Wow. Things are flying by. I haven't blogged because there hasn't been anything really new or fascinating to say. We're on week 11. Same as usual- doing great on math and Bible, reading plenty of novels, behind on social studies/science...
Most, actually *all* of the other families I know who homeschool do it a few days a week and then do some kind of enrichment program. We're not able to do that right now, so I'm really feeling the burden of making sure she gets EVERYTHING from me. There are more and more days that I feel overwhelmed with trying to get different things discussed or read, and also more and more days that it's like pulling teeth to get her to sit down and listen.
I helped out in her Sunday school class last week and she seems to be right on schedule- there are four kids in there that attend the school we're zoned for, and they were counting by tens and writing their names and talking about a lot of the same things we've been doing. So I don't really feel behind right now. I just worry that I'm not instilling a good work ethic or love of learning. I do want her to really value education and feel that it's always exciting to learn new things. On the one hand, if 3 out of 5 days a week we blow off part of school just because she (or I!) am not in the mood, I don't feel like that's sending a good message. On the other hand, we talk constantly and she asks probing questions and makes connections. We're learning about choices and housework and cooking. I know she's learning from the world around her. And we do at least some daily schoolwork most days, even if we don't get through all of it.
I'm just not sure if it's enough. Sometimes I feel like I'm just not doing a very good job. I suppose it's normal to second guess yourself as a mom, no matter what choices you make. I just wish we knew somebody else around here that we could get together with so that we didn't feel so alone. I want some reassurance that things are going well.
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3 comments:
Instilling a love of learning in her doesn't mean you have to instill in her a love of school (especially conventional school). That's why homeschooling is so great. She'll learn how she best learns and how to KEEP learning and how to figure out things for herself. She might not get that in public school.
As for getting it all in, I'm the same as you. We don't do any type of enrichment program. We don't have that resource, but right now, I don't feel it's necessary and I personally think it defeats the purpose of what I've set out to do (but I don't fault any other homeschooling mom for making that choice). One thing a friend told me when we were seriously considering homeschooling (and I was freaking out about being "enough") was that if this was God's will, and we followed it faithfully, then He would fill in the gaps. I trust that. I see that every day in our lives. We're not the ones in charge here. That's the good news AND the bad news.:)
You're doing great! The Maid is doing great and it shows. Don't be so hard on yourself. :)
You guys are doing great! The maid is smart and kind and respectful. You guys are way ahead of where we were last year even with enrichment. And the thing that always made me feel better is that there are kids older than her that are not even starting kinder until next year! So if you look at it that way she is WAY WAY ahead!!
Love you both!
Yeah, I was going to mention, too, that compulsory age for kids to start kinder in TX is 6, so she could start next year and still be just fine! That's the thought that gets me through our hard days.
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