Newbie
Amy Aybar
Hi everybody,
I've recently joined and saw an old friend here just yesterday. Hi Debbie!!
My name is Amy, I live in the suburbs of Washington, D.C in Virginia. You
can see my kids ages below. I came into Unschooling about a year or maybe
more ago. It's going great, though I worry about some things that we
haven't hit yet. However, I guess it's because they're not always in the
forefront of my mind and we don't use them everyday, like Math and History.
:P I keep saying he's still very young, don't worry about it.
I'm a scientist (Zoology) by schooling and a technical editor (Cruise
Missiles) by training. I work in the mornings in an office while my husband
stays at home. We then switch off when I get home. My husband is a partner
in a fairly new saltwater aquarium store and I'm their bookkeeper too. I'm
fairly active in my church (teacher, singer, and help plan our retreat which
I am in the midst of). Heck how would I have time for curriculum and all
the planning it takes? We go through reams of books from the library and my
kids know oodles about animals and nature study. Oh, and my son reads so
well it just amazes me. I keep wondering, how can he do this? I think he
just learns by reading everything I read aloud.
I think that's enough for now. LOL
Amy
Mom to Carlos (6) and Sasha (now 4!!)
I've recently joined and saw an old friend here just yesterday. Hi Debbie!!
My name is Amy, I live in the suburbs of Washington, D.C in Virginia. You
can see my kids ages below. I came into Unschooling about a year or maybe
more ago. It's going great, though I worry about some things that we
haven't hit yet. However, I guess it's because they're not always in the
forefront of my mind and we don't use them everyday, like Math and History.
:P I keep saying he's still very young, don't worry about it.
I'm a scientist (Zoology) by schooling and a technical editor (Cruise
Missiles) by training. I work in the mornings in an office while my husband
stays at home. We then switch off when I get home. My husband is a partner
in a fairly new saltwater aquarium store and I'm their bookkeeper too. I'm
fairly active in my church (teacher, singer, and help plan our retreat which
I am in the midst of). Heck how would I have time for curriculum and all
the planning it takes? We go through reams of books from the library and my
kids know oodles about animals and nature study. Oh, and my son reads so
well it just amazes me. I keep wondering, how can he do this? I think he
just learns by reading everything I read aloud.
I think that's enough for now. LOL
Amy
Mom to Carlos (6) and Sasha (now 4!!)
[email protected]
Greetings, Amy! Sounds like you're busy! It's great to have you! Blessings,
Lori in TX
Lori in TX
Andi Kaufman
welcome amy
Andi...domestic goddess and active volunteer
mom to Isaac
tl2b@...
Never Underestimate the Power of This Woman!
Andi...domestic goddess and active volunteer
mom to Isaac
tl2b@...
Never Underestimate the Power of This Woman!
Sessuale
Wow! Amy what a fantastic into. Sessuale here and it is truly great to meet you. I'm from Alexandria myself, though I live in the sticks of NH now. I'm actually a pretty quiet one as list members go, strongly opinionated but quiet :) Anyhow, just a quick congrats on what sounds like a really great team work situation and welcome to the group.
Sessuale
-----Original Message-----
From: Amy Aybar [SMTP:funschoolmom@...]
Sent: Thursday, August 05, 1999 10:26 PM
To: 'unschooling.com'
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Newbie
From: "Amy Aybar" <funschoolmom@...>
Hi everybody,
I've recently joined and saw an old friend here just yesterday. Hi Debbie!!
My name is Amy, I live in the suburbs of Washington, D.C in Virginia. You
can see my kids ages below. I came into Unschooling about a year or maybe
more ago. It's going great, though I worry about some things that we
haven't hit yet. However, I guess it's because they're not always in the
forefront of my mind and we don't use them everyday, like Math and History.
:P I keep saying he's still very young, don't worry about it.
I'm a scientist (Zoology) by schooling and a technical editor (Cruise
Missiles) by training. I work in the mornings in an office while my husband
stays at home. We then switch off when I get home. My husband is a partner
in a fairly new saltwater aquarium store and I'm their bookkeeper too. I'm
fairly active in my church (teacher, singer, and help plan our retreat which
I am in the midst of). Heck how would I have time for curriculum and all
the planning it takes? We go through reams of books from the library and my
kids know oodles about animals and nature study. Oh, and my son reads so
well it just amazes me. I keep wondering, how can he do this? I think he
just learns by reading everything I read aloud.
I think that's enough for now. LOL
Amy
Mom to Carlos (6) and Sasha (now 4!!)
--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
ONElist announces "FRIENDS & FAMILY!"
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------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check it out!
http://www.unschooling.com
Sessuale
-----Original Message-----
From: Amy Aybar [SMTP:funschoolmom@...]
Sent: Thursday, August 05, 1999 10:26 PM
To: 'unschooling.com'
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Newbie
From: "Amy Aybar" <funschoolmom@...>
Hi everybody,
I've recently joined and saw an old friend here just yesterday. Hi Debbie!!
My name is Amy, I live in the suburbs of Washington, D.C in Virginia. You
can see my kids ages below. I came into Unschooling about a year or maybe
more ago. It's going great, though I worry about some things that we
haven't hit yet. However, I guess it's because they're not always in the
forefront of my mind and we don't use them everyday, like Math and History.
:P I keep saying he's still very young, don't worry about it.
I'm a scientist (Zoology) by schooling and a technical editor (Cruise
Missiles) by training. I work in the mornings in an office while my husband
stays at home. We then switch off when I get home. My husband is a partner
in a fairly new saltwater aquarium store and I'm their bookkeeper too. I'm
fairly active in my church (teacher, singer, and help plan our retreat which
I am in the midst of). Heck how would I have time for curriculum and all
the planning it takes? We go through reams of books from the library and my
kids know oodles about animals and nature study. Oh, and my son reads so
well it just amazes me. I keep wondering, how can he do this? I think he
just learns by reading everything I read aloud.
I think that's enough for now. LOL
Amy
Mom to Carlos (6) and Sasha (now 4!!)
--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
ONElist announces "FRIENDS & FAMILY!"
For details, including our weekly drawing, go to
http://www.onelist.com/info/onereachsplash3.html
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check it out!
http://www.unschooling.com
Sessuale
Andi, Sessuale here :)
Just had to tell you I love your sig, it makes me smile!
Andi...domestic goddess and active volunteer
mom to Isaac
tl2b@...
Never Underestimate the Power of This Woman!
--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
You can WIN $100 to Amazon.com!
