| Author | |
anniemm
Forum Pro
Joined: Sept 19 2006
Location: Texas
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 348
|
| Posted: Nov 03 2009 at 11:15pm | IP Logged
|
 |
|
I've been lurking and occasionally posting on these boards since my oldest was two years old. That's when my husband informed me that he'd like our children to be homeschooled, and I knew nothing about it! I came here and found so many of my questions answered. I came reluctantly, as I never in a million years wanted to homeschool. The examples of the women on this board encouraged me and excited me; I was convicted - this was the right choice for our family!
Well, here we are in the midst of our first year (Kindergarten), and I'm just drowning! I feel that I chose a light load for school work, especially compared to what children in public school are getting. We are on a 4 day a week plan, and I'm mostly using CHC, so I'm not overloaded with planning. I try to keep it to about an hour at most, but I'm still struggling. I have a 2 month old, a 4 year old who insists on doing the same work, and a distracting and destructive 2 year old.
I am not getting anything done well. I feel like I'm failing at everything. The hopes I had for school are a distant cry from what is actually happening and I feel like I'm doing my daughter a huge disservice. She's bright and social, and I feel like I'm holding her back while I flounder around trying to keep it all together.
My housework is overwhelming, especially laundry, and due to the nature of my husband's job we entertain on average twice a week. That can't be avoided.
Meals are hastily thrown together, and I'm really lucky to get to the grocery store on any given week.
I can't get any time for prayer or any time alone and I'm a melancholic who desperately needs that!
My two year old is reacting poorly to life in general now that we have a new baby, and I've never dealt with that before so I'm at a loss. She's such a screamer and it seems like nothing I do can make her happy sometimes.
There's a really good Catholic school within walking distance from me, and I'm really thinking that 1st Grade is beckoning. The only problem is that my husband is the one who really wants to homeschool, and it's hard not to feel a bit of resentment when it's me that has to do it! I totally respect him, he's wonderful, supportive, and I'm trying to make him happy and follow his lead as the head of our family. I'm just struggling.
Please someone talk me off this ledge! How do you all do this? With such peace? With such joy?
__________________
Andrea
__________
Wife to Charlie (03)
Mama to four little girls (04), (05), (07), (09),& my 1st little guy 11/11
www.hiswillmypeace.com
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Nique
Forum All-Star
Joined: March 07 2008
Location: Canada
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1222
|
| Posted: Nov 03 2009 at 11:42pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Oh sweetheart, your LIFE is a prayer! You have ALOT on your plate right now...how about putting away the books for this year? Technically, the Education Act states your child does not have to start "school" until the age of 6.
You have 4 children, all under the age of 5. AND you are entertaining? My heart goes out to you  . YOU need some time to yourself as well, to rejuvenate. You are a good Mommy taking care of everyone's needs and doing ALOT of giving!
My little ones all went through a screaming phase as well. Know that, "This too shall pass".
I am going to go visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for you, and ask Him to bring you peace and some helpful solutions to your fast-paced life. And more sleep at night  That last one helps me when life is overwhelming! 
And trust me, I don't have it all together!
__________________
I had always thought that once you grew up you could do anything you wanted - stay up all night or eat ice cream straight out of the container. ~Bill Bryson
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Paula in MN
Forum All-Star
Joined: Nov 25 2006
Location: Minnesota
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 4064
|
| Posted: Nov 04 2009 at 5:49am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I agree with Nique. Put the books away and wait. In MN you don't have to formally start school until 7, I'm not sure what the age is in your location. The important things right now are taking care of your family and of you. If all you do each day is read a story to them, you are doing a lot.
__________________
Paula
A Catholic Harvest
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Mimip
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 17 2009
Location: Florida
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1526
|
| Posted: Nov 04 2009 at 6:25am | IP Logged
|
|
|
First, LOTS of
So many of us have been where you are at and know the struggles so know that we are praying for you. Now here are some practical helps:
1. Sit down with hubby and decide why he thinks Homeschooling is a priority. This goal needs to be stated and written somewhere so that you can see it everyday. Voice your concerns and your resentment about the fact that while he wants you to do it, your the one implementing.
2. Plan time for grocery shopping and think creatively, maybe it needs to be in the am before he goes to work or late at night so that you don't have to take the children with you. Remember that if you have a plan sometimes it does not seem so overwhelming.
3. Prioritize both in your DD's education and in your home. You said you mostly used CHC, Are you supplementing a lot??? Are you spending time doing additional planning??? What are the basics that you can teach your daughter with minimal planning?
