Luke and I seem to have frequent disagreements and arguments. He is strong willed about his matter of fact ways and doesn't like to be told no. Mark rarely ever tells him no. Luke has never eaten very good at all. He doesn't eat much in the way of fruits and vegetables, ever. He is great at pulling out a snack such as potato chips about an hour before lunch or a meal. He eats very little at meal time. Because we are out and about so much, he feels it is standard routine to stop at a convince store anytime he wants to get a soda or chocolate milk along with a donut, cookie, pizza slice, or candy. He learned this from his father, who does stop at a convenient store whenever out and about. Because I often tell him no, I am the bad guy. I am the mean mom and he frumps. I have explained many times to the kids that when we eat at a restaurant, it is best to order water. One reason, soda is just full of sugar and unhealthy, and two, restaurants over charge for a soda, $2.50 to $3.00. When a family of 5 all get sodas on top of the meal, it adds up. I fight this one with Luke every time we go anywhere. When Dad is with he automatically orders what he wants, because he knows dad doesn't care. Of course Mark always orders a tea no matter what. I am just trying to teach the kids to eat healthy and save their money. There are many other times of frustration with sibling fights and not getting to do something he wants. Once in awhile school material can be a problem too. Luke is really good at telling me he got all his work done only to find out he is skipping several problems and not completing the whole assignment.
There are lots of tears shed over brother frustrations, and not getting to do something or have something. It has been a challenge. Luke has some growing and maturing to do. There are some character qualities he must work on as well. I pray for both of us because I know I get impatient and frustrated making matters worse. I want to instill in him that he cannot always have everything he wants or his way, and life is full of frustrations and disappointments. He needs to learn how to handle that when it comes his way. Right now, he is not handling it well and I am not handling his response well. He does not like a lot of explaining and I try to talk him through problems. He does not respect me or my words right now. Talking with him seems to just make matters worse. I think we both need to figure this out together. Luke is an awesome and amazing kid. I love him and want the best for him. I want to have a good relationship with him. I am praying for wisdom in how to deal with Luke. I also pray for myself to stay calm, not get angry, and try to be more understanding.
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