If you join ONElist's FRIENDS & FAMILY program. For details, go to
http://www.onelist.com/info/onereachsplash3.html
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check it out!
http://www.unschooling.com
Just had to tell you I love your sig, it makes me smile!
Andi...domestic goddess and active volunteer
mom to Isaac
tl2b@...
Never Underestimate the Power of This Woman!
--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
You can WIN $100 to Amazon.com!
If you join ONElist's FRIENDS & FAMILY program. For details, go to
http://www.onelist.com/info/onereachsplash3.html
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check it out!
http://www.unschooling.com
forumtate
Hi, I'm just starting to research homeschooling and un-schooling. I
thought I would "lurk" here for a while to see what interests me. My
son is only 2.5 years old, so I have a while to decide what is best
for my family.
TATE
=o)
thought I would "lurk" here for a while to see what interests me. My
son is only 2.5 years old, so I have a while to decide what is best
for my family.
TATE
=o)
Freedom Panther
Welcome, Newbie!
Hope you find your lurking helpful and insightful. I'm just a few days old,
here, myself!
Freedompanther
Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com
Hope you find your lurking helpful and insightful. I'm just a few days old,
here, myself!
Freedompanther
>From: "forumtate" <momtate@...>_________________________________________________________________
>Reply-To: [email protected]
>To: [email protected]
>Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Newbie
>Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 18:42:47 -0000
>
>Hi, I'm just starting to research homeschooling and un-schooling. I
>thought I would "lurk" here for a while to see what interests me. My
>son is only 2.5 years old, so I have a while to decide what is best
>for my family.
>
>TATE
>=o)
>
Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com
Fetteroll
on 2/21/02 1:42 PM, forumtate at momtate@... wrote:
Everyone's been very quiet here recently -- though it can get very busy --
so you may want to check out the message board at http://www.unschooling.com
while you're waiting for things to pick back up :-)
Joyce
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> Hi, I'm just starting to research homeschooling and un-schooling. IWelcome! :-)
> thought I would "lurk" here for a while to see what interests me.
Everyone's been very quiet here recently -- though it can get very busy --
so you may want to check out the message board at http://www.unschooling.com
while you're waiting for things to pick back up :-)
Joyce
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
translucent_1
Good morning. I joined this group about two weeks ago and immediately
posted an introduction which bounced back to me. Before I could sit
down and take the time to figure out what I'd done incorrectly, I was
inundated with a flood a e mail that doesn't seem to have a whole lot
to do with an encouraging, positive community.
Would someone who doesn't want argue please tell me if the last two
weeks is truely indicative of the bullshit to unschooling content
ratio on this list, so I can decide whether it's worth wading or not.
Thanks.
posted an introduction which bounced back to me. Before I could sit
down and take the time to figure out what I'd done incorrectly, I was
inundated with a flood a e mail that doesn't seem to have a whole lot
to do with an encouraging, positive community.
Would someone who doesn't want argue please tell me if the last two
weeks is truely indicative of the bullshit to unschooling content
ratio on this list, so I can decide whether it's worth wading or not.
Thanks.
Karin
Hi Newbie,
I've been on this list since last October. I would consider my experience here a mostly positive one, as I have learned many things about unschooling by "wading" through the various posts that come in. It is all worth it, for me. When someone states a thought or idea, I can either agree or disagree. I love how other's thoughts challenge my own, whether I choose to post or just lurk in silence. As you may or may not already know, unschooling is not easily defined. I very much appreciate having it discussed to death, the way that is has been at this group. Ultimately, it's your decision whether you find this sort of discussion helpful to your unschooling journey, or not.
In any case, Welcome!
Karin
translucent_1 wrote:
Good morning. I joined this group about two weeks ago and immediately
posted an introduction which bounced back to me. Before I could sit
down and take the time to figure out what I'd done incorrectly, I was
inundated with a flood a e mail that doesn't seem to have a whole lot
to do with an encouraging, positive community.
Would someone who doesn't want argue please tell me if the last two
weeks is truely indicative of the bullshit to unschooling content
ratio on this list, so I can decide whether it's worth wading or not.
Thanks.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I've been on this list since last October. I would consider my experience here a mostly positive one, as I have learned many things about unschooling by "wading" through the various posts that come in. It is all worth it, for me. When someone states a thought or idea, I can either agree or disagree. I love how other's thoughts challenge my own, whether I choose to post or just lurk in silence. As you may or may not already know, unschooling is not easily defined. I very much appreciate having it discussed to death, the way that is has been at this group. Ultimately, it's your decision whether you find this sort of discussion helpful to your unschooling journey, or not.
In any case, Welcome!
Karin
translucent_1 wrote:
Good morning. I joined this group about two weeks ago and immediately
posted an introduction which bounced back to me. Before I could sit
down and take the time to figure out what I'd done incorrectly, I was
inundated with a flood a e mail that doesn't seem to have a whole lot
to do with an encouraging, positive community.
Would someone who doesn't want argue please tell me if the last two
weeks is truely indicative of the bullshit to unschooling content
ratio on this list, so I can decide whether it's worth wading or not.
Thanks.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Mary Broussard
Welcome to the board. I think that this list goes through periods of what you call "bullshit" and interspersed in the bullshit is lots of good shit as well. In the past two weeks I have seen a good bit of positive posts regarding what others unschooling days are looking like. If you are not finding what you are looking for, perhaps you can create a topic that does interest you. The other stuff passes. You make the choices regarding what you read and delete. How about telling us what unschooling looks like in your family or whether you are just getting started, etc.?
Mary Broussard
Mary Broussard
----- Original Message -----
From: translucent_1
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, April 05, 2002 10:07 AM
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Newbie
Good morning. I joined this group about two weeks ago and immediately
posted an introduction which bounced back to me. Before I could sit
down and take the time to figure out what I'd done incorrectly, I was
inundated with a flood a e mail that doesn't seem to have a whole lot
to do with an encouraging, positive community.
Would someone who doesn't want argue please tell me if the last two
weeks is truely indicative of the bullshit to unschooling content
ratio on this list, so I can decide whether it's worth wading or not.
Thanks.
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
ADVERTISEMENT
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[email protected]
Visit the Unschooling website:
http://www.unschooling.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
zenmomma *
>>Would someone who doesn't want argue please tell me if the last twoweeks is truely indicative of the bullshit to unschooling content
ratio on this list, so I can decide whether it's worth wading or not.>>
I have no idea of whether this list is worth your time or not. You'll have
to wade through it yourself and use your own bullshit meter as a guide. I'm
not one to argue much and I've seen conversations here I can live without.
