Feeling vulnerable and uncertain

Last week our school district formally announced the cuts that will be in place next year.  Personally, while I do regret many of the programs and benefits that were lost, I do feel that the board made the best decisions possible in order to minimize the direct impact on as many children as possible.  I acknowledge that I do not currently have any children at the high school (and may never have any children at this high school) where the biggest cuts were made, but I stand by my earlier statement.  And this announcement has lead to a great deal of ugliness in public forums.  I'm very grateful I haven't worked much in the last week because things are just so ugly...and I worry how the ugliness is going to impact my kids, let alone the actual cuts that are being made!

I'm also feeling very lost as to how to deal with my children.  I know that they are kids, and part of what makes them kids is that they are going to make mistakes.  I certainly get that!  But when are they going to stop making the same mistakes over and over and over again?  JR is having some serious problems getting homework turned in.  I can think of six assignments off the top of my head since spring break alone...and there might be more if I looked it up.  My husband and I are angry at ourselves because we did not follow through on our plans for consequences that we had decided upon earlier in the year, and now with school being out it's almost too late.  I have informed JR however, that he will be attending "Mom's summer school" this summer.  I've been purchasing books and I'm looking forward to keeping his comprehension and math skills sharp over the summer.  In fact, all three will be doing so, although in the case of JC it is more a review since she struggled in some areas this year.  Her responsibility level has also been lacking and she frankly just doesn't bother about some of her chores, and HT has the responsibility level and work ethic of a flea.  I know that each child is supposed to "own" this aspect of their personality, but as a mom who is always home with them I can't help but feel I'm responsible as well.  Do I not indicate to them that responsibilities come before fun and play?  Am I not setting good examples?  My husband is very supportive, but I still can't help but feel it is in some part my own failings as a mother that have brought us to this point, and I've been doing lots of praying and hoping for the correct guidance to help us all make good decisions this summer...and beyond!