Apr. 14, 2009
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I think for me one of the greatest challenges of having so many different ages of children is having to have such a large skill set. For me anyway, that is hard. It is a different thing being a good parent to a three year old, an eleven year old and a seventeen year old. For the past few years, I think I have been forgetting to diversify my skills. I was kind of the same parent to all of them. I keep remembering the way I was with the older children, when they were younger. It is hard to explain. I wish I could find some very kind, older mom mentor who understands the way I parent, doesn't keep telling me to be more organized, who could help me understand how to nurture teenagers differently than the younger ones. I do think teenagers need nurturing, but not sure how to do it. Anyway, this has been a good day. Not sure how long I can keep it up, lol, but I have been yelling less (I yell when I get overwhelmed, I yell a lot  ) Trying to use an easy hand with the older kids, and keep the younger children busy and happy. Just now, I heard the younger children getting riled up, the middle ones were trying to play with them but getting frustrated, and the older ones were starting to heave heavy sighs and yell at everyone. So I have the younger three in the dining room painting pictures, they are happy, involved, the house once again is quiet and peaceful. I feel like I succeeded at one thing today.  For breakfast, I made pumpkin bread which was easy for me but satisfying for everyone else. (good food really does tame the savage beast) It smelled so good, I instantly wanted it to be autumn again. And I made a hot lunch. I think the days when everyone just grabs something does not work well for the younger ones. Sometimes I forgot them and by the time they ask, they are hungry and grumpy. That again is my being an older child parent. So this afternoon is so much better than some we have had. We even did chores today and the children spent the morning watching educational shows, like Bill Nye's new one "Stuff happens" and "Liberty Kids" and "Super Why". Nothing makes my homeschool mom heart happier than seeing all the different ages of my children watching some science show together, not because I called them in and made them, but just because. I am trying to edge more towards unschooling again. Not sure if any unschoolers would own me though because we will still do some written work that is assigned. Later this afternoon, I intend to read books with the younger ones. All in all, it has been a better day. Thank goodness. |
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Apr. 14, 2009 - Todays Blog
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