4. As to the entertaining, are they the same people over and over???? If not maybe you could have 4 meals that are "entertaining meals" These are nice, nutritional meals that can be planned and then popped into an oven to cook or maybe a crockpot or pressure cooker. If you have 4 meals then you can rotate 2 one week and then two the other and still have some variety.
I have a ton more ideas but have to run...I'll be back but I am sure there are others that can help with some ideas
__________________
In Christ,
Mimi
Wife of 16 years to Tom, Mom of DD'00, DD'02, '04(in heaven) DS'05, DS'08 and DS '12
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Maggie
Forum All-Star
Joined: Dec 01 2007
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 712
|
| Posted: Nov 04 2009 at 6:40am | IP Logged
|
|
|
You are courageous and strong...
My first thought is that you should probably speak with your husband about 1). Praying together and 2). Giving you time to go to the Blessed Sacrament (perhaps even something scheduled so that you can look forward to that peace?) If you are not comfortable leaving you little one, take her with you to the Lord. 
Maybe that is easier said than done? For me, it is...my husband is gone from our home generally 14 hrs/day...and then works more at night--and he really needs to!
Perhaps you can ask a friend to watch your children while you have time with our Lord?
Or...
Do you have the means to hire a cleaning service temporarily? Or ask a friend to help you clean for a couple weeks?
Another idea a mom gave me was this: use paper plates, cups, napkins, etc...when you feel like you are drowning...cuts down on doing dishes...hmmm...except for when you entertain.
As for school, if you are like me, I just couldn't put away the books.  And I don't think my husband would allow me to do so...if you are in that position, may I suggest revamping things? Have you heard of "Five in A Row"? Check out FIAR. This may alleviate some of your frustration and be a much more gentle approach and an "easing" into hsing for you.
The curriculum is decently priced, though you can find it used at much better prices...and the books you can get from your library.
The books and activities are geared for 4-8 year olds, but even my 2yo listens to the stories (he doesn't do activities)...so both your 4 and 6yo might really enjoy this...and...I really feel like this is just such a full and comprehensive "curriculum", yet, it is gentle for both mommy and kids, which is what I need...for my sanity.
Scrap everything else...put it in a box in a far away place in your garage so that you are not tempted to bring it out...and I think you'll be amazed at the affects of FIAR on you and your children. That's just me, though.
You will be in my prayers.
Maggie
__________________
Wife to dh (12 years) Mama to dd (10) ds (8), dd (1), ds (nb) and to Philip Mary (5/26/09), Lucy Joy (12/6/09), and Margaret Mary (3/6/10) who entered Heaven before we had a chance to hold them.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
mom2mpr
Forum All-Star
Joined: May 16 2006
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1550
|
| Posted: Nov 04 2009 at 6:56am | IP Logged
|
|
|
The wise ladies here have said it all. I am just chiming in with a vote for "you are not alone."
I have found there are seasons to homeschooling. Even as the kids get older. Mine are 6 and 11 and I am in a tough season, too. It has to do with their activities and the distance we have to drive to them. But these sports seasons will be over soon. And all the birthdays, visitors at our house for 2 (!) weeks, and holiday stuff, and travels to other states, etc. And dd will get more sleep and get over her crankiness. Some day.
There are times homeschooling is so wonderful and beautiful and everything falls into place. And there are times when you struggle, can't keep up, are so, so tired, and look at the schools/buses going by and think...hmmmmmmm.
It is also a learning curve for you. I know this time of year is hard for me. So I am prepared to have it be tough and look longingly to January and some relief. You will fine the seasons for your crew and know how to deal with them.
We all go through it. I always ask God for support and he sends some sign or message that I am doing the right thing, hard as it seems.
So, hang in there, talk to your husband, pray, all the great things the people here mentioned, oh, and relax, and it will be OK.
Prayers for you today!
Anne
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
*Lindsey*
Forum Pro
Joined: May 22 2009
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 496
|
| Posted: Nov 04 2009 at 7:27am | IP Logged
|
|
|
You are not alone! I have 5 littles ages 5 and under and can empathize with what you are going through.
A lot of great tips have been given so far. Simplify as much as possibl!
I will say a prayer for you.
__________________
Lindsey
Mama to DS (11), DD(9), twin dds(7), DD (5), DS (4), DS (3), and 5 angels in heaven.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
jdostalik
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 15 2005
Location: Texas
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2935
|
| Posted: Nov 04 2009 at 8:18am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Andrea,
At your little ones' age, seat work is optional!  Everyone has given you such good advice.
