A Much Better Day

After I wrote that blog last night, the evening continued on, with all of my kids, and husband, tiptoeing around me because I had really lost it. We all apologized to each other after everyone had cooled off. At one point, I got in Caroline's face, so to speak, and told her vehemently that we were not going through this again, that we would not be changing schools mid-year, that she needed to buck up and finish out the year, through gritted teeth.

I don't recommend dealing with one's child this harshly, but sometimes, when the going gets tough, the tough have to get going. I felt that I had to lay it out there for her, in stark terms, so that she could at least understand how adamantly we feel about her trying to see it through even though it is REALLY HARD. I didn't know that this would work, or that anything would change, but after I lit into her, she got very quiet. Then, after a long silence, she apologized and said that she decided she would go to school the next day and try very hard to finish out the year. I was quietly surprised, and didn't overreact, but just said thank you.

She went to school today, didn't call us to pick her up, and played in the basketball ball game tonight. I don't know if this will last, but it was a very nice day today, peaceful. We realize that she could change tomorrow, but we will take today for what is was worth. Thank you to everyone who left encouraging comments, and who prayed for her and for us. Yesterday was a dark day, and I needed the comfort of others.

Today, I got SOOOOO much done in the house, and it feels SOOOOO good to declutter and get things organized. I am following the Fly Lady method. When a child is mentally ill, the house tends to get out of control when they are not doing well, which has been showing since December. My house was in such disarray, and it was making me crazy too. My mental health is always so much better when my house is organized, and my family is happier too.