I can manage my own time

photo by theosophical.wordpress.com

"Have you got any assignments or homework that need attention this weekend", I asked my four yesterday. "I can manage my own time", came the classic response from Deep Waters {DW}. Said in an astutely responsible tone, rather than the normal defensive one.

I was pretty impressed by his statement actually. Especially having just written a blog about allowing my teens to own their own decisions. This feels like part b) to yesterday's blog. It confirmed again he really is taking ownership of his study and learning and doesn't need my 'paternalistic' input checking up on him. For now. Almost a dare to trust him to it.

Time management seems to confound us all at different phases in life. Particularly teens who have to squeeze school, study, sport, music, dance (Sunshine), part time jobs, the gym (EQ) & facebook (lol!) into their lives. They often need a little encouragement, direction & moderation to get their priorities in order & keep on track. Us adults sometimes do too!

We all know people who you wonder how they even find time to breathe their lives are so ridiculously busy and productive. I am trying to ban the word busy this year. Rather than respond to how life is by using, busy, am replacing it with, rich & full or challenging & rewarding. I am tired of hearing myself say, busy to everything! Not sick of being busy, rather clamouring to find other adjectives to describe life. Busy is a given, tell me something I don't know!

Hearing DW choosing to be so responsible for his time was delightfully heartening. Furthermore when asked if he wanted to go to the library he added that his plate was already full and that he really didn't have time for reading anything else (his plate; study, part time job & practising for his grade 7 piano exam). Again I was touched, he was being realistic & protective of his time.

He seems to have grown up all of a sudden! Grade 11 has changed him into this very focused, responsible & determined young man. Demonstrating that he carries not by chance his father's middle name, his looks but his character as well, a cool cucumber under pressure. He is even keeping his room tidy without being nagged also!

With the patchy rain yesterday we had fun hanging the washing out, bringing the washing in, alternating loads in the dryer. The rain was about to fall again so I rushed outside to take a line full off  to find DW right beside me, without being asked, he started taking washing off with me. Melting moment. 

As mums, we do treasure these moments & conversations close to our hearts. I am obviously, easily pleased - little acts of random, self initiated kindness & motivation delight my soul no end, especially from my children. Here's to DW managing his own time well!

Cherishing my son

Cherishing positive choices

Cherishing the growing up that happens all of a sudden