I've been deleting them or injecting my own brand of postive conversation
into the mix. You're free to do the same. :o) I've also seen many people
getting great support and information here. There are unschooling topics and
ideas that are discussed here that don't even get touched upon in other
places. Whether you get something out of these conversations people will
probably be largely due to you and your input on the list.
Life is good.
~Mary
_________________________________________________________________
MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos:
http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx
jtroberts4
I just joined your list and would like to introduce myself. My name
is Terry (female) and I have 2 boys Anthony 9 and Zachary 6. We have
been homeschooling since July 2001. We started unschooling about
December.
I am looking forward to all your insights and ideas.
Terry
is Terry (female) and I have 2 boys Anthony 9 and Zachary 6. We have
been homeschooling since July 2001. We started unschooling about
December.
I am looking forward to all your insights and ideas.
Terry
Bonni Sollars
Welcome Terry. Hope you get as much out of this group as I have.
Bonni
Bonni
Tia Leschke
>I just joined your list and would like to introduce myself. My nameWelcome Terry. Be sure to ask any questions you have.
>is Terry (female) and I have 2 boys Anthony 9 and Zachary 6. We have
>been homeschooling since July 2001. We started unschooling about
>December.
Tia
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor Roosevelt
*********************************************
Tia Leschke
leschke@...
On Vancouver Island
Fetteroll
on 4/17/02 8:10 AM, jtroberts4 at jtroberts4@... wrote:
Joyce
> I just joined your list and would like to introduce myself. My nameWelcome Terry! :-)
> is Terry (female) and I have 2 boys Anthony 9 and Zachary 6. We have
> been homeschooling since July 2001. We started unschooling about
> December.
Joyce
sharon childs
Hi Terry,
Welcome to the group. I am only about a week ahead of you but I can tell
you there is so much to be learned here. I have only started unschooling
right now.
.·:*´¨`*:·..·:*´¨`*:·.
*.* Sharon *.*
*·. .·*
`*·-:¦:-*´
³´`*:»§«:*´`³
Welcome to the group. I am only about a week ahead of you but I can tell
you there is so much to be learned here. I have only started unschooling
right now.
.·:*´¨`*:·..·:*´¨`*:·.
*.* Sharon *.*
*·. .·*
`*·-:¦:-*´
³´`*:»§«:*´`³
----- Original Message -----
From: "jtroberts4" <jtroberts4@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2002 5:10 AM
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Newbie
> I just joined your list and would like to introduce myself. My name
> is Terry (female) and I have 2 boys Anthony 9 and Zachary 6. We have
> been homeschooling since July 2001. We started unschooling about
> December.
>
> I am looking forward to all your insights and ideas.
>
> Terry
>
>
>
> ~~~ Don't forget! If you change the topic, change the subject line! ~~~
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> [email protected]
>
> Visit the Unschooling website:
> http://www.unschooling.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
Ben & Breezy Stevens
I'm a newbie too, and I've just been lurking so far. My name is Breezy,
and I have two kids: my daughter is 7, and my son is 2. At present, my
daughter is in ps, 1st grade...I just love her teacher, but I find that
I dislike the system in general more almost every day. I'd like to
homeschool her, and unschooling is definitely the way I would go. I
guess right now I'm in my 'research' phase. I'm trying to absorb
everything I can on the subject, particularly other people's
experiences...I look forward to learning from you all!
Blessings,
Breezy
and I have two kids: my daughter is 7, and my son is 2. At present, my
daughter is in ps, 1st grade...I just love her teacher, but I find that
I dislike the system in general more almost every day. I'd like to
homeschool her, and unschooling is definitely the way I would go. I
guess right now I'm in my 'research' phase. I'm trying to absorb
everything I can on the subject, particularly other people's
experiences...I look forward to learning from you all!
Blessings,
Breezy
DW
Hi!
My name is Deana and I want to transition from being a relaxed hsing family to more of an unschooling family. We did ps for a couple of years, but have homeschooled ever since. Though as I said, we are a very relaxed homeschooling family.
I have read about unschooling, but I would like to hear from more experienced unschoolers on the issue of computers and TV. My daughter is not attracted to either medium. Oh, she watches a show here and there on Animal Planet, and she has a computer program or two that she likes, but for the most part, life beckons her. She likes to be off doing, playing, creating, interacting with people, etc.
My son, who has been in the same relaxed schooling atmosphere that she has, chooses computer. He can spend literally hours and hours, which turn into days and days, at the computer. This doesn't seem healthy to me on so many levels. It is like the computer is addictive for him. He is the same type of kid who would eat the whole shopping bag of candy. He doesn't know when to stop. My husband has a similar personality. Drinks too much coffee and coke...has tried to quit smoking more times than I care to count.
My husband thinks computer time should be limited...but I wondered how experienced unschoolers deal with the whole issue. I have tried to get my son to talk about the whole computer issue. He says he knows he is on it too much, but he loves it. He has tried to set the timer to limit his time, but he doesn't do this consistently. Sometimes it seems that he needs his "fix" and purposely doesn't set the timer. I don't want this to be a power struggle, but I also don't like seeing him sit glued to the computer screen. Sometimes I will tell him to get off the computer and the next thing I notice is he is glued to a western on TV or Game Boy.
I remember watching an old Star Trek episode once where everyone was glued to some video game. This was before the video game craze hit. My son reminds me of that episode.
He does have other interests, like Scouts, and he attends regularly. It's not like he gives up Scouts for the computer. But the minute he comes home that computer is back on.
Thanks for your help,
Deana
---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
My name is Deana and I want to transition from being a relaxed hsing family to more of an unschooling family. We did ps for a couple of years, but have homeschooled ever since. Though as I said, we are a very relaxed homeschooling family.
I have read about unschooling, but I would like to hear from more experienced unschoolers on the issue of computers and TV. My daughter is not attracted to either medium. Oh, she watches a show here and there on Animal Planet, and she has a computer program or two that she likes, but for the most part, life beckons her. She likes to be off doing, playing, creating, interacting with people, etc.
My son, who has been in the same relaxed schooling atmosphere that she has, chooses computer. He can spend literally hours and hours, which turn into days and days, at the computer. This doesn't seem healthy to me on so many levels. It is like the computer is addictive for him. He is the same type of kid who would eat the whole shopping bag of candy. He doesn't know when to stop. My husband has a similar personality. Drinks too much coffee and coke...has tried to quit smoking more times than I care to count.
