Sunday, February 27, 2011

Science Project – Another Family Killer



Oh shit. Science Projects are due . . . tomorrow.

Now, of course I’ve been down this thorn-filled road before. Many times before.

Okay – NINE times so far, and still counting.

And at first, I had a Fire in my Belly for these projects. And there were awards received. And Mommy was proud.

Though this is a child-driven project, let’s be real. The parent has to come up with a concept that they can stand. We’ve done the carnations with food coloring one a couple of times. (Two kids, two different schools – how bad is that?) Who do you think buys the carnations, the food coloring and the Science Project Board?

And let’s talk about carving out time for this “learning experience.” It feels so big and looming in my head that I’m filled with a sick stomach for the entire month that it's due. I don’t actually DO anything about helping the kids work their stuff through, I just feel guilty.

Science Projects are a lot like being back in college. You know how you would go out and party instead of study for a midterm? Feeling dirty and guilty the whole time you were partying? (And then there was the Academic Probation . . . but let’s leave that for another story.)

So adding “Mommy guilt and dirt” to the Science Project checklist IS important.
And then there is the typing of the hypothesis, the method and the conclusion. I always disclose on the Board that the “typing was done by Mom.”

But Hey!!! Last night my older daughter was able to do the typing for my younger daughter. This Science Project says “typing was done by my sister, Blondie.”

Last year was the first year I really started to give up on this stuff. I was fatigued-- in the moment, and in a big-life way.

So I let the teenage babysitter help on a Saturday night while my husband and I went out for martinis. Genius, you might think to yourself.

Well, all except for the fact that last year was the first year my kids didn’t get even a lousy “honorable mention” ribbon. Wow, that stung.

It stung, but not enough to change the game up this year.

So the babysitter was here over the weekend. There was colored paper, glue, a concept AND a hypothesis.

I had a lovely petite filet and my martini was shaken, not stirred.

I’m not holding my breath on my Mother of the Year Award. Not this year, at least.

But next year we are going to roll up our sleeves. We are really going to pre-plan.
Next year, there will be a timeline and a schedule. We will pick our project early and make a list of supplies IN ADVANCE.

Next year, we will be really well stocked-- okay, maybe not the science boards, but dammit we’ll have vodka.

Next year. . .oh, who am I kidding?

4 comments:

  1. LMAO So funny. Stocking up on Vodka, heck yeah! I always get a kick out of your post. I don't care for science projects myself, but I guess it's not about what I like or don't like, right? This was hilarious. Thanks for posting.

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  2. OK, so now I have a Google page, and a Deeview blog, and my life is complete! Dennis made me do it! So you owe him, not me! I may not read this much, because every spare minute of my life is devoted to working on "THE BOAT." But when I feel the need for a chuckle, I'll be checking out the Deeview!

    Hope to see you all soon.

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  3. Maybe I can teach the kids how to dissect animals?

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  4. Kelli - Thanks for the love Sister!!! I don't know how you manage it with FOUR kids - that's WAY TOO many science projects for one house, one mom.

    Keith - I know it is all about the Boat! So I appreciate the minutes you took out of your life to do check me out. And I miss you!!!

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Tell me what ya think, babe!