Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] proud of my unschooled kids
[email protected]
In a message dated 03/27/2000 4:34:25 PM Central Standard Time,
unschoolr2@... writes:
I loved your email. How proud you must be! I have a 5 yr. old boy and hope
to see that sort of responsibility from him when he gets older. I am still
researching all of the ways of homeschooling, so far I've at least withdrawn
him from public school, which I did in Dec. Through this list, I'm hoping to
learn all I can about unschooling. That is basically what I'm doing now, but
it's more because I feel he's too young for anything more, at least as far as
structurism and curriculum go. Sounds like you are doing a wonderful job,
don't forget to give yourself a big pat on the back. :O)
-Tracy-
unschoolr2@... writes:
> I am so proud of them, they used problem solving skills, cooperation,Teri,
> reading, math, and basic living skills, all without a single worksheet nor
> any direction or cohersion from me:) LOL
>
I loved your email. How proud you must be! I have a 5 yr. old boy and hope
to see that sort of responsibility from him when he gets older. I am still
researching all of the ways of homeschooling, so far I've at least withdrawn
him from public school, which I did in Dec. Through this list, I'm hoping to
learn all I can about unschooling. That is basically what I'm doing now, but
it's more because I feel he's too young for anything more, at least as far as
structurism and curriculum go. Sounds like you are doing a wonderful job,
don't forget to give yourself a big pat on the back. :O)
-Tracy-
[email protected]
Teri, Congratulations to you and your kids on a job very well done! I
noticed in your note that you mentioned "no tv" to your kids in your
instructions. I was wondering if you or any one else on this list monitors
and limits the amount of tv watched in your home on a daily basis. I am
trying to do so with my boys that are 5 and 3. At this time I let them watch
a show (usually PBS) in the morning, and one after their bath at night.
There are times that they may end up watching something in the afternoon, but
I try to keep the set off as much as possible; I do not want them "vegging
out" and staring at the set like zombies :) . This is difficult some days,
especially if the weather is bad, or if I am not feeling well, or if the baby
is especially cranky. I would like to hear from others how they handle the
tv issue. Also, I know there are really no two famillies that unschool
alike, but since I have not been at this for very long, I would love to hear
how other families "do it"-- what kinds of things do you do on any given day,
and how you engage your kids. For example, do some of you leave materials
around for your kids to "discover"? Do you blend a bit of homeschooling
structure into your unschooling? I don't mean to be nosy and invasive, I am
just extremely interested in this, and since I used to teach elem. school,
there are times I feel that I struggle with having the child decide when and
if he will learn something. I am working on this, though, but could use some
guidance from you "experts" on this list!!! THANKS in advance!
Karen
from Indiana
noticed in your note that you mentioned "no tv" to your kids in your
instructions. I was wondering if you or any one else on this list monitors
and limits the amount of tv watched in your home on a daily basis. I am
trying to do so with my boys that are 5 and 3. At this time I let them watch
a show (usually PBS) in the morning, and one after their bath at night.
There are times that they may end up watching something in the afternoon, but
I try to keep the set off as much as possible; I do not want them "vegging
out" and staring at the set like zombies :) . This is difficult some days,
especially if the weather is bad, or if I am not feeling well, or if the baby
is especially cranky. I would like to hear from others how they handle the
tv issue. Also, I know there are really no two famillies that unschool
alike, but since I have not been at this for very long, I would love to hear
how other families "do it"-- what kinds of things do you do on any given day,
and how you engage your kids. For example, do some of you leave materials
around for your kids to "discover"? Do you blend a bit of homeschooling
structure into your unschooling? I don't mean to be nosy and invasive, I am
just extremely interested in this, and since I used to teach elem. school,
there are times I feel that I struggle with having the child decide when and
if he will learn something. I am working on this, though, but could use some
guidance from you "experts" on this list!!! THANKS in advance!
Karen
from Indiana
[email protected]
In a message dated 3/27/00 4:34:27 PM Central Standard Time,
unschoolr2@... writes:
Thanks for sharing your story! I needed to hear that today. I just got
drilled by my mom who thinks its "horrible" that I am "letting" my kids learn
"nothing." She argued that with no curriculum they "can't possibly be
learning a thing." It's so discouraging to not have her support. I feel
reassured after hearing your day!
