Years ago, when my children were all much younger, my mother once commented while I was trying to get the three of them headed in the same direction at the same time that it was just like “herding turtles.” With three kids in three years, there were times when it was more than challenging. But the truth is, it was much easier to get them all coordinated and organized when they were younger, than it is now that they are all older teens! Now, getting all three of them in the same room on the same day at the same time really IS like herding turtles!
With young children, we parents have far more control than we might realize. We can pick out the clothes they wear for family photos, we have the physical advantage to pick them up and put them in the car or move them into a specific room. Many a parent has realized the tide was changing when the child finally became too big to pick up or move! With teenagers, there is not just the size and physical factor, but you’ve also got independence, personality, obstinacy, and time management issues to contend with.
As the holidays creep upon us, I am feeling the full effect of trying to get my kids in the same room at the same time. Even though we agreed upon a “schedule” weeks ago, last-minute changes and adjustment, sleep schedules, drop-in visitors, and phone calls from friends are all wreaking havoc on our holiday plans. Gone are the days when all three woke each other up and bounded out of bed to open stockings–now it is solidly afternoon before we can get everyone in the same room at the same time! As a matter of fact, as I write this, I’m still not quite sure where all my teenage turtles actually are…
Also: Two Last-Minute Shoppers and One Who Does it Early
Teenagers’ Opinions on the Meaning of Christmas
Balancing Seasonal Temperaments