Can I whine/rant?

[laughing lioness]

I am tired. Really tired. I've been directing a play, getting music and props ready, choreography- a REAL stretch for me!, putting together an other event and gearing up for TeenPact. All of my choosing. But I am sick of accomodating, having parents come late, scheduling, than having parents say, "can't come." Rescheduling, having to figure out what to do with my 5 yo, having to call the playdate and reschedule with her, having parents come 1/2 LAtE after I've been with their kids for 4 hours, and then want to talk and talk and talk at me. I know it all goes with the territory, but when I've walked to my car, am sitting in it with it running, saying for the umpteenth time how I'm now an HOUR late to get MY KIDS because of your lateness you'd think people would CLUE IN.
thank-god the performance is this Saturday. I've about had it. And did I mention I'm tired? We've done so little school around here and I am feeling major guilt. Yesterday we watched world view videos -one was horrible and one was good. Sigh. I wish Christians would stick with the Bible when they state how.things.are. instead of making stuff up and saying it's fact and stating that those who don't agree with their odd and not-biblically based ideas are wrong. I'm all about brainstorming but don't tell me what reality was if you. weren't. there.

Thanks for the airspace. I was ready to burst.

[strider]

You really should say something. It doesn't have to be in a mean or stressed way. People just are not thinking when they behave like this. Make an announcement:

"Folks, it is really important that you pick up your child promptly at 6 o'clock because I have to leave RIGHT AWAY to get my own kids."

You need to announce this more than once, each and every time. Say it nicely but firmly. Also put it in writing--hand out a flyer, send an email, or both. People can be trained, but they need the repetition, and they need to have their thoughts directed outside of their own world towards yours for a moment.

I have directed MANY a large group and have learned to just tell people, firmly, and repetitively.

[Beth in SW WA]

At CYT, you pay the leaders for every minute you are late. That is a great incentive to show up on time.

CYT has strict rules for the parents and kids. It really does help make the program so successful.

Sorry to hear you're having a tough time!

[laughing lioness]

Thanks, ladies! I am better now than I was at O'Dark:30 :). Great ideas. Part of the problem was the place I had scheduled for practice had major roof damage during a blizzard so we are going to 2 different places during the week...it's all the many details. I'm about detailed out.