Lisa
unschoolr2@... writes:
> I am so proud of them, they used problem solving skills, cooperation,Teri,
> reading, math, and basic living skills, all without a single worksheet nor
> any direction or cohersion from me:) LOL
Thanks for sharing your story! I needed to hear that today. I just got
drilled by my mom who thinks its "horrible" that I am "letting" my kids learn
"nothing." She argued that with no curriculum they "can't possibly be
learning a thing." It's so discouraging to not have her support. I feel
reassured after hearing your day!
Lisa
[email protected]
I said no TV as I like to monitor and edit when nes. I have written an
article on how I use movies in my unschooling life. I am not sure when It is
going up but I will let you know. I understand the negatives, but there are
enormous advantages as well, especially well made adult movies..... that are
edited.
Teri
article on how I use movies in my unschooling life. I am not sure when It is
going up but I will let you know. I understand the negatives, but there are
enormous advantages as well, especially well made adult movies..... that are
edited.
Teri
Brynn
Oh my goodness. You've hit a nerve here :-) I used to be one of the "kill
your tv" types. Where we used to live we got two channels without any cable,
and one of them was KCTS. Fine, they watch a couple shows a day, maybe a
movie thrown in there. They've never been the kind of children that just sit
and do nothing for hours on end because they are watching the tv. Then,
after we got up to our new house and realized that you get NO reception here
without a huge antennae on your house or cable, we subscribed to cable. It
was so overwhelming at first, I cancelled it. No channels. The kids voiced
that they really did wish to see some of the shows they used to like. One of
them being a nature show, another being a KCTS show, just really neat things
that they wanted to see. SO, I got the cable hooked back up, and they do
fine with it. I have always monitored what they watch, as well as how long
they watch it for, and now when the show they want to watch is over, they
will just get up and turn off the tv. I just love it when they do that, I
think they have learned control and moderation. I've asked for so much
advice on this, and tried different 'things' to really make an issue out of
regulating the tv, but my kids LOVE to read and will read for HOURS on end,
and play and work in their garden and do so many other things that I just
don't see the tv as being a problem anymore. Well, it's not a problem as
long as what they are watching is of good quality.
Good luck,
Brynn~
"To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best night and day
to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle any human
being can fight and never stop fighting."
--e.e. cummings
-----Original Message-----
From: HPaulson5@... [mailto:HPaulson5@...]
Sent: Monday, March 27, 2000 3:26 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] proud of my unschooled kids
From: HPaulson5@...
Teri, Congratulations to you and your kids on a job very well done! I
noticed in your note that you mentioned "no tv" to your kids in your
instructions. I was wondering if you or any one else on this list monitors
and limits the amount of tv watched in your home on a daily basis. I am
trying to do so with my boys that are 5 and 3. At this time I let them
watch
a show (usually PBS) in the morning, and one after their bath at night.
There are times that they may end up watching something in the afternoon,
but
I try to keep the set off as much as possible; I do not want them "vegging
out" and staring at the set like zombies :) . This is difficult some days,
especially if the weather is bad, or if I am not feeling well, or if the
baby
is especially cranky. I would like to hear from others how they handle the
tv issue. Also, I know there are really no two famillies that unschool
alike, but since I have not been at this for very long, I would love to
hear
how other families "do it"-- what kinds of things do you do on any given
day,
and how you engage your kids. For example, do some of you leave materials
around for your kids to "discover"? Do you blend a bit of homeschooling
structure into your unschooling? I don't mean to be nosy and invasive, I am
just extremely interested in this, and since I used to teach elem. school,
there are times I feel that I struggle with having the child decide when and
if he will learn something. I am working on this, though, but could use
some
guidance from you "experts" on this list!!! THANKS in advance!
