Monday, June 27, 2011

Things are looking up. I've tried my very best to heed every one's excellent advice. I feel as though I've been almost *lazy* in fact. Which is odd to think since I've probably gotten much more accomplished these last few days than I have in weeks. I think the key is that I've allowed myself to relax without feeling guilty (it's also possible that having stayed home the majority of the weekend helped). Over the weekend I spent a great deal of time knitting. I'd have photos of the longies/board shorts that I finished. Only the script I use to dump the pictures, properly named, from my camera to my computer is.. not working. These things happen when I consent to B updating things on my computer.

I feel so grateful for the outpouring of love and compassion in the comments (and private emails) of my last post. I cannot find the words to express my gratitude for knowing such amazing people.

There has been some drama at our house, as well as the calm. We have homeschooled the Elf since Kindergarten. Over the years it has become a literal battle to get him interested in anything. Anything at all. We wanted to unschool. We wanted to trust that he'd learn all on his own. And he does. I guess. But if the words "learning" or "schoolwork" or "educational" ever come near him, he breaks down. He doesn't want anything to do with history, English (beyond reading comic books and writing his own), science. Really, all he does is play with Star Wars toys or Legos. Or complain about video games.

We've tried workbooks. I researched Waldorf (and cannot fathom having the time or concentration to put together my own curriculum nor can we afford to buy one). I've read parenting/teaching books. Nothing ever seems to work for him. It all came to a head last week. He doesn't seem to understand that he has to learn - at home or at school. There is no third option.

It's possible that over the last few days I've finally gotten through to him. I've found that he needs much more one-on-one attention when it comes to "schoolwork." In any course, sending him to school has been discussed. I don't want to. I really don't want to. But I also cannot spend so much energy fighting this same fight. As you can imagine, this does not lend to a calm mind.

And this is me being distracted by Pride and Prejudice in the background (I love this movie!) and thoughts of yummy iced coffee.

3 comments:

  1. I am hoping that a solution comes to mind during your summer. Rest up and get rejuvenated and most of all enjoy that movie :)

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  2. Glad to hear that you have rested and things are looking up. I was wondering if you school year round or do you take the summer off? Just me being nosy, but as the mother of four boy's I can say that they are a different breed!:)

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  3. Have you looked into Charlotte Mason? I blend some of that with my unschooling leanings to great result. I follow the amblsideonline.org booklists (we are finishing year four), but not the reading schedule. It is heavy on history - but makes it fun - and science. Literature is obviously covered, too. I skip the art and hymns. We do our own Bible. Math and phonics are left to you (I use Making Math Meaningful just with the oldest, the rest of the kids are still unschooling math). Anyway, I really like it. Just food for thought.

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