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We attended Andrew’s first awards ceremony for Kumon; the academic enrichment program he’s been attending since February. While sometimes the daily ‘homework’ is a struggle Andrew has already learned and blossomed so much! I’m so excited for the success he’s feeling and the joy of learning he’s building.

Today his hard work paid off. Andrew was called up and received 3 awards! First a certificate of participation, a medal for meeting the highest standards for his levels and a trophy for being a young achiever. I’m not sure I understand what they all mean but I’m so proud of him, his confidence to walk to the front of a room of strangers and stand tall!

Amazing work, Andrew! We love you!

Note: little brother was there too clapping and cheering on Andrew. But after his first award, Teddy started yelling ‘my turn!’ And had to leave for a little while to calm down. Sibling rivalry here we come!

Early Saturday morning bagels and grocery shopping with my best buddy!

It’s pretty clear which parent his sleeping habits take after. Time stamp = 6:45am

TGIF! 

I don’t think we’re unique nor should it come as a shock that mornings can be stressful. Trying to get people fed, dressed and out the door to school/work can be hard and filled with yelling and tears…. from everyone.

Last week Andrew and I had a particularly rough morning. And Andy was traveling so there was no one to ‘tag out’ to either. That day every single task was an utter battle and he flat out refused to do ANYTHING (I can hear the chuckles for anyone who knew me as a child. I can also hear you saying ‘payback is a b*tch’). By the end Andrew had lost Ellie, the iPad, his Easter candy, his bike on bike day… it was awful.

During that day I thought about how sideways our morning had been and decided we needed a change. A new approach that would lead to Andrew and I liking each other again.

So meet our new ‘Chore Chart’ I made from old craft supplies! Here’s how it works: Andrew has 5 tasks he needs to do each morning; (1) eat breakfast, (2) take his dishes to the sink, (3) eat his gummy vitamins, (4) do his Kumon and (5) get dressed. He can earn a star for each task if he does it and without whining or tears. If he gets all his stars, he gets a ‘treat’ of his choosing, e.g. to watch the iPad until we head out the door to school.

I’m happy, ecstatic, relieved and a little shocked, but it worked! On our first morning he had earned all his stars by 7am! Chore chart for the win!

Thank you mommy blogs and Google images for helping to restore a little sanity back into our mornings!