2017-Week 12

I'm not going to recap events today.  It has been several weeks since I have logged in here and I am disappointed at my consistency this year.  I am really concerned about having a good relationship with my kids.  As they get older, they get along less and they get more aware of all of my faults.  They roll their eyes when they are upset and they get frustrated with me often.  I remember being irritated and annoyed by my parents as a teenager and I really don't want this kind of relationship with my kids.  I know that teenagers don't always like their parents, but I am desperately trying to figure out how to tap in to each of my kids and create a strong bond with them.

I think with Brooklen, I need to figure out how to get him to open up to me.  I think the best time for me to do this is at night when I read to him.  I don't know how long he will want me to read to him, but I think I need to try to spend time talking with him at this time each night.

Hurley gets the most frustrated with me.  She doesn't like me to give others attention and she wants my attention all of the time.  I have been trying to read scriptures with her, because I get the sense that I really need to help her understand the importance of the gospel.  I think I also need to find time to spend alone with her, focus only on the positive things she does, and try to control my tone of voice with her.

Zaya is a pretty content and happy kid.  With the other 3 always vying for my attention, I need to make sure that I make time to create a strong relationship with her.  I took her out to lunch a couple of weeks ago and I could tell she really felt special.  I need to remember to not compare her to the others, especially Hurley.

Kait is the last child and I am working really hard to make sure that I don't get lazy with him.  But, it is HARD.  It is hard not to spoil him.  He is so cute and I am exhausted so often, that sometimes it's just easier to give him what he wants.  I've been trying hard to have experiences with him.  When I plan even little adventures with him, he loves it.