making time for my interests, too
Kristie
One of the things that excites me about unschooling is the possibility that *I*
will have the time to explore some of my own interests! I feel like I have been
as stressed and oppressed as my kids...and I am currently "deschooling" along
with them...acting as if I am on summer break!
But I am wondering how to find balance in my days...between childcare,
unschooling, home care, and a part-time job...???
How do you pursue your passions and interests while still meeting
responsibilities?
(Maybe I shouldn't be worrying about this yet?)
As a side note - I have noticed that since I am not requiring my kids to do jobs
and chores around the house, that they are more willing to help out. It seems
so opposite! But just last night, my 10 yo, who we have always considered the
"lazy" one, saw me picking up the living room and said, "I'll do that, mom" and
did it. I about fell over!!!
I hope I really can get the hang of this...I think unschooling will be good for
all of us!
Thanks!
Kristie
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
will have the time to explore some of my own interests! I feel like I have been
as stressed and oppressed as my kids...and I am currently "deschooling" along
with them...acting as if I am on summer break!
But I am wondering how to find balance in my days...between childcare,
unschooling, home care, and a part-time job...???
How do you pursue your passions and interests while still meeting
responsibilities?
(Maybe I shouldn't be worrying about this yet?)
As a side note - I have noticed that since I am not requiring my kids to do jobs
and chores around the house, that they are more willing to help out. It seems
so opposite! But just last night, my 10 yo, who we have always considered the
"lazy" one, saw me picking up the living room and said, "I'll do that, mom" and
did it. I about fell over!!!
I hope I really can get the hang of this...I think unschooling will be good for
all of us!
Thanks!
Kristie
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Meredith
Kristie <messy_boys@...> wrote:
It also helps to think about learning and growing - neither are straightforward and linear, but move forward and swirl around, form eddies and backwaters, stall and sometimes stagnate for a time before rushing onward. So its okay if some passions are sitting in a little backwater, resting for now. Everything you're learning and doing Now will contribute to your future growing and learning in small ways you can't possibly predict.
---Meredith
>> But I am wondering how to find balance in my days...between childcare,For now, it can help a whole lot to see your family as One of your passions! That way you're not putting passions aside for obligations, but choosing between things which give you joy and fulfillment. There Are natural limits, after all, and the 24-hour day is one of them!
> unschooling, home care, and a part-time job...???
>
> How do you pursue your passions and interests while still meeting
> responsibilities?
>
> (Maybe I shouldn't be worrying about this yet?)
It also helps to think about learning and growing - neither are straightforward and linear, but move forward and swirl around, form eddies and backwaters, stall and sometimes stagnate for a time before rushing onward. So its okay if some passions are sitting in a little backwater, resting for now. Everything you're learning and doing Now will contribute to your future growing and learning in small ways you can't possibly predict.
---Meredith
Linda Cooper
One of the reasons I chose home schooling was for just this reason.
Now, I feel that we have more balance in our days. This balance includes
time for me, too. Granted, much of "my time" is at the gym, and I've had
to make peace with the child care provided there. When I reflected on
the child care, I realized there were many positives: my kids get to
hang out with other children from different cultures - and this is their
primary opportunity for experiencing diversity these days. Also, the
caregiver is from an entirely different culture, which is great for my
girls to experience, too.
The kids spent a LOT of time with their dad (my husband, too!) on
weeknights and weekends. I'm grateful that my husband has adjusted to
this over time, b/c I really needed some time to regroup and
re-energize. We both realize that we need time away in order to bring
our best to the family....
Re: responsibilities other than the kids, we're still working that part
out. Domestic chores definitely take a hit. I do the dishes and a
couple of loads of wash each day, and try to pick up the clutter as we
go along. As for the rest, it either gets left for "tomorrow," or one
of us has a burst of energy or inspiration and does the job.
I hope that helps? At least to know that you have support here!
Thanks,
Linda
Now, I feel that we have more balance in our days. This balance includes
time for me, too. Granted, much of "my time" is at the gym, and I've had
to make peace with the child care provided there. When I reflected on
the child care, I realized there were many positives: my kids get to
hang out with other children from different cultures - and this is their
primary opportunity for experiencing diversity these days. Also, the
caregiver is from an entirely different culture, which is great for my
girls to experience, too.
The kids spent a LOT of time with their dad (my husband, too!) on
weeknights and weekends. I'm grateful that my husband has adjusted to
this over time, b/c I really needed some time to regroup and
re-energize. We both realize that we need time away in order to bring
our best to the family....
Re: responsibilities other than the kids, we're still working that part
out. Domestic chores definitely take a hit. I do the dishes and a
couple of loads of wash each day, and try to pick up the clutter as we
go along. As for the rest, it either gets left for "tomorrow," or one
of us has a burst of energy or inspiration and does the job.
I hope that helps? At least to know that you have support here!
Thanks,
Linda