My husband thinks computer time should be limited...but I wondered how experienced unschoolers deal with the whole issue. I have tried to get my son to talk about the whole computer issue. He says he knows he is on it too much, but he loves it. He has tried to set the timer to limit his time, but he doesn't do this consistently. Sometimes it seems that he needs his "fix" and purposely doesn't set the timer. I don't want this to be a power struggle, but I also don't like seeing him sit glued to the computer screen. Sometimes I will tell him to get off the computer and the next thing I notice is he is glued to a western on TV or Game Boy.
I remember watching an old Star Trek episode once where everyone was glued to some video game. This was before the video game craze hit. My son reminds me of that episode.
He does have other interests, like Scouts, and he attends regularly. It's not like he gives up Scouts for the computer. But the minute he comes home that computer is back on.
Thanks for your help,
Deana
---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Heidi
Hi Deana
you are describing our family, except your name is Deana and mine is
Heidi! My daughters are goers, and my son is a "screen freak"
(anything on any screen, he gets sucked in...) which I tend to have a
weakness in, my own self.
When you describe your son and scouts, and beelining it to the
computer as soon as he gets home, you are describing our 10 year old.
As if he's had that computer on his mind the whole time he's been
doing something else... and when he is in front of a screen, he is
deaf and blind to everything else. Same with the bag of candy: in
fact, while visiting at my mom's house, he ate a whole bag of jelly
beans, and then freaked out (literally) at some spooky movie preview
on a video he watched...he was crying uncontrollably and couldn't
tell my mom what was wrong, huddling under a blanket and sobbing. She
had to call me, and the first thing I said was "Has he had lots of
sugar?"...but he hasn't overdone on the sugar since then, and I now
have a good rationale when he looks like heading in that direction: I
can just remind him of the bad reaction he had, and let him limit
himself! hmmmm...
We've been letting him have his freedom with electronics since
springtime, and his viewing/playing time hasn't dwindled much. Oh,
he'll get bored w/it now and then, and sit around saying "There's
nothing to do." I am willing to consider this the next phase in his
deschooling process and continue watching him decompress from
the "schooled at home" he put up with for five years.
I'm going to give it more time.
And read here frequently to keep myself reminded that we want to
educate "naturally" not do "school at home."
blessings, HeidiC
--- In [email protected], DW <schorsewoman@y...>
wrote:
couple of years, but have homeschooled ever since. Though as I said,
we are a very relaxed homeschooling family.
daughter is not attracted to either medium. Oh, she watches a show
here and there on Animal Planet, and she has a computer program or
two that she likes, but for the most part, life beckons her. She
likes to be off doing, playing, creating, interacting with people,
etc.
which turn into days and days, at the computer. This doesn't seem
healthy to me on so many levels. It is like the computer is
addictive for him. He is the same type of kid who would eat the
whole shopping bag of candy. He doesn't know when to stop.
you are describing our family, except your name is Deana and mine is
Heidi! My daughters are goers, and my son is a "screen freak"
(anything on any screen, he gets sucked in...) which I tend to have a
weakness in, my own self.
When you describe your son and scouts, and beelining it to the
computer as soon as he gets home, you are describing our 10 year old.
As if he's had that computer on his mind the whole time he's been
doing something else... and when he is in front of a screen, he is
deaf and blind to everything else. Same with the bag of candy: in
fact, while visiting at my mom's house, he ate a whole bag of jelly
beans, and then freaked out (literally) at some spooky movie preview
on a video he watched...he was crying uncontrollably and couldn't
tell my mom what was wrong, huddling under a blanket and sobbing. She
had to call me, and the first thing I said was "Has he had lots of
sugar?"...but he hasn't overdone on the sugar since then, and I now
have a good rationale when he looks like heading in that direction: I
can just remind him of the bad reaction he had, and let him limit
himself! hmmmm...
We've been letting him have his freedom with electronics since
springtime, and his viewing/playing time hasn't dwindled much. Oh,
he'll get bored w/it now and then, and sit around saying "There's
nothing to do." I am willing to consider this the next phase in his
deschooling process and continue watching him decompress from
the "schooled at home" he put up with for five years.
I'm going to give it more time.
And read here frequently to keep myself reminded that we want to
educate "naturally" not do "school at home."
blessings, HeidiC
--- In [email protected], DW <schorsewoman@y...>
wrote:
> Hi!hsing family to more of an unschooling family. We did ps for a
> My name is Deana and I want to transition from being a relaxed
couple of years, but have homeschooled ever since. Though as I said,
we are a very relaxed homeschooling family.
>experienced unschoolers on the issue of computers and TV. My
> I have read about unschooling, but I would like to hear from more
daughter is not attracted to either medium. Oh, she watches a show
here and there on Animal Planet, and she has a computer program or
two that she likes, but for the most part, life beckons her. She
likes to be off doing, playing, creating, interacting with people,
etc.
>she has, chooses computer. He can spend literally hours and hours,
> My son, who has been in the same relaxed schooling atmosphere that
which turn into days and days, at the computer. This doesn't seem
healthy to me on so many levels. It is like the computer is
addictive for him. He is the same type of kid who would eat the
whole shopping bag of candy. He doesn't know when to stop.
Deborah Lewis
How old are your kids and what are some of the other things your son
enjoys?
*** It is like the computer is addictive for him.***
The transition to unschooling is easier for families if they can let go
of the schoolish idea that if a child isn't being and doing exactly what
we think he should, there is something wrong with him. Looking at a
child as if he is flawed won't help him become confident.
In our society when adults become highly specialized in their fields we
admire their dedication and singlemindedness. We rely on specialists
when we need cabinets built, plumbing work, surgery, etc.
Have you ever thought a brain surgeon might be addicted to brains? A
plumber addicted to pipes? (yes, I thought about saying "poop", but I
resisted.)
There are some hotshot young'uns out there designing computer software
these days and making a bazillion dollars.
***He is the same type of kid who would eat the whole shopping bag of
candy. He doesn't know when to stop***
He does know when to stop, it's just that he's not stopping when *you*
believe he should.<g> Stopping when one is finished or has had enough
is a good reason to stop. Stopping because someone else says you're
finished is not a personally fulfilling experience. It's frustrating.
People need time to experiment, time to become absorbed and make
discoveries about themselves and what they need. He'll come to his own
wise conclusions if given the opportunity.
Your son simply needs more time at the computer in order to absorb
everything he wants to.
Learning about ourselves can be the hardest thing of all. Lots of young
people come from homes where they lived under their parents limits and
when they are out on their own they go about discovering their own
personal limits. I really believe it's safer and better for young kids
to make their discoveries at home, to gain a lot of experience making
decisions, so when they're out on their own, they can go about life
already knowing how to live it.