Karen
from Indiana
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your tv" types. Where we used to live we got two channels without any cable,
and one of them was KCTS. Fine, they watch a couple shows a day, maybe a
movie thrown in there. They've never been the kind of children that just sit
and do nothing for hours on end because they are watching the tv. Then,
after we got up to our new house and realized that you get NO reception here
without a huge antennae on your house or cable, we subscribed to cable. It
was so overwhelming at first, I cancelled it. No channels. The kids voiced
that they really did wish to see some of the shows they used to like. One of
them being a nature show, another being a KCTS show, just really neat things
that they wanted to see. SO, I got the cable hooked back up, and they do
fine with it. I have always monitored what they watch, as well as how long
they watch it for, and now when the show they want to watch is over, they
will just get up and turn off the tv. I just love it when they do that, I
think they have learned control and moderation. I've asked for so much
advice on this, and tried different 'things' to really make an issue out of
regulating the tv, but my kids LOVE to read and will read for HOURS on end,
and play and work in their garden and do so many other things that I just
don't see the tv as being a problem anymore. Well, it's not a problem as
long as what they are watching is of good quality.
Good luck,
Brynn~
"To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best night and day
to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle any human
being can fight and never stop fighting."
--e.e. cummings
-----Original Message-----
From: HPaulson5@... [mailto:HPaulson5@...]
Sent: Monday, March 27, 2000 3:26 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] proud of my unschooled kids
From: HPaulson5@...
Teri, Congratulations to you and your kids on a job very well done! I
noticed in your note that you mentioned "no tv" to your kids in your
instructions. I was wondering if you or any one else on this list monitors
and limits the amount of tv watched in your home on a daily basis. I am
trying to do so with my boys that are 5 and 3. At this time I let them
watch
a show (usually PBS) in the morning, and one after their bath at night.
There are times that they may end up watching something in the afternoon,
but
I try to keep the set off as much as possible; I do not want them "vegging
out" and staring at the set like zombies :) . This is difficult some days,
especially if the weather is bad, or if I am not feeling well, or if the
baby
is especially cranky. I would like to hear from others how they handle the
tv issue. Also, I know there are really no two famillies that unschool
alike, but since I have not been at this for very long, I would love to
hear
how other families "do it"-- what kinds of things do you do on any given
day,
and how you engage your kids. For example, do some of you leave materials
around for your kids to "discover"? Do you blend a bit of homeschooling
structure into your unschooling? I don't mean to be nosy and invasive, I am
just extremely interested in this, and since I used to teach elem. school,
there are times I feel that I struggle with having the child decide when and
if he will learn something. I am working on this, though, but could use
some
guidance from you "experts" on this list!!! THANKS in advance!
Karen
from Indiana
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[email protected]
In a message dated 3/27/00 3:26:59 PM Pacific Standard Time,
HPaulson5@... writes:
<< I was wondering if you or any one else on this list monitors
and limits the amount of tv watched in your home on a daily basis. I am
trying to do so with my boys that are 5 and 3. >> snip
I have always monitored the amount and quality of TV the kids watch for the
following reasons: 1. There are some things I consider harmful/inappropriate.
2. There are ususally better things to do. 3. Too much TV tends to get on my
nerves. This is particularly hard on my 10yoss, since he watches unlimited TV
and movies at his mom's.
<<- what kinds of things do you do on any given day,
and how you engage your kids. For example, do some of you leave materials
around for your kids to "discover"? Do you blend a bit of homeschooling
structure into your unschooling? >>
I'm no expert, but here's what I do with my 9yodd. I leave out some things I
think she'll be interested in, and I usually take her current or recent
interests into consideration. I sometimes make suggestions, which she takes
me up on about 75% of the time. I try to let her figure out how to use her
own free time, so she doesn't get stuck in the "there's nothing to do"
mentality which I had at that age. I used to have 3 structured hours in the
morning, but I find she does just as well without it. One thing I find really
gets my daughter's interested in something new and different is seeing *me*
interested and involved in it. This works well for things that she might not
otherwise be drawn to on her own.
Hope this helps.
candice
HPaulson5@... writes:
<< I was wondering if you or any one else on this list monitors
and limits the amount of tv watched in your home on a daily basis. I am
trying to do so with my boys that are 5 and 3. >> snip
I have always monitored the amount and quality of TV the kids watch for the
following reasons: 1. There are some things I consider harmful/inappropriate.
