I'm such a mean mom.

Sigh.

Homeschooling has been great, but today has been one of the lower points. Audrey has been unusually forgetful in many areas lately...feeding the cats, completing daily chores, and yes, finishing homework. Seems the decrease in structure to her day is affecting her negatively this way. Have to think of some way to remedy that.

But for today, when she failed to finish a science worksheet I assigned yesterday, she's grounded from playing with her friends when they're done with school. Just for today. I think it will be an effective reminder, because when I told her that, she let loose with the biggest tantrum that she still has not completely calmed down from, 15 minutes later. She begged me to assign her more homework, extra chores, even asked for a spanking instead. Tempting, considering the display of drama that's been going on. But I'm doubtful the lesson would last.

The good thing is, she HAS friends in the neighborhood now. One terribly bossy one moved away a few weeks ago, leaving one awkward but nice girl a year older than her, and two other little girls from different houses that we didn't meet until last week. Now that the older bossy one is gone, they all seem to be getting along wonderfully.

But they're not going to get to play with her today. Sorry, sweetie.