As the new year began I had high hopes that we were going to get more scheduled and have a set routine. Over the past week I have been so stressed about what "needs to get done". Trying to fit it all in and sticking to my time chart, instead of sticking with my heart. Instead of having fun with the boys and let the learning come naturally, I am trying to force it on them. All the things I wanted to avoid from having them in a traditional school setting.
I read too much and always think I should be doing more when I know that I am doing enough. We do have times of focused learning where I suggest the activity. It is all good but it does not need to be on a perfect schedule.
We lingered a little more. There was a quiet peace. Letting go is good.
I don't think you are letting go of high expectations, you are trying to let go of the ingrained teacher mentality that we must some how "keep up" with the subjects/lessons/content areas that we would have covered when we were teaching other people's children.
ReplyDeleteIn our home, the learning has an ebb and flow. This fall we had no schedule and learning (except for math) was 100% interest led. Now that we are home and we have every morning to learn in a relaxed environment with a fire if we want and dogs on top of us (even if we don't want...) we have naturally settled into a routine.
You will find this as the boys grow. Some months may be very unstructured and others very structured. For me it helps to keep a record of what we do, where we go, what we read, what classes we take, etc so I can look back every few months and be amazed.
I totally agree with you, letting go is good. I know with my personality I will have the same problem letting go as we lifeschool our little man, but I think Jessica is right, we have to let go of the "school" expectations and instead trust our children and follow their lead. Not always an easy thing to do.
ReplyDeleteHang in there.
I love Jessica's idea of keeping a little record to look back on, I am sure it will be amazing to look back and see everything we have done and learned at home.
It's ok to let go, and just let things happen. It has worked wonderfully for me for years, and I would not change a thing! This is the first year that the kids want more. Each has a desire to be out and busy. With three it's hard, and I often look back at the peaceful we left behind. Although we are enjoying being on the go all week, I MISS simple days. Whenever the change will happen, it will, and when it does, you will probably compare it to the quiet, and think you are doing too much!
ReplyDeleteWe are fickle creatures.
You are a perfect mom to two perfect children. I love all of you dearly and admire all you do and all they have learned in such a loving, creative, inspiring home. And this in not just Grammy's thinking... Grampy agrees fully!!!
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