TV

I have such a love/hate relationship with that box.  I let my kids watch way too much tv.  Especially when they are cranky or I am cranky.  But getting ready for school has become a challenge because of it.  My oldest when he was younger would get up at 5 am every morning.  And my middle girl went through a spell where she insisted on getting up at 4:30 and there was nothing I could do to convince her otherwise.  So what did I do? I put the tv on for them because I cannot really function that early in the morning.  But now, they are sleeping until 6 or 6:30 (believe me that is a huge blessing for me).  So I was still letting them watch tv but making them turn it off at 7:30.  That's when the whining began and the yelling and the threatening.  Until I had an epiphany.  Don't let them watch tv until they are absolutely ready for school.  Why did it take me so long to come to this conclusion??  I have no idea but the last 2 mornings have been bliss.  I tell you it is such a relief to not have that box on first thing in the morning.  The best part is that they have been okay with it.  My daughter asked me this morning if she could watch cartoons and I when I told her not until she is ready, she did not even complain.  Now the kids are ready for school, there has been no yelling, no whining and I am a happy camper.
I hope it lasts...