Rise Above Doubt

Rise Above Doubt

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Frustration

Frustration comes from many things in life. Frustration with your job, with your spouse, with your parents, from friends, bills, pets, housecleaning, but nothing, I repeat nothing, can compare to the frustration a child can grant you. Children can aggravate you by repeatedly dirtying a clean, or somewhat clean, house or by simply making you repeat the same sentence so often you say it in your sleep. I have even been known to say things to other people's children or even adults just from pure habit. Children can frustrate you so often and so thoroughly, as to bring you to tears or laughter, depending on the level of sanity you have left.

My youngest child of 8 young years, has completely and utterly left me... frustrated! As I may have mentioned in previous writings, Carson is in it purely for the fun. If it isn't fun, he wants no part of it. As you would guess, school falls into that category of not fun. Carson is a character and that has gotten him out of some pickles in the past, but I believe that "the cute factor" is wearing off. Carson is quick witted and smart, he is also a bit of a smart mouth. Where he got such a thing, I have no idea. Okay, maybe I do, his father. Okay, and me. I have been stopped in the grocery store more than once by little old ladies, telling me that they could tell I must have prayed for patience, as I am wrestling my two young boys in the cart.

Carson has always provided a comic relief aspect to our lives. Often, to our detriment as it would seem, we have encouraged this behavior even if unintentional. It is hard to not giggle a little when the teacher tells you that after listening to a song about TAKS testing on the projector, Carson stands up and remarks "okay, who else thought that wasn't fun? Raise your hand". I don't blame the teacher for wanting to throttle him, but at the same time if you know him, you would smile after he leaves the room. I have told him in the past, that cute better carry him along way when he gets older, he's gonna need it.

My husband and I have never been accused of being lax in discipline, often some might say we are too strict or too "involved". I guess that is part of the frustration lies. We try to being strict and provide plenty of structure, but at the same time I don't want to squash that spirit Carson displays. Here of late, the frustration level has hit a new peak due to the fact that the boy has decided that schoolwork is not "fun" and should be avoided at all costs. He has chosen to goof off during class, entertain others and achieve the ranking of class clown, as well as, going so far as to wad up his work and stash it in various places around the classroom. He truly believes that if you ignore it, it will go away. As of last week, he had seven missing papers, and a 7 paragraph journal writing that needed to be turned in. For a child with the gift of gab, you would think an essay would be a breeze, but I guess not. Part of the most frustrating part of the whole issue, even with the lack of work, be still manages to eek out A's and B's with one high C. Imagine what could be achieved with a little effort.

My husband and I have tried everything we know to do, including, taking away things, swats, bribery, talking nicely, crying, and yes, screaming. Surprisingly, nothing seems to work. We have gotten ideas from friends but alas, nothing. How do people raise overachievers, I can't even get my kid to do the minimum. I mean really, I feel like this is a losing battle. What am I supposed to think that his future holds. He works harder at getting out of work, than just doing it. He knows the consequences and yet....

I know I am not the only parent to go through the trials and tribulations of child rearing, and I know this could seem minor in the face of what is to come, but at what point does the frustration eat you alive? Please, dear Lord, I want to take back my prayers for patience......

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