2. There are ususally better things to do. 3. Too much TV tends to get on my
nerves. This is particularly hard on my 10yoss, since he watches unlimited TV
and movies at his mom's.
<<- what kinds of things do you do on any given day,
and how you engage your kids. For example, do some of you leave materials
around for your kids to "discover"? Do you blend a bit of homeschooling
structure into your unschooling? >>
I'm no expert, but here's what I do with my 9yodd. I leave out some things I
think she'll be interested in, and I usually take her current or recent
interests into consideration. I sometimes make suggestions, which she takes
me up on about 75% of the time. I try to let her figure out how to use her
own free time, so she doesn't get stuck in the "there's nothing to do"
mentality which I had at that age. I used to have 3 structured hours in the
morning, but I find she does just as well without it. One thing I find really
gets my daughter's interested in something new and different is seeing *me*
interested and involved in it. This works well for things that she might not
otherwise be drawn to on her own.
Hope this helps.
candice
[email protected]
Karen,
I limit my kids' tv-viewing and computer use pretty strictly! Most days the
both are not in use at all. If they want to use either, I tell them their
chores have to be done plus extra and they feel like it is useless-what?extra
chores?!-and give up and think of something to play-card game, board game,
chess, dressup, figures, etc.
Bridget
HS'ing Mama of Tim, 13, Christian, 7, Jeremiah, 5, and Emmabear, 17 months
I limit my kids' tv-viewing and computer use pretty strictly! Most days the
both are not in use at all. If they want to use either, I tell them their
chores have to be done plus extra and they feel like it is useless-what?extra
chores?!-and give up and think of something to play-card game, board game,
chess, dressup, figures, etc.
Bridget
HS'ing Mama of Tim, 13, Christian, 7, Jeremiah, 5, and Emmabear, 17 months
Sonia Ulan
You go Girl! If the rest of the world only knew what it was missing!
unschoolr2@... wrote:
unschoolr2@... wrote:
>
> From: unschoolr2@...
>
> I have a lot to be proud of lately. Last Friday, my children did an act in
> the Oregon homeschoolers Talent show. They are 9 and 10. My daughter was
> scared to death, even cried before the show. (they are clowns) They have been
> training the last year with a professional clown. I was not going to force
> her to do the show, but I just behave calmly, like nerves are a part of
> performing, which they are. Her brother was ready to go on and would have
> been crushed had she decided not to. Plus, I knew she would have been
> disappointed in herself if she hadn't. Well, they did it and the Triumphed!
> (it wasn't a competition) But they were flawless... I was so proud of both of
> them, but to be afraid like that then with a lift of the chin, do it
> beautifully!
>
> Then today, I got up early to write and by 11 I couldn't stand it anymore. I
> went to bed and left the instructions that they could work on any type of
> project they liked but had to clean the mess and no TV. I wondered briefly
> what kind of shape the house would be in.
>
> I woke to the smell of Chocolate chip cookies. Upon sleepy investigation, I
> realized that they had not only baked the cookies(perfectly) but had cleaned
> the mess and the living room! WOW!
>
> I am so proud of them, they used problem solving skills, cooperation,
> reading, math, and basic living skills, all without a single worksheet nor
> any direction or cohersion from me:) LOL
>
> Tooo cooool!
> Teri
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Teri Brown
> Suite101 Unschooling Editor
> http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/unschooling
> Assistant Editor For Voices,
> The Journal of the National Home Education Network www.nhen.org
> Columnist For The Link: A Homeschooling Newspaper
> Homeschooling - Christian Unschooling - Natural learning
> http://www.inspirit.com.au/unschooling/
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Sonia Ulan
Hi Karen;
I know lately there has been considerable discussion regarding the many
pitfalls of television. I am keenly aware of the potential problems
associated with too much or inappropriate television viewing but I am
putting forward my voice in favour of supervised and
intelligently-managed TV. I know when I grew up in the '60's and '70's
my parents were VERY strict with my siblings and me with TV. I learned
from that. I am very pleased to see the amount and extent of
educational and informative programming that exists today. When I was a
kid "good TV" was pretty much restricted to Jacque Cousteau specials.
