Where to Spread the Worry

Ever find yourself waking up, listening to the birds, thinking 'wow I have nothing to worry about, what a great day'? Well, I don't. Now that's not to say that there aren't moments in the day that I don't feel relaxed and just able to take it all in and enjoy. But...the majority of my waking (and truth be told, non waking moments) are spent worrying about someone.

Case in point. It was brought to my attention by my oldest daughters teacher that she needs a little more work on the sight words. Now this didn't come as a major surprise. I know my daughter and I know where her interests lie and I can tell you it is with a paintbrush and not so much the words. But it still bothered me to hear the teacher point this out. I guess I was hoping I could get her caught up before anyone noticed. Yeah right I know, those teachers are pretty smart. So I have popped into action with handouts, games, and m&m incentives. Basically when we aren't swimming, eating or sleeping, we are doing something learningish. I know in my heart she is smart and will get it and I guess the part that bothered me was that I know this is just the first of many little hiccups in her life.

You think that all you want as a parent is for your kids to be happy. But, come on, that isn't all we want. I want my kids to be happy, social, civic minded, community service oriented, healthy, athletic, artistic, caring, loving.....seriously I could go on and on. My biggest question is if they were happy would I stop worrying? Or would I just find something else to worry about. Take a kid that doesn't fit in, doesn't have any friends, but is doing well in school and appears to be happy. Does that parent so 'oh well' to the rest and take on the 'at least they are happy' mentality? I guess you have to. You can lead, assist, influence, but in the end they are what they are.

So I sit back and think how happy I am my middle child loves school and is social. I smile thinking about how my baby is finally liking her daycare and is adjusting to being away from Mom. And I try to focus on my oldest being happy and just have faith that the rest will all work out. Am I still going to lose sleep over my kids, you betcha.