Tuesday 27 September 2022

My youngest seems to have levelled up.

As much as I love Ellie she has been hard work especially over the last couple of years. I don't know if it's because of Covid, her hearing issues or something else. She hasn't been badly behaved, the only way I can explain it is she has been lazy. To get her to do anything was a chore but recently things have changed.

My youngest playing pool

Over the past month or so Ellie has changed massively. The change is certainly a good thing and was needed. I keep joking with her and say she has levelled up or like a Sim, aged up. lol I can't really pinpoint the change but it was just after her 15th birthday just as she went back to school starting year 11, her last year. She seems to have grown up a lot.

Ellie has never been easy to get out of bed, especially on a school morning but buying her an alarm clock for her birthday was the best thing I have ever done! She has a high bed so she has to get out of bed to switch her alarm clock off and that means she's up for the day. Most mornings by the time I get downstairs she is dressed and is putting her shoes and socks on getting ready for school. I still have to nag her about eating breakfast but it sure does make mornings a lot easier and a lot less stressful. She is also taking herself off to bed when she is tired instead of just carrying on until she is in a foul mood and practically falling asleep where she is sitting. She has never had a good sleep routine despite all of our efforts. I remember sitting with her when she was a toddler until she fell asleep, just to keep her in bed.

Little things that I used to have to nag at her for she is doing herself without me even having to tell her. Brushing her teeth, putting her dirty clothes in the wash basket, tidying her bedroom and going in the bath. I am not saying she was dirty but caring about her personal hygiene has improved greatly. 

What surprised me the most is that she is doing some revision for her GCSE's every school night. I know it might be a bit early to start but the more she revises the more chance some of it will sink in ready for her exams next year. Stu and I did tell Ellie that when she started year 11 she would be revising but we expected arguments and her being reluctant but that hasn't happened, I would go as far to say she is enjoying it.

Now that Becky is working full time and Stu is working longer hours I told Ellie that some help around the house would be appreciated and she has stepped up. She doesn't do much but does help more with washing and drying the pots, bringing the washing in off the line and sorting it out, emptying the bins and keeping her corner of the living room where her computer is tidy. I thought she would expect extra pocket money or extra treats but she hasn't asked for anything in return, yet! 

I am loving the new Ellie, this improved version. I think because of me not having to nag we are getting along better. She really is a pleasure to be around 99% of the time, she's still a teenager and of course still has her moments. hehehe

Did you children hit a certain age and suddenly seem more grown up?

1 comment :

  1. Sounds like Ellie is in a good place for her last year. I hope it keeps getting better for both of you.

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