Homeschooling mom to be.

Too busy or not busy enough?

I know, this probably sounds like a strange question.  However, my children do fight more when they're bored.  The problem is, I don't just want to fill their days with constant motion and activity.  I truly believe they need to entertain and occupy themselves for a while as well.  A lot of this is my fault.  Some of the things I said I was going to do with them, I never did.  For example, I was going to make them sit quietly on a rug or a chair or couch for a time each day.  They would be required to read or play quietly, NOT with each other.  This would help me get them to sit still in church, restaurants, etc.  I haven't done that yet because I know it's going to be tough.  Well, I guess I'll have to suck it up and do it!  Lol, my poor kids definitely need it.

I am starting to get my 4-year-old to count by fives.  I'm hoping by doing this to teach her time soon.  As it is now, she can look at a clock and give you an approximate time based on where the hour hand is.  So I've gotten her counting up to 30 so far.  It's a lot of repitition for her, and I don't mind.  Believe it or not, when I was in school, we were never required to memorize multiplication tables.  I am going to make my girls do that, because I believe it's invaluable.  My girls learn so much by repitition, memorization, it is worth it.

I guess my challenge comes with my 3-year-old.  She doesn't sit still, she's on the go all the time.  For the most part, I don't consider this  a bad thing.  But I think before I can begin to really teach her much, she must first learn that there are times to sit still, and that will be difficult.  I think the child moves unconsciously!  Actually, it's very funny.  If music starts, and there's any beat to it, she starts moving, even if she's in the middle of crying, or falling asleep!  But as funny as it is, there is a downside to it.  So I've got quite a challenging week ahead of me!  But I hope it'll make our lives easier and more peaceful.  I know kids have to be kids, and they play, and get noisy, but they do have to have limits, I believe.

I love my kids, and I want to equip them with all they'll need when I have to let them go.  It might seem like I'm being "mean" for a while, but it is necessary, and as long as I keep reassuring them of how much I love them, I think it'll be good.  That and a lot of prayer!  Well, my little munchkins are out in the sunshine playing, so I'm going to go enjoy it with them.  God bless.

Mama J.

Untitled Comment

7:48 PM, Jun. 9, 2009 .. Posted by Anonymous

Even on number 3 and 4 (children), it's sometimes hard to find that balance of enough/not enough/too much. : ) I think a lot of it is dependent on each child and their personalities.

Wow! Telling time at 4! My 8 year old can only do the hour and half hour. Of course, that probably reflects mroe on my lack of diligence than anyone's ability! : o
The oldest ones tend to learn more at an earlier age, too. That's probably also related to the amount of time they have compared to a later child, I guess. Okay. I'm starting to depress myself. LOL.
I hope you're having a great week!
Letitia

Untitled Comment

4:59 AM, Jun. 10, 2009 .. Posted by SandBetweenMyToes

By the way ,that was my annon comment.

Letitia