Our family entertainment budget is spent on attending the occasional
Ballet or Symphony performance and cable hook-up. Thankfully in my city
we have an EXCELLENT library program and our weekly visits to the local
library involve free rentals of choice videos. Our family takes full
advantage of PBS programming (my science component on our unschooling
basically revolves around Magic School Bus and Bill Nye the Science Guy.
Kratt's Kreatures is another great program and we are regular viewers of
the Discovery/Learning/History channels. It's also unbelievable what my
kids have picked up geography/anthropology/social studies-wise with the
Food Network!!! So my kids do watch a couple of hours of TV every day.
And I think it has been extremely valuable. Often their curiosity has
been perked by some subject from a program they've seen and we follow up
with research at the library thereafter.
As well, we do have books galore, art supplies and various recycled
materials about the house that the kids have an outlet when the creative
juices flow.
I think every homeschooling family has an individual resource that makes
their situation unique. I know of at least a half dozen professional
teachers who unschool and obviously they have a talent their children
can benefit from. I am a freelance photographer and get an assignment
every couple of weeks. I've been very fortunate to bring my children
along on just about every assignment and as a result they have been
exposed to every imaginable individual in the community. They are now
10yr, 7yr and 18mo. They've met artists, inventors, scientists,
newsmakers, celebrities, authors, sports personalities, younameit. I
think that experience alone is enough to give them a well-rounded
educational background and get them thinking about what intrigues and
stimulates them.
I hope I haven't bored you with too much information about us!
Sonia in Saskatoon, Canada
HPaulson5@... wrote:
I know lately there has been considerable discussion regarding the many
pitfalls of television. I am keenly aware of the potential problems
associated with too much or inappropriate television viewing but I am
putting forward my voice in favour of supervised and
intelligently-managed TV. I know when I grew up in the '60's and '70's
my parents were VERY strict with my siblings and me with TV. I learned
from that. I am very pleased to see the amount and extent of
educational and informative programming that exists today. When I was a
kid "good TV" was pretty much restricted to Jacque Cousteau specials.
Our family entertainment budget is spent on attending the occasional
Ballet or Symphony performance and cable hook-up. Thankfully in my city
we have an EXCELLENT library program and our weekly visits to the local
library involve free rentals of choice videos. Our family takes full
advantage of PBS programming (my science component on our unschooling
basically revolves around Magic School Bus and Bill Nye the Science Guy.
Kratt's Kreatures is another great program and we are regular viewers of
the Discovery/Learning/History channels. It's also unbelievable what my
kids have picked up geography/anthropology/social studies-wise with the
Food Network!!! So my kids do watch a couple of hours of TV every day.
And I think it has been extremely valuable. Often their curiosity has
been perked by some subject from a program they've seen and we follow up
with research at the library thereafter.
As well, we do have books galore, art supplies and various recycled
materials about the house that the kids have an outlet when the creative
juices flow.
I think every homeschooling family has an individual resource that makes
their situation unique. I know of at least a half dozen professional
teachers who unschool and obviously they have a talent their children
can benefit from. I am a freelance photographer and get an assignment
every couple of weeks. I've been very fortunate to bring my children
along on just about every assignment and as a result they have been
exposed to every imaginable individual in the community. They are now
10yr, 7yr and 18mo. They've met artists, inventors, scientists,
newsmakers, celebrities, authors, sports personalities, younameit. I
think that experience alone is enough to give them a well-rounded
educational background and get them thinking about what intrigues and
stimulates them.
I hope I haven't bored you with too much information about us!
Sonia in Saskatoon, Canada
HPaulson5@... wrote:
>
> From: HPaulson5@...
>
> Teri, Congratulations to you and your kids on a job very well done! I
> noticed in your note that you mentioned "no tv" to your kids in your
> instructions. I was wondering if you or any one else on this list monitors
> and limits the amount of tv watched in your home on a daily basis. I am
> trying to do so with my boys that are 5 and 3. At this time I let them watch
> a show (usually PBS) in the morning, and one after their bath at night.
