Thank goodness we have the Tokyo Olympics on the telly to watch together during this snap lockdown because that seems to be one of the only things we can agree on as a family.
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I'm finding it difficult to observe my teens not harnessing their intelligence to the max in relation to their schoolwork at home.
Both my girls are applying themselves in their own way, in their own locations in their own time frames but their learning styles are different to mine so it's hard to see.
I feel frustrated when distractions rule too.
Constant connection to the outside world and all the irrelevant entertaining information that pours through devices doesn't help at all.
That stuff is more diverting and less difficult than Pythagoras Theorem.
Parenting is an impossible balancing act, isn't it?
To guide, encourage and discipline teens has me piloting a crazy see-saw that is only level momentarily before I destabilise our equilibrium again.
I just have so much unsolicited advice to give.
I try so hard to be uplifting and catch the girls doing something right, praising them when they are lovely, but it's a struggle not to expect good manners as a base level requirement and avoid becoming cranky at dirty socks and dishes discarded everywhere.
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It's true that helping children grow-up is a marathon and this phase feels like hitting a wall four miles out from the finish.
The only way for me to continue is to constantly refuel by grabbing some quiet time with God to fill-up on patience and forgiveness, focusing on hope and love.
Relationships are so easily shredded during this pressure cooker experience - I can go off the deep end at a moment's notice when it gets to the end of a long day.
Stepping away to imbibe some unconditional love with no condemnation energises me to extend that same grace to the family around me who provide the most challenging test of my character.
How dare I expect my children to be perfect when my own behaviour is so full of fault!
Just like when we sat around applauding Ash Barty at Wimbledon, we're teaming up to barrack for our Olympians as they compete, but more importantly, we need to cheer each other on at home.
