This has been a challenging year for us Ryan.  Not to say we don’t enjoy every minute with you, and we’d never give up time with you if can help it.  But lately the bossiness has been quite difficult.  As I write this, we’re just starting the month of the July.  It’s a few weeks into summer, and it’s already clear that we have to make some changes to our daily routine.  Now that you aren’t in school anymore, you have been having difficulty understanding that the day does not revolve around you.  Mommy and I have a lot of work we must do, and it’s been hard for me to try and grow Footprints without feeling like I’m at the computer all day and not spending time with you.

However the times we do spend together lately have been mixed.  You always want more and more and more, and don’t seem to appreciate the moments we share.  You seem to feel like you’re entitled to do only the games and things YOU want to do.  You don’t show any interest in things WE want to do (e.g. go to the library, take a walk, ride your bike, etc.).  When you don’t get what you want, or when I tell you it’s time to stop playing your game and do your summer school packet or go to bed, you throw a fit.

When you get upset like that, it makes it hard for me to continue playing with you.  On one hand, I want to do everything I can with you.  But on the other I need you to learn the importance of appreciating the time you DO get.  You can’t become greedy and keep asking for more, especially when you are not the only one who gets to make the choices in our home.  Mommy and I also have a say, but more importantly we (as your parents) have to find a way to show you the right path towards becoming the best young man you can be.

Right now, we’re still working on it.  Tomorrow we will attempt a new approach – you do all of your school and activity things during breakfast.  Then each of us gets to pick TWO things we do everyday, each having a time limit.  I’m hoping this will help teach you the importance of sharing time equally and appreciating whatever time you get in life.

Love you Ryan.