> There are times that they may end up watching something in the afternoon, but
> I try to keep the set off as much as possible; I do not want them "vegging
> out" and staring at the set like zombies :) . This is difficult some days,
> especially if the weather is bad, or if I am not feeling well, or if the baby
> is especially cranky. I would like to hear from others how they handle the
> tv issue. Also, I know there are really no two famillies that unschool
> alike, but since I have not been at this for very long, I would love to hear
> how other families "do it"-- what kinds of things do you do on any given day,
> and how you engage your kids. For example, do some of you leave materials
> around for your kids to "discover"? Do you blend a bit of homeschooling
> structure into your unschooling? I don't mean to be nosy and invasive, I am
> just extremely interested in this, and since I used to teach elem. school,
> there are times I feel that I struggle with having the child decide when and
> if he will learn something. I am working on this, though, but could use some
> guidance from you "experts" on this list!!! THANKS in advance!
> Karen
> from Indiana
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates
> as low as 0.0% Intro APR and no hidden fees.
> Apply NOW!
> http://click.egroups.com/1/975/7/_/448294/_/954199543/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>
> To Unsubscribe: mailto:[email protected]
[email protected]
In a message dated 03/27/2000 2:34:39 PM Pacific Standard Time,
unschoolr2@... writes:
<<
I am so proud of them, they used problem solving skills, cooperation,
reading, math, and basic living skills, all without a single worksheet nor
any direction or cohersion from me:) LOL >>
and they did all this without waking you up too! Now this part
I like LOL.
Kathy
unschoolr2@... writes:
<<
I am so proud of them, they used problem solving skills, cooperation,
reading, math, and basic living skills, all without a single worksheet nor
any direction or cohersion from me:) LOL >>
and they did all this without waking you up too! Now this part
I like LOL.
Kathy
J & A Hayek
<< I was wondering if you or any one else on this list monitors
and limits the amount of tv watched in your home on a daily basis. I am
trying to do so with my boys that are 5 and 3. >> snip
I, too, monitor my dd's watching of the box. We've found that she'll sit
for hours in front of the tv sometimes almost in a trance. (I'd worry, but
she's that way about reading and other things as well.) She watches HGTV,
Animal Planet, TLC, Discovery Channel, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and Who
Wants to Be a Millionaire. This occurs maybe a total of 2-3 hrs per week
every 2 weeks or so.
Alyssa
and limits the amount of tv watched in your home on a daily basis. I am
trying to do so with my boys that are 5 and 3. >> snip
I, too, monitor my dd's watching of the box. We've found that she'll sit
for hours in front of the tv sometimes almost in a trance. (I'd worry, but
she's that way about reading and other things as well.) She watches HGTV,
Animal Planet, TLC, Discovery Channel, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and Who
Wants to Be a Millionaire. This occurs maybe a total of 2-3 hrs per week
every 2 weeks or so.
Alyssa
[email protected]
In a message dated 03/27/2000 7:17:51 PM Central Standard Time,
czuniga145@... writes:
won't even want to paint without me! I try not to dwell on him being
dependent, and I just jump in if I have time. Sometimes he just needs a
start with me and I can leave him. I think he sees me as a friend to play
with, too. Not just a provider or a guider!
-Tracy-
czuniga145@... writes:
> One thing I find really*me*
> gets my daughter's interested in something new and different is seeing
> interested and involved in it. This works well for things that she mightnot
>That is the way my 5 yr old son is. He's an only child. Most of the time he
> otherwise be drawn to on her own.
won't even want to paint without me! I try not to dwell on him being
dependent, and I just jump in if I have time. Sometimes he just needs a
start with me and I can leave him. I think he sees me as a friend to play
with, too. Not just a provider or a guider!
-Tracy-
Trisha Sides
I had my cable shut off too, after I realized that my 5 year old son
could quote the Cartoon Network schedule for the entire 24 hr day! He was
definitely addicted. I let him decide when to go to sleep for the most part,
but one night I woke up around 5am to find him still awake, watching
cartoons. Thaht was the last straw. I also get to spend more time with my
husband, as he used to "veg out" with the tv too. Now we mostly watch public
tv which to me has better childrens programs anyway.
