I saw this once somewhere in Internet land. Since boys are home from school for a week-long break, this is completely useful right now!
I am not responsible for fixing everything for my kids. I am not responsible for their happiness. You're bored? Okay. That’s your choice. What are YOU going to do about YOUR boredom? Your brother is irritating? Well, welcome to life. People are irritating. What are YOU going to do so that you can enjoy your day even when other people don't do what you want them to do? Instead of controlling your brother, what can you do to control your own reaction? I am here to be a resource, to give you tools, to teach you. But I am not here to make sure everything goes perfectly and solve every problem--real or perceived--that you have. If you just want to whine, complain and have me fix your problems, you've come to the wrong place. But if you are ready to problem solve and work on controlling yourself, I am fully on board and will give you my energy.