January 31, 2009 - New Expectations...

After graduating one from high school, and trying to follow the same plan with the other two daughters...I realized something was not working well.  Every day had it's own stressor and it was always something to do with studies and not getting something and not getting it done.   The days that went well were far and few between.  I was bewildered at how some state that the high school years are the easiest, yet I was struggling. 

I evaluate and re-evaluate and I still come up with the same things... Ya, BUT.... were my answers for pushing, for adding a bit more.  I don't think I did it to be mean, or to even make my daughters out to be Einsteins.  But I pushed, none the less.  Our home environment was becoming tense and I realized I need some changes, although I wasn't exactly sure with what.

I have begun to make some changes and after seeing their sucess or failure, I am trying to reshape our daily plans.  One thing we have begun to get a grip on is our daily schedule.  We've been "lazy" in the morning hours to get up and get going.  Whether this is a bit of depression, an increased need of sleep during their teen years, or I'll admit... a huge lot of laziness on the part of me and my children and my lack of direction for those morning hours... we needed change. 

Our daily routine has changed that every one us up and ready to go on their day by 9 AM.  This lets them sleep in until 8 AM, getting that extra teen sleep.  It allows me to make a good healthy breakfast by having time to do that.  It allows me quiet time in the AM for devotions and exercise.  We once again have regained our 9AM start time for our studies.   It feels good and has added benefits... we're on time to church as well!  LOL. 

The second thing in our routine was a thorough evaluation of each class and the time needed for completing assignments and evaluating whether a different "schedule" should be made up... rotating classes each day or shortening times or extending times.  I am still in midst of this, but discovered how much actual time we spend in language arts is almost double of what is needed.  I am trying to rethink our plans and make changes as we go.  I am relieved to find one class to reduce on, perhaps this little bit of relaxation will ease the stress we've had around the house as of lately. 

I will try to update our changes as we go along.  I'm sure I'll find many more things that need changing.  Our home is everchanging in its dynamics and I enjoy creating new schedules and routines to meet those needs... implementing them is a different story.  However this time, I am enjoying the implementation process as well...perhaps because it is reducing the stress in the house in two different ways... reducing study time for the girls makes them happier.  Evaluating the course loads has eased my guilty conscience of thinking we're not doing enough...we are! 

Warmly, ~Melissa

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