We have five children. One started at the public high school last fall; the other four take on-line classes through a charter school. It was a good year for all of them -- decent grades; making new friends; learning new things; etc. Now comes the season almost every mother dreads -- Summer Vacation.
Now, as a home-schooling mom, summers aren't really all that different. My kids are always at home. However, since they no longer have set class times or homework -- and the pesky middle child is again home 24/7 -- the dynamics of the family have been sharply altered since that last day of school.
It hasn't even been an entire week. Yes, they seem to be getting restless, already. Although I was happy that they were getting along well... until today. :\ Argument and semi-violent outbursts since late morning have clued me in quickly -- Summer is really here.
Is it September, yet?
I think any of us with children experience this roller coaster in one form or another. We get in a set routine of early mornings; homecomings; snacks; homework; bedtimes; etc. Then in a blink of an eye, we have a huge chunk of time opened up like a giant black hole. Question is: What do we fill it with?
My children have learned it's not wise to whine: "I'm bored."
"You are? Well, I can find something for you to do."
I've learned that I'm becoming my mother. :\ All-in-all, not a hugely bad thing, but still...
In addition to all this 'free time' and the joyous prospect of caring for the family garden during the next three months, I have another conundrum. How do I keep them from forgetting most of what they've learned over the last nine months?
Yeah. Good question. And no, do NOT tell me about Sylvan or other similar programs. We have enough debt, thank you very much. Not to mention the fact that I want my kids to, you know, like me. They may be choosing my care someday, after all. ;)
Seems odd that summers are supposed to be the fun time. The free and easy days. Sun. Play. Lazy days.
Yeah, whoever said that probably wasn't a parent.
1 comments:
Being a working mom and single from the time my son was two, summer always meant finding a new daycare situtation that didn't cost and arm and leg.
Meaning I don't have any thoughtful suggestions to offer.
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