma on Strike

Ha! Did you know I had a blog? Can I be considered a blogger if I only average one entry every few years?  In two and a half years I will update the photos.

Here's the letter to my children:

I love you boys. I have chosen to stay home to be here day in and day out with you. To be there when you get off the bus and to enjoy lazy summer days by the pool.   But it’s a lot of work.  Sometimes I want to start a full time job so I can work in an environment where people speak respectfully to me.  I also don’t think you realize the amount of things I do for you daily.  And that’s okay, you are kids after all. However, for me to pour into you I do need respect, help around the house, a little appreciation, and for you to take ownership of your “stuff.”  Therefore, this momma is on strike.

What does that mean for you? No pouring your cereal, no more helping you find your backpack that I told you five times to hang up yesterday. No making reasonably healthy dinners while you play outside and then doing all the dishes afterwards.  I’m sorry, I don’t know where your field day shirt is. Can’t find a shoe? Sorry, pal.  Going to leave the milk out on the counter for tenth morning in a row.  Guess who’s buying new milk? (Oh, you insist it’s still fine. Go ahead, drink a big glass of it.)  Again you are kids and I am your mom. Part of my job is helping you with these things. I do think however, that you will understand and appreciate all I do for you after a few days with Mommy’s help.

The following conditions must be met in order to end this Momma’s Strike:

1)      R-E-S-P-E-C-T: All members of this family are entitled to basic respect.  This mom feels our home has been filled with hostility and disrespect.  Please speak kindly to me. And to your dad. And to each other. 1 Thes 5:11

2)      A more equal workload:  Your job as kids is to go to school, keep your room clean, and clean up any messes you make.  You also have ONE chore each day (well, UNTIL NOW).  These simple tasks in no way makes you a “slave” or someone who, “has to do everything.”  Unfortunately, when Adam and Eve sinned, they lost their cushy place in the garden walking with God.  He banished them and said they will have to toil and work the land for food.  You are not an exception to this. Sorry. Gen 3:17

3)      Appreciation:  You don’t have to buy me flowers or write a poem every day. A simple, occasional “Thank you” will suffice. (Don’t know what “suffice” means? Look it up.)   Don’t look in the pantry and complain that you only have four choices of cereal for breakfast.  There is a child in this world the same age as you, waking up with NO choice for breakfast. Or lunch. Or dinner.   We can do nothing but beans and rice for a few days if we need to.   Again, I don’t need an award for doing your laundry, but I also don’t expect to be yelled at when the laundry is not delivered into your closet the moment you wanted it.  I’m sorry, you may occasionally have to wear something other than your three favorite shirts.  Titus 2:11-15

4)      Accept responsibility: You are growing up so dangerously fast. Before we know it, you will be eligible for a driver’s license and looking at colleges.  You will be someone’s employee and probably someone’s boss.  You may one day be married with children of your own and it is my job to prepare you for those things.   If you have a swim practice, or any other event, please accept responsibility for getting yourself ready.  I will no longer tell you five times to put your bathing suit on and get a snack.  I won’t ask three times if you have your goggles and towel.  If you are old enough to commit to a team, you are old enough to get what you need together and be ready to leave on time.  Again, I am here to be your helper, but it is YOUR JOB. Eph 5:31.

So that’s all.  Just a few simple requests. I am happy to talk more with you about any of these points.  I will continue on strike until each of you has expressed remorse for your behavior.  Please write about each of these points and what changes you will make to ensure the conditions are met.  And please know, that it is clear to me that changes need to be made on my end. I will continue to reflect and ask God for wisdom in this journey.  It would probably be best for me to spend a few days at a really nice spa to fully reflect.  Actually, I will scratch the whole strike if you get Daddy on board with this.

Love,

Mommy