Susan Fuerst

I am just a lurker here, but this thread speaks much to what we are
experiencing lately. I, also, get so frustrated at the lack of
spontaneous play allowed for children.

Even in the realm of homeschoolers, I get back-to-school blues due to
the mostly school-at-home thinking. I would not and could not change my
way of thinking, but there is a great deal of disparity between what I
think would be 'ideal' for my children's learning. Our family is rather
isolated due to unschooling, but we would benefit greatly from more IRL
interaction with similar-minded people. I know my children would
benefit from more interaction with other children; but I just haven't
found it much.

And I am finding myself likely to have great distances form in some
(more)friendships because they are choosing the school route, which
pulls them away from us by time, as well as by way of thinking.

I am trying to think creatively about this. I have talked with the kids
about possibly forming some sort of 'club' where they meet monthly to do
crafts, or to play cards, or board games, etc.

It is just a trying time, thanks for the space to rant a bit,
Susan

nellebelle

>>>>I am trying to think creatively about this. I have talked with the kids about possibly forming some sort of 'club' where they meet monthly to do crafts, or to play cards, or board games, etc.>>>>

We are dealing with similar issues. Although we have a few sort of unschooling families to do stuff with, I've realized I need to increase my efforts to find more kids to be around during the school day.

We are going to try this: Each week we will plan something we want to do - bowling, mini-golf, park, etc., and announce it on our local homeschool list, inviting others to join us.

It doesn't mean we won't do other things or only do one thing a week, but we will make an effort to plan some things a few days in advance so that others will be able to join us too. Hope that makes sense. Your idea sounds great too.

Mary Ellen

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