I saw this video http://www.ted.com/talks/gever_tulley_on_5_dangerous_things_for_kids.html a while back and it made me think of my own childhood and the things we were allowed to do that most kids don't get to do today. In no way am I promoting carelessness but I do think we need to let our children experience things that maybe considered "dangerous" by todays standards. So guess what we did today !?! We went driving.....far out of town! It was a first for both my 8 and 10 year old and they loved it. My eldest daughter kept saying, "I can't believe you get to do this everyday!" My eight year old son was so happy that he couldn't wait to get home to tell his Papa but wasn't sure if this was information that he was supposed to share. I'm sure my dad would think it was pretty cool. He was the one who got him his first pocket knife so we already have 2 things crossed off the list!
What do you think? Too dangerous?
Monday, September 26, 2011
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Horse Play
When deciding what activities to do this year it wasn't hard to pick! I'm actually quite selfish when it comes to choosing activities. Can all the kids participate - or a least a couple? - I don't like driving all over town multiple times a week. Is it near supper time? I don't like to be rushed before or after supper or I end up driving through Mc D's and having an awful stomach ache. Will I have to wake up early? There's no chance I'll make it on time. How much is this going to cost? I've heard of parents spending $10, 000 a year on sports! Will I have to travel for tournaments? I have better things to do on the weekend. These are all questions that I consider but most importantly I want my kids to enjoy it, I do not want to feel like it's a chore. I watch too many families sign up for sports or other activities and are running almost every night of the week. Then they are off to tournaments or competitions on the weekends - spending money on hotels and eating out. Looking from the outside in they do not seem happy about it either. I hear so many complaints that it makes me wonder who signed the kids up for it in the first place. There is always the exception where it is the child's passion but I'm more interested in balance.
We ended up choosing Western Riding Lessons at Midnight's Trail. Levi (6) was not too sure about it. He was concerned about how large a horse was and how he would be able to fit on one. Max was excited until the morning of then started to get nervous. Zoe just couldn't wait. Our first class was this past Monday which was exciting because Scott had a day off and he could come too. The kids had so much fun and are asking everyday when we are going back. My favorite part was that I could schedule a time during the day - which leaves us free in the evenings! I love homeschooling!!!
We ended up choosing Western Riding Lessons at Midnight's Trail. Levi (6) was not too sure about it. He was concerned about how large a horse was and how he would be able to fit on one. Max was excited until the morning of then started to get nervous. Zoe just couldn't wait. Our first class was this past Monday which was exciting because Scott had a day off and he could come too. The kids had so much fun and are asking everyday when we are going back. My favorite part was that I could schedule a time during the day - which leaves us free in the evenings! I love homeschooling!!!
Friday, September 02, 2011
2:23 am
Do your kids wake you up in the middle of the night? My three year old has every night for four weeks! She had surgery August 5th and in the middle of the night at the hospital there is a shift change. The new nurse needs to check his/her patients - and by check I mean poke and bother them until they wake up. I don't know why it's taking so long to get back into a regular sleep pattern but if you have any ideas please share!
Since I'm up I might as well do something. This way I'll have less to do tomorrow and have a guilt free nap at about 4:00 when my eyelids become too heavy to keep open!
Wednesday night our homeschool kick off bbq was rained out. We decided not to cancel but instead have it at our house. We are very blessed with an open floor plan and enough square footage to host events so I thought why not. We ended up with a total of 36 people (22 kids and 14 parents). With that many kids you would think there would be some sort of issue that arises, a scuffle or argument but nothing happened. They all played together - everyone was included. Even the little one's didn't fuss or cry about anything! Do you think that it may be because they are homeschooled? I'd like to think so ;)
There was only one mom who came that's not currently homeschooling. I invited her because she was curious and I wanted to prove we weren't all wack jobs. She knows many homeschoolers but doesn't know how to fit it into her busy life. Now that I've been in the homeschooling scene for a few years I am to the point where I am confident in my decision. Not that I wasn't confident initially but looking back I remember all the insecurities ... Am I doing what's best for my kids?....Will I be able to teach them properly? What if I screw up? ect... and on top of it you have all the outside pressure and comments...."What are you thinking?...What makes you qualified to teach? ... Do you have a university degree in education like the school teachers? .... Your kids will be socially awkward!.... I wouldn't do that if I were you!" But there comes a time in your life when you just know. You can feel that it's what you were called to do. It's not just with homeschooling but other things in life. I'm a firm believer in trusting your gut or listening to that inner voice that's guiding you. You will hit road blocks, it's not always going to be "fun" but what is? The things in life worth doing take effort, time and patience but my kids are worth it. I cherish everyday with them - life is too short not to be with the one's you love the most!
Since I'm up I might as well do something. This way I'll have less to do tomorrow and have a guilt free nap at about 4:00 when my eyelids become too heavy to keep open!
Wednesday night our homeschool kick off bbq was rained out. We decided not to cancel but instead have it at our house. We are very blessed with an open floor plan and enough square footage to host events so I thought why not. We ended up with a total of 36 people (22 kids and 14 parents). With that many kids you would think there would be some sort of issue that arises, a scuffle or argument but nothing happened. They all played together - everyone was included. Even the little one's didn't fuss or cry about anything! Do you think that it may be because they are homeschooled? I'd like to think so ;)
There was only one mom who came that's not currently homeschooling. I invited her because she was curious and I wanted to prove we weren't all wack jobs. She knows many homeschoolers but doesn't know how to fit it into her busy life. Now that I've been in the homeschooling scene for a few years I am to the point where I am confident in my decision. Not that I wasn't confident initially but looking back I remember all the insecurities ... Am I doing what's best for my kids?....Will I be able to teach them properly? What if I screw up? ect... and on top of it you have all the outside pressure and comments...."What are you thinking?...What makes you qualified to teach? ... Do you have a university degree in education like the school teachers? .... Your kids will be socially awkward!.... I wouldn't do that if I were you!" But there comes a time in your life when you just know. You can feel that it's what you were called to do. It's not just with homeschooling but other things in life. I'm a firm believer in trusting your gut or listening to that inner voice that's guiding you. You will hit road blocks, it's not always going to be "fun" but what is? The things in life worth doing take effort, time and patience but my kids are worth it. I cherish everyday with them - life is too short not to be with the one's you love the most!
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