Special Needs Summer Refreshment
My kids revive themselves over the summer with more free time and the mental space to read and explore things of their own choosing. They need it, even if we do sneak in some school work after a month or so break.
What do special needs moms do to refresh over the summer? Here are some suggestions:
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Read one new book related to your child’s area of struggle. Browse at one of the bigger bookstores in your area near the parenting section and you will surely find something to capture your interest.
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Seek out some new web sites. Start with www.nathhan.com and begin to explore the many free resources available on the Internet.
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Take some time alone. A day or an overnight away from your responsibilities can do wonders for your outlook.
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Begin to pray and jot down ideas about the areas you will hit hardest in your child’s schoolwork. Keep a list of your ideas for a few weeks and consult these when you sit down to make your school plan for next year.
Just taking a little time off over summer to reflect and renew will make a big difference in how your new school year starts.
Christine M. Field practiced law for eight years before becoming a full-time Mommy. She and her husband live and home school their four children in Wheaton, Illinois where her husband serves as Chief of Police. Three of their four children are adopted, one through a private adoption and two are from Korea. She is the author of several books, including Coming Home to Raise Your Children (Fleming Revell, 1995), Should You Adopt? (Fleming Revell, 1997) A Field Guide to Home Schooling (Fleming Revell, 1998), Life Skills for Kids (Harold Shaw/WaterBrook, 2000), Help for the Harried Homeschooler (Harold Shaw/WaterBrook, 2002) and Homeschooling the Challenging Child (Broadman & Holman , 2005) She serves as senior correspondent and Resource Room columnist for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. Her articles on life skills have appeared in Focus on the Family Magazine and Single Parent Family.
Christine loves to encourage others. She has spoken to many groups, including small fellowships and large conventions. To contact her about speaking to your group, you may email her at christinefield@sbcglobal.net or visit her website at www.HomeFieldAdvantage.org. Her mailing address is The Home Field Advantage, P.O. Box 261, Wheaton, IL 60189-0261.
She also moderates a Homeschool Message Board for Lifeway. Go to forums.lifeway.com, scroll down to homeschool and come join in the conversation!