***My husband has a similar personality. Drinks too much coffee and
coke...has tried to quit smoking more times than I care to count.***
Is it possible your husband simply requires, desires, more coffee, or
coke than you, for whatever reason, and that you wish your own personal
limits were also his?
My husband requires more sleep than I do. I feel best on four hours. He
can go ten or twelve (when he doesn't have to get up for work). I think
staying in bed that long is a huge waste of time. I wouldn't want him
deciding I needed more sleep.
***He says he knows he is on it too much, but he loves it. He has tried
to set the timer to limit his time, but he doesn't do this consistently.
***
I think he's probably saying what he thinks will soothe you a little.
The reason he doesn't set a timer is because a timer can't know when he's
finished! A timer is an arbitrary thing.
Would you want him to set a timer if he was mowing the lawn for you?
Would you only want him to mow until the timer rang, or would it be more
satisfying if the lawn was finished?
***I don't want this to be a power struggle,***
It can only be a power struggle when parents want the power to decide
when their children have had enough personal fulfillment. <g>
***I will tell him to get off the computer and the next thing I notice is
he is glued to a western on TV or Game Boy.***
It's hard to make a value judgement about television and Gameboy without
it becoming a value judgement about the kind of person who would enjoy
those things.
And if he turns to them because the thing he was truly interested in has
been taken away nothing has been accomplished.
Are there many things he does that don't seem worthwhile to you?
Maybe looking at all his good qualities and looking more closely at the
one's you think aren't so good would help. In your own mind maybe
"addiction" can become involvement, engagement, dedication, persistence,
drive, ambition.
Is there something you really love to do, something that engages you?
Do you garden, or build race cars?
Can someone else decide for you when you've had enough of those things?
How would you feel about your husband if he looked at your choice to
garden as if it was a problem and you were somehow faulty for wanting to
do it? It probably wouldn't help you feel better about your husband or
about yourself You wouldn't benefit emotionally or intellectually if
you gave up gardening and did what your husband thought was more
worthwhile.
Deb L
enjoys?
*** It is like the computer is addictive for him.***
The transition to unschooling is easier for families if they can let go
of the schoolish idea that if a child isn't being and doing exactly what
we think he should, there is something wrong with him. Looking at a
child as if he is flawed won't help him become confident.
In our society when adults become highly specialized in their fields we
admire their dedication and singlemindedness. We rely on specialists
when we need cabinets built, plumbing work, surgery, etc.
Have you ever thought a brain surgeon might be addicted to brains? A
plumber addicted to pipes? (yes, I thought about saying "poop", but I
resisted.)
There are some hotshot young'uns out there designing computer software
these days and making a bazillion dollars.
***He is the same type of kid who would eat the whole shopping bag of
candy. He doesn't know when to stop***
He does know when to stop, it's just that he's not stopping when *you*
believe he should.<g> Stopping when one is finished or has had enough
is a good reason to stop. Stopping because someone else says you're
finished is not a personally fulfilling experience. It's frustrating.
People need time to experiment, time to become absorbed and make
discoveries about themselves and what they need. He'll come to his own
wise conclusions if given the opportunity.
Your son simply needs more time at the computer in order to absorb
everything he wants to.
Learning about ourselves can be the hardest thing of all. Lots of young
people come from homes where they lived under their parents limits and
when they are out on their own they go about discovering their own
personal limits. I really believe it's safer and better for young kids
to make their discoveries at home, to gain a lot of experience making
decisions, so when they're out on their own, they can go about life
already knowing how to live it.
***My husband has a similar personality. Drinks too much coffee and
coke...has tried to quit smoking more times than I care to count.***
Is it possible your husband simply requires, desires, more coffee, or
coke than you, for whatever reason, and that you wish your own personal
limits were also his?
My husband requires more sleep than I do. I feel best on four hours. He
can go ten or twelve (when he doesn't have to get up for work). I think
staying in bed that long is a huge waste of time. I wouldn't want him
deciding I needed more sleep.
***He says he knows he is on it too much, but he loves it. He has tried
to set the timer to limit his time, but he doesn't do this consistently.
***
I think he's probably saying what he thinks will soothe you a little.
The reason he doesn't set a timer is because a timer can't know when he's
finished! A timer is an arbitrary thing.
Would you want him to set a timer if he was mowing the lawn for you?
Would you only want him to mow until the timer rang, or would it be more
satisfying if the lawn was finished?
***I don't want this to be a power struggle,***
It can only be a power struggle when parents want the power to decide
when their children have had enough personal fulfillment. <g>
***I will tell him to get off the computer and the next thing I notice is
he is glued to a western on TV or Game Boy.***
It's hard to make a value judgement about television and Gameboy without
it becoming a value judgement about the kind of person who would enjoy
those things.
And if he turns to them because the thing he was truly interested in has
been taken away nothing has been accomplished.
Are there many things he does that don't seem worthwhile to you?
Maybe looking at all his good qualities and looking more closely at the
one's you think aren't so good would help. In your own mind maybe
"addiction" can become involvement, engagement, dedication, persistence,
drive, ambition.
Is there something you really love to do, something that engages you?
Do you garden, or build race cars?
Can someone else decide for you when you've had enough of those things?
How would you feel about your husband if he looked at your choice to
garden as if it was a problem and you were somehow faulty for wanting to
do it? It probably wouldn't help you feel better about your husband or
about yourself You wouldn't benefit emotionally or intellectually if
you gave up gardening and did what your husband thought was more
worthwhile.
Deb L
Mary
<<From: "DW" <schorsewoman@...>
He does have other interests, like Scouts, and he attends regularly. It's
not like he gives up Scouts for the computer. But the minute he comes home
that computer is back on.>>
Well Deb L said everything I could have said but much better. She's so handy
to have on here! <BG> I just wanted to let you know I agree also with all
she said. Just so you know there are same opinions out there. Seems like you
are the one that thinks he spends too much time on the computer. He probably
says he knows he's on too long because of how you feel. Seems like he is
eating and sleeping and playing and doing scouts, so he does know when to
stop. He's getting a lot from what he's doing on there. Things you probably
don't see. I myself don't see everything fun or needed in what my kids do,
but I let them have at it. Must be some reason for them to want it so much.
