Pressing on

Martin is learning how to paint using watercolors as a part of his 5th grade curriculum. It's a learning process for both of us. I have very little experience with painting, so we are learning together. He really enjoys it, though, and I can understand why! It's so relaxing and somewhat therapeutic. It's really a good fit for him this year. With each new school year, we add more and more work to his schedule which is a normal progression as he ages. However, it seems like each year, he struggles more and more with working through all the distractions. It is a huge and very difficult issue for him. There are days that it takes him an entire day to do what should only take him 4 hours. It causes quite a bit of tension between us because I feel as though I am constantly nagging him to get his work done. It makes me feel as though I am arguing with him all day.
Phillipians 2:14
Do all things without complaining or disputing.

One day last week at about 5:30 AM, I was up packing a lunch, making coffee and breakfast for Rich, so that he could leave by 6AM to get to work. Martin came downstairs and said that he woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. So, I told him to go to the school room and do some reading. I jumped in the shower, and it hit me that I should take advantage of the fact that Martin is awake and no other children were! So, I ran upstairs and we started our school day ... in complete silence and were able to work for an entire hour before anyone else woke up! He was able to get so much done AND he was DONE before lunch time!! He was a very happy boy that day! Distraction is a real struggle for him. He doesn't want to spend all day doing his school work. He really does want to get done in a timely manner. So, I asked him if he wanted to keep getting up early to do school work ... and he really wanted to keep getting up early. So, my alarm clock is now set for 6 AM, and I quietly make my way upstairs, gently rub his arm, and I am rewarded with a smile before he even opens his eyes. We work together diligently for an hour to an hour and a half before the other awaken and the breakfast madness begins. (if the others wake up before I am ready to be done with Martin, I send them downstairs to wait for me) I ask Martin each night before he goes to bed if he still wants to get up early ... he never hesitates to say YES! He rather enjoys being done at the same time as the others. Most of the time he only has painting and/or reading to do after lunch. I don't love getting up at 6 every morning, but it is absolutely worth it to see such excellent results from Martin. His attitude has changed, his countenance is more joyful, and he has a sense of accomplishment and success in what he is doing each day. His self esteem was really being affected by not being able to stay focused. I am so thankful for this minor change that we made that has had such a major affect on our day!

 I also added a high quality krill oil supplement to his daily regimen. Jury is still out to whether or not that is helping him or going to help him with his distraction and focus issues. He already is on a whole foods diet void of food coloring, high fructose corn syrup, and other preservatives, so I don't feel the need to modify his diet too much. My child was struggling and we made some minor changes to try and improve his situation. I have been praying for him diligently and seeking answers to how I can help him, and I believe that God has given me the answer that I was seeking.

Psalm 146:1-2
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! While I live I will praise the Lord; I wills ing praises to my God while I have my being.