Cameron Parham

Here are some notes from our journey:
Today I asked my 10 yo dd to finish packing be little brother's bag for my 24 hour work shift because we were very late. I had already packed hers, and I usually pack their bags (by their preference), but today there was a lot of extra work for the 5 animals that got spayed or neutered yesterday, plus some other unusual work. She let out a huge, "put-upon" sigh, and flopped down. I went over and explained that when she acts like that, even if she wants to help, it is hard for me to accept it.. It feels like I should come over and do it. She shocked me by saying that I do that a lot myself. I don't think she would say this lightly. I have no consciousness of it, but it must be so. Ugh! I thanked her for the revelation. Though I felt sad about it, I am glad for the chance to watch myself. I am in a rather 'overwhelmed' time.
My 13 yo said he doesn't mind helping out but he can't remotely tell what he should do. Even if there is a huge mess right in front of him, yes! He has convinced me that he wants chore suggestions. So I leave him a list of suggested chores. He can choose one, none two, tce. (I've necer left more than 4). I always thanks him for any he does, and sometimes he follows me and visits with me as I do the rest. He seems to like this way right now.

Cameron

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