Just stop and think if it were books your son had his head in as much. Would
that be a concern too? If not, why is the computer bad and the books
wouldn't be? I think your son sounds as if he's doing just fine. Try to not
say anything about it, you can still feel it now, but just don't say
anything!!! After awhile, you will have those feelings leave you too when
you see your son is still absolutely wonderful even though he's a computer
nut! It's a desire of his and he's focused on it, not addicted. That's a
really good thing.
Mary B.
http://www.homeschoolingtshirts.com
He does have other interests, like Scouts, and he attends regularly. It's
not like he gives up Scouts for the computer. But the minute he comes home
that computer is back on.>>
Well Deb L said everything I could have said but much better. She's so handy
to have on here! <BG> I just wanted to let you know I agree also with all
she said. Just so you know there are same opinions out there. Seems like you
are the one that thinks he spends too much time on the computer. He probably
says he knows he's on too long because of how you feel. Seems like he is
eating and sleeping and playing and doing scouts, so he does know when to
stop. He's getting a lot from what he's doing on there. Things you probably
don't see. I myself don't see everything fun or needed in what my kids do,
but I let them have at it. Must be some reason for them to want it so much.
Just stop and think if it were books your son had his head in as much. Would
that be a concern too? If not, why is the computer bad and the books
wouldn't be? I think your son sounds as if he's doing just fine. Try to not
say anything about it, you can still feel it now, but just don't say
anything!!! After awhile, you will have those feelings leave you too when
you see your son is still absolutely wonderful even though he's a computer
nut! It's a desire of his and he's focused on it, not addicted. That's a
really good thing.
Mary B.
http://www.homeschoolingtshirts.com
[email protected]
schorsewoman@... writes:
more valuable, or more worthwhile, than your son's. But when you look at each
child individually, you'll see that they are spending time doing things that
engage and interest them, and doing it in ways that work best for them. That's
what unschooling is all about. Some kids bounce around from activity to
another constantly, and others immerse themselves in things until they've exhausted
the possibilities for learning. Some do both at different times. It's all
good. ;-)
I know it is hard to accept this when it seems so extreme. But maybe it will
help to think of it this way. When my husband was a kid, after his Dad
upgraded his computer and gave him his old one, he spent *every waking moment* on
the computer. (It's how I met him, in a roundabout way.) To the exclusion of
his homework, hehehe, btw. And it was mostly games, and bulletin boards,
nothing that *looks* very valuable.
He now makes a good living as a network administrator, no college degree.
He does what he loves AND what he is good at. He can do whatever his boss
needs him to do with one hand tied behind his back, and he has job security
cause most of the yokems who take computer classes these days have no talent,
imagination or real skills, just knowledge, which is NOT the same thing. He
replaced and fixed the mistakes of a yokem like that, hehehe.
His *unschooling* was much more valuble than his formal education (private
schools). It's one of the reasons why we unschool.
Thank goodness his Mom didn't worry about how much time he spent on the
computer, right?!! lol
~Aimee
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> My daughter is not attracted to either medium. Oh, she watches a show hereIt may be easier for you to see you daughter's activities and interests as
> and there on Animal Planet, and she has a computer program or two that she
> likes, but for the most part, life beckons her. She likes to be off doing,
> playing, creating, interacting with people, etc.
>
> My son, who has been in the same relaxed schooling atmosphere that she has,
> chooses computer. He can spend literally hours and hours, which turn into
> days and days, at the computer. This doesn't seem healthy to me on so many
> levels. It is like the computer is addictive for him. He is the same type of
> kid who would eat the whole shopping bag of candy. He doesn't know when to
> stop. My husband has a similar personality. Drinks too much coffee and
> coke...has tried to quit smoking more times than I care to count.
more valuable, or more worthwhile, than your son's. But when you look at each
child individually, you'll see that they are spending time doing things that
engage and interest them, and doing it in ways that work best for them. That's
what unschooling is all about. Some kids bounce around from activity to
another constantly, and others immerse themselves in things until they've exhausted
the possibilities for learning. Some do both at different times. It's all
good. ;-)
I know it is hard to accept this when it seems so extreme. But maybe it will
help to think of it this way. When my husband was a kid, after his Dad
upgraded his computer and gave him his old one, he spent *every waking moment* on
the computer. (It's how I met him, in a roundabout way.) To the exclusion of
his homework, hehehe, btw. And it was mostly games, and bulletin boards,
nothing that *looks* very valuable.
He now makes a good living as a network administrator, no college degree.
He does what he loves AND what he is good at. He can do whatever his boss
needs him to do with one hand tied behind his back, and he has job security
cause most of the yokems who take computer classes these days have no talent,
imagination or real skills, just knowledge, which is NOT the same thing. He
replaced and fixed the mistakes of a yokem like that, hehehe.
His *unschooling* was much more valuble than his formal education (private
schools). It's one of the reasons why we unschool.
Thank goodness his Mom didn't worry about how much time he spent on the
computer, right?!! lol
~Aimee
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Tia Leschke
> Well Deb L said everything I could have said but much better. She's sohandy
> to have on here! <BG> I just wanted to let you know I agree also with allyou
> she said. Just so you know there are same opinions out there. Seems like
> are the one that thinks he spends too much time on the computer. Heprobably
> says he knows he's on too long because of how you feel. Seems like he isprobably
> eating and sleeping and playing and doing scouts, so he does know when to
> stop. He's getting a lot from what he's doing on there. Things you
> don't see. I myself don't see everything fun or needed in what my kids do,much.
> but I let them have at it. Must be some reason for them to want it so
> Just stop and think if it were books your son had his head in as much.Would
> that be a concern too? If not, why is the computer bad and the booksnot
> wouldn't be? I think your son sounds as if he's doing just fine. Try to
> say anything about it, you can still feel it now, but just don't sayYou might also want to spend some time just hanging out near where he's
> anything!!! After awhile, you will have those feelings leave you too when
> you see your son is still absolutely wonderful even though he's a computer
> nut! It's a desire of his and he's focused on it, not addicted. That's a
> really good thing.
playing or watching. You just might find out what draws him to it and maybe
be able to help him find additional ways to fill the needs he's filling.
Tia
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety." Ben Franklin
leschke@...
Gary m and Mary Anne Taylor
Mary B. says:
Sandra's comment on riding the waves of your kids' stages and moods was right on, and I loved hearing how she rode the bus standing up. We were never allowed to do that but on our curvy road it would have been really fun and challenging. It would have made PE superfluous! Why don't any grown ups think of these things?
