Feb. 24, 2006 - Homeschool-Noschool
Some days I wonder if I am really a homeschool mom or a noschool mom. We do really well for a while and then seem to hit a glitch where we can't seem to accomplish anything. I read other moms telling about what they are learning, field-trips, projects and I can easily feel defeated. Some days our schooling consist of housework and baking bread, battle intervention and problem solving. I am probably in the middle of a severe case of spring fever. Who knows? I usually follow the Rod and Staff studies, which I love, but on a typical day, Caleb,(almost 2) can undo just about anything we seem to have accomplished and throw a caleb-wrench in the whole organized operation. For instance, in the middle of Math, he found the milk,(inadvertently left on the table) and poured out half a gallon on the table and floor. He then proceeded to give all his "moonies" a bath. (Stuffed lions. He has two and then we bought himtwo more for Christmas as an emergency back up when the first two were missing or in the laundry.) I found him in the bathroom with all four moonies in the sink and water covering the entire floor. I could go on all day with examples but if this is homeschooling with a two-year old I am ready to quit. Not really, I know God is my strength. I guess I am having a pity party. Want to come? I keep repeating to myself, "They that wait upon the Lord, will renew their strength and mount up with wings of eagles." Lord, I sure could use those wings right about now.
Comments
Feb. 24, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by DiWilliams
This is me on a daily basis for the past 5-6 years, as long as we've been homeschooling. It makes me wonder what's wrong with me when I hear about these large families who homeschool and seem to have it all together and seem to get so much accomplished.
Have you checked out the preschoolers & peace website? http://www.preschoolersandpeace.com
Lots of good ideas there.
Blessings ~ Diane
Feb. 24, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by KayinMaine
Ahh, the joys of homeschooling with a toddler around. We've all been there.
Hang in there--it will get better. My children have been at each other, bickering, getting into things, generally driving me crazy for a couple of weeks. It happens every year about this time. Soon enough, the weather will warm up and the kids can go outside. I can't wait.
((((Hugs))))
Feb. 24, 2006 - Joining your party...
Posted by LearningGlory
We have had the same week. Austin is driving me up the wall with his behavior, Libby has been sick for 2 days, is better today, Ally comes home from a friends house and she is now sick and we are supposed to work at the ice-fishing derby tomorrow!
Well, at least are in this together!
Love ya!
-T.
p.s. See, I told you if you blog... they will come.
Feb. 24, 2006 - hi!
Posted by Altomommy
Thanks for your comment on my blog! I popped over here and I have enjoyed your entries thus far! And yes, I guess maybe I do have spring fever! ha ha. :) Hence, why we school year-round... then I'm allowed to take days off here and there and not stress over it. :)
Blessings!
Feb. 24, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by hiplvmom2
Hi,
I have enjoyed all your entries... but the milk and the lions cracked me up! Teeheehee.... I have a 2 year old also and she keeps me very busy. Yesterday she came to me and all I could see was RED in her ear and under her eye.... for about 20 seconds I thought it was blood..... But lucky me, she had just stuck my lipstick in her ear and eye.... lucky me LOL....
Peace & Happiness,
Dana
Feb. 26, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Janne
Oh my! I think I need to introduce your Caleb to my Duo (my two and three-year old girls). It is unbelievable the trouble those two can find!
I could have written your post, really. I mean with several moves in the past few years, we have gotten very little traditional schooling accomplished. I go through periods of being down about it, but then I remember that:
1) Even if they learn NOTHING, they are much better off at home -- for the protection from peer influences, if nothing else.
2) They are always learning important things at home -- much more important than math or grammar. They are learning how to positively interact with people of all different ages. They are developing bonds with the people that matter most - their family members. They are learning life skills that they will need...well, throughout their lives. They are developing character....this list goes on.
3) Here are some things my children have done this year when I thought they weren't learning anything:
Last weekend my boys put together an entertainment center by themselves and my 14 year old daughter grilled out a dozen hamburgers without being asked. My 11 year old son has become an awesome cook. He prepares most of our meals! My 6 year old has learned to read, despite me ;) All of the children have been encouraged to play outside a lot and we have gone on lots of "field trips" to different parks and such -- resulting in an intense love of nature. On any given day there are at least two Audubon guides circulating around the house, and as soon as they see a critter they can't identify, they run to grab a guide.
Don't be discouraged, Mama. They ARE getting it!
And about that toddler - you are collecting some great stories to tell his future spouse and children! :)
Oh, and I have a little contest going on here, if you'd like to enter.
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Janne/89977/
Feb. 28, 2006 - Ditto
Posted by dawilli
I hope you realize how not alone you are!
I too, could've written that post, though it's my 3 yo Grace that finds ways to make trouble in the bathroom way too often... she loves soap...
The 1 yo cannot quite learn to NOT tear down books off of the shelf, or throw all the clean washcloths on the floor, or empty the diaper bag...
If you're keeping up with your Rod and Staff curriculum you're doing much better than I am!
If you knew how often the only science for a week was nature videos... well, forget I said that...
hang in there, and just love on them,
ali
