Today was parent-teacher conferences for my nephews. It went well. The two youngest are doing well academically with the middle boy doing the best (because his behavior is the best). Both boys are at or above benchmark, which is great. The youngest needs major work on his behavior but is doing the best academically (all around). My oldest nephew needs the most help– his math, handwriting and memory, his focus needs a lot of work. He kind of reminds me of my stepson at that age– does not want to take the time with his work, to make sure he got it right; he just speeds on through and then throws a fit when I make him correct his work. Frustrating for all involved. This boy, the oldest, has also been acting up in school– we think so he doesn’t have to do his math. His reading and writing is coming along well though. All the teachers complimented me and my husband, commended us for what we are doing and our good work with the boys. Even the secretary at the school. I almost cried because of how sweet they all were…and I know there is more I could be doing. I don’t feel like I deserve such high praise. There is still much work to be done.
SMH
Case in point (of what I have been bitching about). My nephews have a half day today. Their dad wanted to visit on Monday or perhaps Monday and Tuesday. I said fine but Tuesday was a good day to come out because he can have more time with the boys since they’ll be home by 12:30pm. He did not show up Monday (nor did he let me know one way or the other) so I surmised he decided to visit on Tuesday. Cool– maybe I’d have a peaceful day studying, maybe at the library.
On Tuesday around 12:30 (about the time the boys were getting home) the boys’ dad messages me that he is on his way (he lives south of Detroit). Oh joy. He is not here to take the kids and I have to deal with them. I figure he’d get to my house around 2pm. 2pm goes by…3pm…nothing.
Well, he finally shows up around 4pm to visit with his boys. Out of control. Of course he is apologetic and full of excuses. Doesn’t help me much at all.
All I can think about is all the times my husband would get chewed out by his ex-wife for being 2-10 minutes late (and this is a man who doesn’t drive at all) for parenting time with his son (whether picking up his son or dropping him off). Damn, I wonder she would feel about someone being an hour, 2 hours, 3-4 hours late for visitation on a regular basis? Maybe I should be a total bitch like her– chew my brother out, yell at him over the phone when he doesn’t show up on time…I wonder if I’d get results…
I do put my Halloween face on, I do let him know I am not happy. I just don’t think the boys deserve to hear me chew their dad out and/or go off on him.
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