Mary T.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>I myself don't see everything fun or needed in what my kids do,Thanks Mary and the person who asked the question about their son being on the computer every waking moment. I think this was what was really bothering me a few weeks ago when I was asking about my 14dd spending 'all' of her time I-M ing her friends. I knew then I wasn't really clear on what was bothering me, and didn't know how to express it. I was really worried that her behavior was 'addiction' rather than an interest. I think I'm relieved of that worry now, mostly. There is so much talk about addiction, nowadays. Does anyone have a really good definition? It may be helpful to those of us with 'focused' kids.
>but I let them have at it. Must be some reason for them to want it so much.
Sandra's comment on riding the waves of your kids' stages and moods was right on, and I loved hearing how she rode the bus standing up. We were never allowed to do that but on our curvy road it would have been really fun and challenging. It would have made PE superfluous! Why don't any grown ups think of these things?
Mary T.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
The Bucknums
Here's something else
----- Original Message -----
From: Deborah Lewis
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2003 9:12 AM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-Discussion] Newbie
How old are your kids and what are some of the other things your son
enjoys?
*** It is like the computer is addictive for him.***
The transition to unschooling is easier for families if they can let go
of the schoolish idea that if a child isn't being and doing exactly what
we think he should, there is something wrong with him. Looking at a
child as if he is flawed won't help him become confident.
In our society when adults become highly specialized in their fields we
admire their dedication and singlemindedness. We rely on specialists
when we need cabinets built, plumbing work, surgery, etc.
Have you ever thought a brain surgeon might be addicted to brains? A
plumber addicted to pipes? (yes, I thought about saying "poop", but I
resisted.)
There are some hotshot young'uns out there designing computer software
these days and making a bazillion dollars.
***He is the same type of kid who would eat the whole shopping bag of
candy. He doesn't know when to stop***
He does know when to stop, it's just that he's not stopping when *you*
believe he should.<g> Stopping when one is finished or has had enough
is a good reason to stop. Stopping because someone else says you're
finished is not a personally fulfilling experience. It's frustrating.
People need time to experiment, time to become absorbed and make
discoveries about themselves and what they need. He'll come to his own
wise conclusions if given the opportunity.
Your son simply needs more time at the computer in order to absorb
everything he wants to.
Learning about ourselves can be the hardest thing of all. Lots of young
people come from homes where they lived under their parents limits and
when they are out on their own they go about discovering their own
personal limits. I really believe it's safer and better for young kids
to make their discoveries at home, to gain a lot of experience making
decisions, so when they're out on their own, they can go about life
already knowing how to live it.
***My husband has a similar personality. Drinks too much coffee and
coke...has tried to quit smoking more times than I care to count.***
Is it possible your husband simply requires, desires, more coffee, or
coke than you, for whatever reason, and that you wish your own personal
limits were also his?
My husband requires more sleep than I do. I feel best on four hours. He
can go ten or twelve (when he doesn't have to get up for work). I think
staying in bed that long is a huge waste of time. I wouldn't want him
deciding I needed more sleep.
***He says he knows he is on it too much, but he loves it. He has tried
to set the timer to limit his time, but he doesn't do this consistently.
***
I think he's probably saying what he thinks will soothe you a little.
The reason he doesn't set a timer is because a timer can't know when he's
finished! A timer is an arbitrary thing.
Would you want him to set a timer if he was mowing the lawn for you?
Would you only want him to mow until the timer rang, or would it be more
satisfying if the lawn was finished?
***I don't want this to be a power struggle,***
It can only be a power struggle when parents want the power to decide
when their children have had enough personal fulfillment. <g>
***I will tell him to get off the computer and the next thing I notice is
he is glued to a western on TV or Game Boy.***
It's hard to make a value judgement about television and Gameboy without
it becoming a value judgement about the kind of person who would enjoy
those things.
And if he turns to them because the thing he was truly interested in has
been taken away nothing has been accomplished.
Are there many things he does that don't seem worthwhile to you?
Maybe looking at all his good qualities and looking more closely at the
one's you think aren't so good would help. In your own mind maybe
"addiction" can become involvement, engagement, dedication, persistence,
drive, ambition.
Is there something you really love to do, something that engages you?
Do you garden, or build race cars?
Can someone else decide for you when you've had enough of those things?
How would you feel about your husband if he looked at your choice to
garden as if it was a problem and you were somehow faulty for wanting to
do it? It probably wouldn't help you feel better about your husband or
about yourself You wouldn't benefit emotionally or intellectually if
you gave up gardening and did what your husband thought was more
worthwhile.
Deb L
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
ADVERTISEMENT
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
The Bucknums
Whoops sorry guy trying to forward your word of wisdom to my Dh and clicked the wrong button.
Teresa in Canada
Teresa in Canada
----- Original Message -----
From: The Bucknums
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, August 25, 2003 3:28 PM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-Discussion] Newbie
Here's something else
----- Original Message -----
From: Deborah Lewis
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2003 9:12 AM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-Discussion] Newbie
How old are your kids and what are some of the other things your son
enjoys?
*** It is like the computer is addictive for him.***
The transition to unschooling is easier for families if they can let go
of the schoolish idea that if a child isn't being and doing exactly what
we think he should, there is something wrong with him. Looking at a
child as if he is flawed won't help him become confident.
In our society when adults become highly specialized in their fields we
admire their dedication and singlemindedness. We rely on specialists
when we need cabinets built, plumbing work, surgery, etc.
Have you ever thought a brain surgeon might be addicted to brains? A
plumber addicted to pipes? (yes, I thought about saying "poop", but I
resisted.)
There are some hotshot young'uns out there designing computer software
these days and making a bazillion dollars.
***He is the same type of kid who would eat the whole shopping bag of
candy. He doesn't know when to stop***
He does know when to stop, it's just that he's not stopping when *you*
believe he should.<g> Stopping when one is finished or has had enough
is a good reason to stop. Stopping because someone else says you're
finished is not a personally fulfilling experience. It's frustrating.
People need time to experiment, time to become absorbed and make
discoveries about themselves and what they need. He'll come to his own
wise conclusions if given the opportunity.
Your son simply needs more time at the computer in order to absorb
everything he wants to.
Learning about ourselves can be the hardest thing of all. Lots of young
people come from homes where they lived under their parents limits and
when they are out on their own they go about discovering their own
personal limits. I really believe it's safer and better for young kids
to make their discoveries at home, to gain a lot of experience making
decisions, so when they're out on their own, they can go about life
already knowing how to live it.
***My husband has a similar personality. Drinks too much coffee and
coke...has tried to quit smoking more times than I care to count.***
Is it possible your husband simply requires, desires, more coffee, or
coke than you, for whatever reason, and that you wish your own personal
limits were also his?