Really, you are at a hard time with four such little ones and no one to help you get through the chores of the day. The love you have for your children shines through, though. Pray your morning offering with the children and then will yourself to just embrace the days as they come.
Try to do just a bit of phonics and math most days, read aloud from the lives of the saints. Reserve books at the library to read to the kids each week. You are doing a great job!
Don't forget to share with your husband your fears and frustrations--can he do the grocery shopping for you or help lighten your load in any way?
Perhaps you can get some quiet time on an occasional evening or week-end with the baby in the sling at adoration or by just heading out for a cup of coffee at the bookstore?? I am praying for you.
__________________
God Bless,
Jennifer in TX
wife to Bill, mom to six here on earth and eight in heaven.
Let the Little Ones Come
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
rose gardens
Forum Pro
Joined: Feb 23 2006
Location: Minnesota
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 163
|
| Posted: Nov 04 2009 at 10:15am | IP Logged
|
|
|
anniemm wrote:
... I feel that I chose a light load for school work, especially compared to what children in public school are getting.
...My housework is overwhelming, especially laundry,...I can't get any time for prayer or any time alone and I'm a melancholic who desperately needs that!
...There's a really good Catholic school within walking distance from me, and I'm really thinking that 1st Grade is beckoning. ...Please someone talk me off this ledge! How do you all do this? With such peace? With such joy? |
|
|
Some of my peace with homeschooling comes because we've done the private school/ public school route. Life with several children is busy, no matter what your school choices. I've been alone with small children all day, only to have older children arrive home requirring help with homework before running off to our next event. At least with homeschooling, the teacher(usually mom) considers the rest of our family life when scheduling assignments. I imagine two dinner parties per week plus the typical homework load (along with other school events) would be difficult also! Ask yourself if you can fit the candy sales and other fund raising events, plus homework, plus parent-teacher meetings, plus last minute runs for supplies, etc., etc. into your life without stressing over the laundry and dinner parties too?
Let me share something that I firmly believe: most concerned parents participate in their children's education. Homework is a form of "mandatory" homeschooling that parents typically oversee, (particularly in the younger grades where homework can sometimes take as long as homeschooling). Much of the homework is nevertheless "busy-work", at least for the brighter children. For the less-than-bright, the homework does not typically meet the child's individual needs; it may be frustrating if it's beyond the child's ability and/or teaches in a way that may not benefit the child.
You wrote that you are doing a light load compared to public school--that's okay! It takes longer to teach 20 children a skill than it takes to teach one child that same skill. It sounds like your child is doing fine. As Paula wrote, kindergarten is not mandatory in most states. That's why kindergarten is not called first grade--please note meaning of the word "first".
First things first. Begin your day with prayer. You can gather your little ones and pray together with them. If you teach your daughter to begin her school day with prayer, you have given her something that she wouldn't get in public schools.
As far as the local Catholic school for first grade, pray about that specifically with your husband. There's nothing wrong with sending your daughter to a good Catholic school if you don't feel God is calling you to homeschool. Ask God for His guidance. But be realistic in your expectations of both home education and Catholic schools.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
denise3578
Forum Newbie
Joined: June 30 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 33
|
| Posted: Nov 04 2009 at 11:16am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Dear Andrea,
If you are considering sending your daughter to Catholic school, an expensive proposition where I live, then how about taking that money and relieving yourself of the household burdens - get a cleaning service, cater your dinners-that sort of thing.
Denise
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
anniemm
Forum Pro
Joined: Sept 19 2006
Location: Texas
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 348
|
| Posted: Nov 04 2009 at 11:38am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Wow, ladies thank you so much for your encouragement. Reading through this just makes me cry...I'm so overwhelmed, and I feel like expectations are so high for me, that receiving some tenderness and caring is healing for me.
I am going to really take your suggestions to heart, and try to figure out how to make this work.
I'm still not convinced about not sending my daughter to 1st grade, as I know we can receive a nice scholarship (my husband works for the Church, he's a FOCUS missionary and has a close relationship with the parishes here in town, plus we fundraise 100% of our salary, which makes us eligible for financial help) and I would have some relief from feeling the pressure of being entirely responsible for every single aspect of her learning on a day to day basis. Part of my problem, I think, is that education is SO important to me that I am afraid that I can't meet her real needs at home.
