Really Great Parenting (Not)

Usually we are positive, enthusiastic and attentive parents.  But after an entire summer, and now all the Jewish holidays, even the best parents get tired.  This morning was the first time in a while we lay in bed a little extra with the pillows over our heads.  I opened my eyes just enough to look at Amy and navigate my way through the mess to the kitchen fixing them food before heading out to the store.

   "I'm out.  Don't worry.  TVs on but low so they're bound to be distracted from this ridiculously loud pretend play soon."

   She thanks me profusely.  I do my errands and return.

   Rummaging through the kid's backpacks to get ready for the coming week, I found they there was a little bit of homework that never got finished.  Calling them from the TV and the pretend play that spanned the length of the apartment to do their homework proved to be lengthy, fool hearty notion especially since I'm tired and scarcely care.  Amy, up now and energized, comes in laughing about how their hiding in their room as to not do homework.

   Maybe we should not be letting them get away with this, I suggest.

   "Are you kidding?  This is the quietest they've been all morning!  We should have broke out that homework on Friday!"