My husband requires more sleep than I do. I feel best on four hours. He
can go ten or twelve (when he doesn't have to get up for work). I think
staying in bed that long is a huge waste of time. I wouldn't want him
deciding I needed more sleep.
***He says he knows he is on it too much, but he loves it. He has tried
to set the timer to limit his time, but he doesn't do this consistently.
***
I think he's probably saying what he thinks will soothe you a little.
The reason he doesn't set a timer is because a timer can't know when he's
finished! A timer is an arbitrary thing.
Would you want him to set a timer if he was mowing the lawn for you?
Would you only want him to mow until the timer rang, or would it be more
satisfying if the lawn was finished?
***I don't want this to be a power struggle,***
It can only be a power struggle when parents want the power to decide
when their children have had enough personal fulfillment. <g>
***I will tell him to get off the computer and the next thing I notice is
he is glued to a western on TV or Game Boy.***
It's hard to make a value judgement about television and Gameboy without
it becoming a value judgement about the kind of person who would enjoy
those things.
And if he turns to them because the thing he was truly interested in has
been taken away nothing has been accomplished.
Are there many things he does that don't seem worthwhile to you?
Maybe looking at all his good qualities and looking more closely at the
one's you think aren't so good would help. In your own mind maybe
"addiction" can become involvement, engagement, dedication, persistence,
drive, ambition.
Is there something you really love to do, something that engages you?
Do you garden, or build race cars?
Can someone else decide for you when you've had enough of those things?
How would you feel about your husband if he looked at your choice to
garden as if it was a problem and you were somehow faulty for wanting to
do it? It probably wouldn't help you feel better about your husband or
about yourself You wouldn't benefit emotionally or intellectually if
you gave up gardening and did what your husband thought was more
worthwhile.
Deb L
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
ADVERTISEMENT
~~~~ Don't forget! If you change topics, change the subject line! ~~~~
If you have questions, concerns or problems with this list, please email the moderator, Joyce Fetteroll (fetteroll@...), or the list owner, Helen Hegener (HEM-Editor@...).
To unsubscribe from this group, click on the following link or address an email to:
[email protected]
Visit the Unschooling website: http://www.unschooling.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
ADVERTISEMENT
~~~~ Don't forget! If you change topics, change the subject line! ~~~~
If you have questions, concerns or problems with this list, please email the moderator, Joyce Fetteroll (fetteroll@...), or the list owner, Helen Hegener (HEM-Editor@...).
To unsubscribe from this group, click on the following link or address an email to:
[email protected]
Visit the Unschooling website: http://www.unschooling.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Mary
From: "Gary m and Mary Anne Taylor" <berybrit@...>
<< Does anyone have a really good definition? It may be helpful to those of
us with 'focused' kids.>>
Well I can't say I have a really good definition but I do know in my head
what would look like an addiction to me. Something that would be
overwhelming in getting in the way with life in general would be an
addiction. Something disruptive to the person themselves and the family. If
a child (or anyone) is eating and sleeping and still enjoying interaction
with love concerning family and friends, and still enjoying the other
interests they have had, or new ones, then I say that's focus and passion.
My Joseph has a YuGiOh passion. He talks a lot about the cards, the game,
the show and what he finds on websites. I try really hard not to let my eyes
glaze over when he starts talking about it. <BG> But he still goes outside
to play and swim. He still wants to have our craft day out every Wed. with
friends. He still eats and sleeps and watches other things on TV. He wants
and enjoys our outtings with the family. He reads other books and does other
things on the computer besides YuGiOh. He's really looking forward to sports
camp starting again. The list goes on and on. Sometimes it seems like the
whole day was spent on watching, surfing and playing YuGiOh. But when I
really look at it, he certainly hasn't spent that entire day doing nothing
but that. To anyone else who isn't really looking, they would probably say
he's into it way too much. Luckily, people know better than to say
anything....... and I wouldn't really listen anyway!!!
Mary B.
http://www.homeschoolingtshirts.com
<< Does anyone have a really good definition? It may be helpful to those of
us with 'focused' kids.>>
Well I can't say I have a really good definition but I do know in my head
what would look like an addiction to me. Something that would be
overwhelming in getting in the way with life in general would be an
addiction. Something disruptive to the person themselves and the family. If
a child (or anyone) is eating and sleeping and still enjoying interaction
with love concerning family and friends, and still enjoying the other
interests they have had, or new ones, then I say that's focus and passion.
My Joseph has a YuGiOh passion. He talks a lot about the cards, the game,
the show and what he finds on websites. I try really hard not to let my eyes
glaze over when he starts talking about it. <BG> But he still goes outside
to play and swim. He still wants to have our craft day out every Wed. with
friends. He still eats and sleeps and watches other things on TV. He wants
and enjoys our outtings with the family. He reads other books and does other
things on the computer besides YuGiOh. He's really looking forward to sports
camp starting again. The list goes on and on. Sometimes it seems like the
whole day was spent on watching, surfing and playing YuGiOh. But when I
really look at it, he certainly hasn't spent that entire day doing nothing
but that. To anyone else who isn't really looking, they would probably say
he's into it way too much. Luckily, people know better than to say
anything....... and I wouldn't really listen anyway!!!
Mary B.
http://www.homeschoolingtshirts.com
Bill & Diane
> My daughters are goers, and my son is a "screen freak"You guys are describing ME! When I get started on my mail lists, I just stay on the computer 'til I'm dragged away!
> (anything on any screen, he gets sucked in...) which I tend to have a
> weakness in, my own self.
> When you describe your son and scouts, and beelining it to theSame with me! When I get home from work (or from the conference) I beeline it for the computer. I really HAVE been thinking about it while I was gone, and I'm glad to be back. AND I'm hard to distract
> computer as soon as he gets home, you are describing our 10 year old.
> As if he's had that computer on his mind the whole time he's been
> doing something else... and when he is in front of a screen, he is
> deaf and blind to everything else.
when I'm here, too.
> Same with the bag of candy: inI also love candy and sweets, and eat much more of them than most adults. NOW I can leave part of the bag alone (Yeah--I buy the 3.5-lb bag of M&M's!) but I haven't always. AND I'm terrified of scary
> fact, while visiting at my mom's house, he ate a whole bag of jelly
> beans,
movies, whether I've been eating sweets or not (although usually I have been!). Movies that most people don't mind are TOO scary for me (like Harry Potter 2).
BUT I'm still a productive, responsible adult. I support my own family, pay my bills on time, and nobody has to *fix* me.
:-) Diane