Adolescent Eye Syndrome, A Saturday Morning Funny

     Let's talk mom to mom or mom to dad about a situation that I'm sure you've all had to deal with or maybe you're on the brink.  Adolescent Eye Syndrome.  I came up with the name because I've seen it so frequently in kids.  From little on they watch you work around the house/yard/farm and as they age they'll start to help.  Then they get to the age that they are finally able to work on their own doing certain tasks...that's when it strikes... adolescent eye syndrome.

     You've had these conversations...

Mom: Please clean your room.
Child: I did.
Meanwhile you're looking around, knowing you've seen this child work next to you...they know how it's done.
Mom: Are you blind?
The child seems perfectly happy that they now have created a path to safely walk through their room.
That night during your evening prayers you thank God for bedroom doors and the ability to close them.  

Mom: Please wash the kitchen counter.
Child: I did
Meanwhile, again, you look around as see flour pushed under the mixer, scraps pushed from the counter onto the floor.
Mom: I need to make an appointment to have your eyes checked.
This child again seems perfectly happy that they now have created a space for them to immediately make a snack, there for leaving the counter a mess once again.   

     Only parent with children will know what I'm talking about BUT there is good news.  Your child should outgrow this within 10 years.  I've seen rare occasions taking 20 years or more but that's rare.

     There are a few things that you can do as a parent to help your child through this stage in life.  Don't do their work for them.  This is very important and the ONLY way the child will see the errors of their way.  Do it when they aren't looking.  If they see you doing their work they will slowly start leaving you more and more to do.  As hard as it may be...give them praise.  I really struggle with this one.  It's hard to overlook a messy area especially when the rest of the house is clean.  And most of all pray for your kids.  Because some day they may own their own home or have an apartment.  

     So the next time you come to my house, remember I have kids that are struggling with Adolescent Eye Syndrome.