Every year, my neighbor organizes a huge production for all the neighborhood kids to perform together in the school talent show. She creates a dance, picks the costumes and the music and then holds weekly practices to teach a dozen children a dance routine! Pretty impressive right? All I need to do is show up... well, that's where it went downhill.
My kids have been practicing for over a month. Last Friday, they finally had the chance to perform their dance in front of their peers on a real stage at the talent show rehearsal. As usual, I was rushing around and was somewhat proud that I was only 5 minutes late. As soon as we arrived at the auditorium, my daughters started crying. They could hear the end of their song. They were first! I had no idea. We missed their big rehearsal.
They were crushed and I was mortified.
I always feel like I am juggling and I'm not a very good juggler! Inevitably, there are a few balls that seem to drop and too often, my poor kids are the ones who are disappointed. I really would like to turn over a new leaf and get out of the house on time!
I don't think I'm alone in this challenge. I read an article in Parenting Magazine about a mom who was going through the same problem. Jenn Berman, Psy.D., author of "The A to X guide to Raising Happy, Confident Kids" says by age 7 children begin seeing themselves in relation to their peers. They don't want to be the center of attention for doing something wrong and showing up late.
I really don't want to embarrass them. So, this time, FOR REAL, I'm going to change and be on time!
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