My son is an only child, and when the cable was on I think he used the
tv alot for company. His friends are all in school during the day and we
have met very few unschoolers in Topeka, KS. Does anyone else have a "lonely
only"? How do you deal with it? My husband and I did not choose to not have
more children, we have just been unable. It was amiracle that we got Gary.
We might adopt someday but are not financially able now.
Thanks, Trisha
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
could quote the Cartoon Network schedule for the entire 24 hr day! He was
definitely addicted. I let him decide when to go to sleep for the most part,
but one night I woke up around 5am to find him still awake, watching
cartoons. Thaht was the last straw. I also get to spend more time with my
husband, as he used to "veg out" with the tv too. Now we mostly watch public
tv which to me has better childrens programs anyway.
My son is an only child, and when the cable was on I think he used the
tv alot for company. His friends are all in school during the day and we
have met very few unschoolers in Topeka, KS. Does anyone else have a "lonely
only"? How do you deal with it? My husband and I did not choose to not have
more children, we have just been unable. It was amiracle that we got Gary.
We might adopt someday but are not financially able now.
Thanks, Trisha
>______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
Nanci and Thomas Kuykendall
>I am so proud of them, they used problem solving skills, cooperation,AWESOME!!
>reading, math, and basic living skills, all without a single worksheet nor
>any direction or cohersion from me:) LOL
>
>Tooo cooool!
>Teri
Nanci K.
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susan
hi,
we have only one kid, i just miscarried or we would be having more. rene'
(our 4 1/2 yo) was hoping for 3 sets of twins (2 boys, 2 girls, and 1 boy & 1
girl) lol, but he's accepted the possibility of us not having anymore rather
well ( i'm now 40 and i have an autoimmune disease that just won't leave :)
on socialization, our son had virtual no socialization because we had just move
here (c.tx) from n.ca a few months before he was born and didn't really have
any friends, then i got sick (3 years ago rene' was 20 months) and because our
extended family lives 1500+ mile away he doesn't spend much time with them. we
just joined the local hs group last september and we go to park days once a
week the rest of our time we hang together. our focus has been on book
knowledge rather than nature and physical activities because of my physical
situation. rene' doesn't seem to be suffering though i've felt guilty for the
first 2 1/2 yrs of my illness now it's just our life and we're here to have fun
with exactly what we have and for the most part we do (though self pity does
rear its ugly little head from time to time:)
i can see what your saying about cable i would be like your son <g> we've
never gotten it because there are too many shows (though i wish i could pick
only one or two channels then maybe i would reconsider it). we really rely on
tv which doesn't make me happy but we make the best of it and have fun doing
it. there are pros and cons to everything.
-susan
austin,tx
'unity through diversity'
Trisha Sides wrote:
we have only one kid, i just miscarried or we would be having more. rene'
(our 4 1/2 yo) was hoping for 3 sets of twins (2 boys, 2 girls, and 1 boy & 1
girl) lol, but he's accepted the possibility of us not having anymore rather
well ( i'm now 40 and i have an autoimmune disease that just won't leave :)
on socialization, our son had virtual no socialization because we had just move
here (c.tx) from n.ca a few months before he was born and didn't really have
any friends, then i got sick (3 years ago rene' was 20 months) and because our
extended family lives 1500+ mile away he doesn't spend much time with them. we
just joined the local hs group last september and we go to park days once a
week the rest of our time we hang together. our focus has been on book
knowledge rather than nature and physical activities because of my physical
situation. rene' doesn't seem to be suffering though i've felt guilty for the
first 2 1/2 yrs of my illness now it's just our life and we're here to have fun
with exactly what we have and for the most part we do (though self pity does
rear its ugly little head from time to time:)
i can see what your saying about cable i would be like your son <g> we've
never gotten it because there are too many shows (though i wish i could pick
only one or two channels then maybe i would reconsider it). we really rely on
tv which doesn't make me happy but we make the best of it and have fun doing
it. there are pros and cons to everything.
