Aug. 26, 2008 - "That's it?!" Part II
Do you ever get the feeling that you're setting yourself up? Sometimes I do, but generally I sort of paddle along thinking everyone else is in the boat with me, only to turn around and find out they're all still on the shore and no one's even noticed noticed I'm gone.
With all the enthusiasm around here to start our school year, I decided that we would take this week to "ease into it." Nothing strenuous. Not full-throttle. Just get our feet wet. Get a feel for how things were going to flow. Finish fairly quickly and move on the rest of the day. That sounds reasonable, doesn't it? Kind of Charlotte Manson-y.
Ok, that was the dream I had for the day. And I've had that dream for a while now. That, however, was apparently only possible with the fantasy children living in my head that bear little resemblence to the actual children who live in my house. (Although they look exactly alike! Hmmm....) Do you get the impression that things were a bit bumpier than I'd counted on?
After going over some family reading, Miss Enthusiatic (dd10) asked, "Are we going to read this much every day?"
To which I answered, "Um, it's been 10 minutes."
"Oh."
From there I had them each get out their work bins and went over what would be expected each day, how to fill out their weekly planners, and why copywork and dictation would be replacing the dreaded despised spelling books. One by one I tried to gently explain the year. One by one they proceeded to list the things they didn't like about it. I smiled sweetly right up until child number 5, and finally backed up all my reasoning with the well-worn standby, "We're doing it this way because I'm the Mom!" Not very spritual, I know.
This is only the beginning, so I expect it will take a few weeks to find our groove. Once we all get back into a routine, things will smooth out as we find what works for us. In the meantime, I'll be adjusting my daydreaming to include our little shoedwelling darlings. But maybe I can copy some of the parenting techniques the dream mom in my head uses. Now that's an idea!
Comments
Aug. 27, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by kristenph
Wow, this sounds like things at my house!
Aug. 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by OldSchoolMarm
I like "because I said so" personally, hehe. I know not very spiritual either but sometimes it feels so good to let them know their place :-). I pray it goes smoother. We all have those days or even weeks LOL!
Blessings, Julie
