a mental language scramble

I've noticed that when I try to speak in German, I tend to have English running through my head... which is normal. However, whenever I'm thinking in English in my head, I'm constantly trying to translate it to German! I have a Sudoku book, and as I'm writing I'm thinking "Ok, ich muss ein sieben und ein drei haben..." It can get pretty frustrating, and when I get frustrated I tend to tense up my jaw. I don't grind it (a la meiner Bruder), but I clench it. Es tut mir leid.

Today Sara and Simon each had a friend over, Finia and Alexander. Sara and Simon play well together, but when two other kids entered the mix, I saw Sara's older sister dominance start to come out - along with Simon's little brother whining. I mean, it isn't that either of them were brats, not by any means. It was just very typical sibling behavior. Although, I had forgotten that when kids are this young, they are not yet embarrassed to make a fuss in front of company. And their friends may have felt awkward, but I'm pretty sure they mostly just entertained themselves in the meantime.

When Esther went to take the kids out of the bath this evening, Simon FREAKED. OUT. I mean, full out screamed for NO LESS than 15 minutes. Honestly. After a few minutes, I went to see what was wrong and apparently he just wanted to play in the water. That's it. He screamed at the top of his lungs because he wanted to be in the tub. Aren't there kids who hate baths? And yet this kid can't get enough. After I stood there for a few minutes, I took Sara to their room and began to read her a book called "Geromi, ein kleiner Indianer." That's right- a book about American Indians. Auf Deutsch... :D

I haven't talked to Esther and Frank about how they deal with bad behavior yet, so I'm not comfortable stepping in. I feel bad, like I should be doing something... but it's a bad idea for me to try and step in if I don't know what the kids are used to. I know how I am used to handling situations, but kids need consistancy and I need to respect how the parents are raising their kids. Esther said I would have to wait until Frank returns on Sunday (since she feels his English is better and it will be easier for me to understand). I just feel bad sitting back while she deals with screaming kiddos.

I'm exhausted, so ich werde jetzt ins Bett gehen.

Gute Nacht und LG,
~Julia~