-susan
austin,tx
'unity through diversity'
Trisha Sides wrote:
> From: "Trisha Sides" <yschild@...>
>
> I had my cable shut off too, after I realized that my 5 year old son
> could quote the Cartoon Network schedule for the entire 24 hr day! He was
> definitely addicted. I let him decide when to go to sleep for the most part,
> but one night I woke up around 5am to find him still awake, watching
> cartoons. Thaht was the last straw. I also get to spend more time with my
> husband, as he used to "veg out" with the tv too. Now we mostly watch public
> tv which to me has better childrens programs anyway.
> My son is an only child, and when the cable was on I think he used the
> tv alot for company. His friends are all in school during the day and we
> have met very few unschoolers in Topeka, KS. Does anyone else have a "lonely
> only"? How do you deal with it? My husband and I did not choose to not have
> more children, we have just been unable. It was amiracle that we got Gary.
> We might adopt someday but are not financially able now.
> Thanks, Trisha
> >
> ______________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
>
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[email protected]
In a message dated 3/28/00 10:33:39 PM Central Standard Time,
fxfireob@... writes:
<< our focus has been on book
knowledge rather than nature and physical activities because of my physical
situation. rene' doesn't seem to be suffering though i've felt guilty for
the
first 2 1/2 yrs of my illness now it's just our life and we're here to have
fun
with exactly what we have and for the most part we do (though self pity does
rear its ugly little head from time to time:) >>
Susan -
I understand about the guilt thing. One of the biggest struggles I've had
with my lupus is dealing with the constant guilt about not being able to do
everything I would like to do with the kids. In my head, I know better but
in my heart I still feel like I'm letting them down. I have to remind myself
to snap out of it often. My DH reminds me if I forget! LOL It sounds like
you have a good perspective on it now. You're right though, that ugly self
pity does appear once in a while. I usually let myself wallow in it for a
short time until it becomes too maudlin and then I feel better for quite
awhile. Chocolate is enormously helpful.
*** KiM ***
runs with scissors
fxfireob@... writes:
<< our focus has been on book
knowledge rather than nature and physical activities because of my physical
situation. rene' doesn't seem to be suffering though i've felt guilty for
the
first 2 1/2 yrs of my illness now it's just our life and we're here to have
fun
with exactly what we have and for the most part we do (though self pity does
rear its ugly little head from time to time:) >>
Susan -
I understand about the guilt thing. One of the biggest struggles I've had
with my lupus is dealing with the constant guilt about not being able to do
everything I would like to do with the kids. In my head, I know better but
in my heart I still feel like I'm letting them down. I have to remind myself
to snap out of it often. My DH reminds me if I forget! LOL It sounds like
you have a good perspective on it now. You're right though, that ugly self
pity does appear once in a while. I usually let myself wallow in it for a
short time until it becomes too maudlin and then I feel better for quite
awhile. Chocolate is enormously helpful.
*** KiM ***
runs with scissors
susan
hi,
my dh does the same for me <g> its taken a long time for me to accept this as
really happening because i had pretty fixed ideas about my life, and what
parenting and hs would be like and getting sick and incapacitated at 37 didn't
figure into it:) flexibility is important but a certain degree of indulgence
both emotional and physical really help lol.
-susan
austin,tx
'unity through diversity'
monkeycoop@... wrote:
my dh does the same for me <g> its taken a long time for me to accept this as
really happening because i had pretty fixed ideas about my life, and what
parenting and hs would be like and getting sick and incapacitated at 37 didn't
figure into it:) flexibility is important but a certain degree of indulgence
both emotional and physical really help lol.
-susan
austin,tx
'unity through diversity'
monkeycoop@... wrote:
> My DH reminds me if I forget! LOL It sounds like
> you have a good perspective on it now. You're right though, that ugly self
> pity does appear once in a while. I usually let myself wallow in it for a
> short time until it becomes too maudlin and then I feel better for quite
> awhile. Chocolate is enormously helpful.
>
> *** KiM ***
> runs with scissors
>