Being Flexible

Things don't always go the way we think they will.
Things don't always go the way we want them to.
Life throws in unexpected events, problems, opportunities, and hiccups.

And that's okay.

You will notice that I haven't posted much lately and that is because life has thrown us quite a few curve balls lately.  I got sick with a kidney infection.  The kids got sick with who-knows-what.  Things have come up that have interrupted our schedule and gotten us out of routine.  Normally, that would totally freak me out -- I need a schedule and routine.  But this time,I have been doing my best to take what comes our way and just be flexible.  Flexible in time, in plans, in routines, in "what I thought was going to happen."  And you know what, being flexible is a lot less stressful and it has helped me realize a few things:

1.  No one says homeschooling has to have a 36 week/180 schedule (well, at least not for me -- some states may have laws about it). And therefore, there is no "behind."  One of the reasons I want the kids at home is that we can go off on tangents and dive into what delights.  Material needs to be covered, yes, but it does not have to be in "school" time or in a 36 week allotted schedule.  It is home education and that can take place any time, any day.  Sickness has set us back from what I had planned, but education has continued - it just looks a little different: More cuddles on the couch.  More "when we have a few minutes" reading opportunities.  More home in homeschooling.

2. I need to present information in a way that I like as well as what my kids like.  I knew that when I chose a curriculum that I may not enjoy all of it.   I knew that I just needed to start somewhere.  And I did start somewhere and I found that I didn't like it.  It isn't that I don't like Sonlight -- it is FULL of wonderful books and great information. I like what is in the curriculum (mostly) but I don't like how it is presented.  It is a history based geography and science and my mind just does not work that way. I want a geography based history and science.  I want more continuity and more context.  So, I pulled apart the entire curriculum (history, science, and read alouds) and put it back together in a way that will work for us.  We are going on a "trip around the world" and are excited to visit various countries and learn about their people, food, history, rivers, mountains, animals, and customs.  This format makes ME so much more excited which makes the KIDS so much more excited.  Our passports are ready to go!

3. I need to pace myself for a marathon, not a sprint.  In my excitement to get started and to provide all sorts of learning opportunities for my kids, I tried to do too much, too fast.  I am learning to take it slow...slow and steady is better than burn out.  The kids will learn.  The kids will explore.  The kids will experience new things. It just doesn't all have to be today.

4. It's okay to take breaks, regroup, rest, play, and pray.  It's been a rough few weeks, but we haven't failed, we are not "behind" and we are ready to move forward.

Comments

[Beth]

You have a great way with words. This is just what I've discovered too as we started homeschooling, though I'm still struggling with balancing two grades (2nd and 6th) and when the kids need me at the same time. You are doing a great job with your kids. Keep up the great work!

[Rebecca]

It's amazing how much I much I get from your posts, given that I don't have (and won't have) children :) You are so calming and refreshing and you just plain make me feel good about the world. I appreciate that very much. I suppose, too, in a tiny, virtual way, I enjoy experiencing little tastes of what life can be like with children.

Thank you.

[Jennifer Ott]

Glad you are feeling better! I missed your posts. Praise the Lord, too, that He is still giving you excitement about homeschooling despite these bumps in the road!
...Also, thank you for the idea on workboxes with less stuff in the room and with younger kids (ours are 4, 3, and 1, but the 4 is reading, and the 3 loves school time!).

[photojenic]

You can print off cool "passport" stickers from this website:
http://www.stickersandcharts.com/places.php

It has country flags, city stamps and more. HTH!

[Heather]

I hope you're completely healed.

Man, do I know what you're talking about with the marathon inference - when I was homeschooling my first DD last year, there were times I felt so inadequate, so behind. Keep going, my dear! Your children are very lucky to have this experience. God bless you.

[tami]

What a blessing to you and your family that you have heard and responded to the Holy Spirit about the marathon aspect of homeschooling. I am in my tenth year, with a 9th, 5th and 3rd grader, and I wish I had understood that this is a "no sprint zone" as early as you have.