It just breaks my heart when I sit with my baby to nurse, and all I can think about is when I can put her down so I can get something else done. Or when I completely loose patience with my little ones in the middle because they are trying to get my attention and I can't give it to them. Or when my Kindergartner really wants me to sit and talk with her about her questions about the faith, or read a book, or practice letters that she hasn't mastered (she's somewhat of a perfectionist). I just feel like I'm spread so thin that I do them all an injustice and can't love them like they need.
Thank you so much for understanding! Just knowing that others out there understand my situation gives me peace! My sweet husband tries to understand, but I don't think he really "gets" it and his work is so demanding and requires so much emotional and spiritual giving that he needs to not have to always worry about me! And, I have no one in real life who gets this. Of all the wonderful, holy, faithful Catholic families I know, nobody homeschools.
Thank you ladies! I so appreciate your support and your prayers.
__________________
Andrea
__________
Wife to Charlie (03)
Mama to four little girls (04), (05), (07), (09),& my 1st little guy 11/11
www.hiswillmypeace.com
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Maddie
Forum All-Star
Joined: Dec 27 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1804
|
| Posted: Nov 04 2009 at 11:58am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I am praying for you.
__________________
~Maddie~
Wife to my dh and Momma of 9 dear ones
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
teachingmyown
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 20 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5128
|
| Posted: Nov 04 2009 at 12:42pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Andrea,
Big hugs to you! You are being way too hard on yourself! My dd that is the same age as your oldest, plays the overwhelming majority of the day. We do a few minutes of phonics (can I recommend Alpha-phonics? A cuddle on the couch, no writing involved program.) at one time and a little bit of math later on. I try to read to her, or have her sit in with the big kids, but mostly she is on the go. She has art supplies and a couple of workbooks, but she isn't that interested. It is probably harder if your daughter is "driven", but she honestly needs so little real work at this age. And once you get her reading, it is SO much easier!
I agree with the FIAR recommendation, as long as you don't get caught up trying to do a lot of the activities. Explode the Code is great for continuing phonics after they get the basics down, and they can pretty much do it on their own.
Laundry: since you have all girls it can be easy. Three, maybe 4, dresses each. One clean, one on, one in the laundry, and an extra one for when you forget to put the clothes in the dryer for two days. My girls also wear leggings from Target. That is easy, because the size doesn't matter too much, so you can just buy a bunch and they can share. My 9 year old wears the 6 year old's sometimes.
Food: simple is good, even for your guests. Are these college students or faculty visiting? If it is college students, relax your expectations! Spaghetti is a great meal, even if it's three times a week. It's a lot to ask a mom with four little ones to be cooking for anyone. They should be bringing you dinner!
The house: (anyone who has been in my house will laugh that I am giving you advice, but...) you just have to pare down to the bare minimum. Again, with girls I think it is easy. A kitchen set, play silks, and colored pencils. Throw in some doll house people and that is all they need.
School may or may not be the answer. Honestly, I would say it is not the answer, but you and your dh need to decide that. It only trades one set of problems for another. It weakens the incredible bond between your girls. If your dd is really bright, she will be frustrated at school, too. It brings in influences that are better avoided, even in 1st grade.
You can do this, but you have to lower the bar. You know, I visit your blog and some of the blogs of other young moms and I envy you. Your life is just starting and so full of possibilities and excitement. You are young and have energy! Try to close your eyes and savor the moment.
I will pray for you. This is a hard life. I wouldn't trade it for anything, but it is hard. In many ways it gets easier, but there are always crosses to bear. Don't wish away this time. This is right where God wants you to be.
__________________
In Christ,
Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
Remembering Today
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
JodieLyn
Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 06 2006
Location: Oregon
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 12234
|
| Posted: Nov 04 2009 at 1:03pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I can't pin point what it is.. but I think I'm getting the impression that you are still attempting to do things the same way that you've been doing them.. and I've found that I will hit a point with the number of children that a "system" stops working.. it just does.. and it's a huge struggle trying to keep it going.. and I wonder why is this so very difficult I used to be able to manage it why can't I "get back in the groove".. it's because the groove is gone and not coming back.. it's time to revamp how things are done.
Include the littles in what you're doing.. hand the 2 yr old the wet laundry to put in the dryer.. let them push the button to start the dryer.. they love it.
Have the kindergartener help with the dishes and you can talk while you work.
The point is to double up some things.. if you're trying to do all the work *by yourself* and seperate from the children.. you won't have enough hours in the day.. you have to incorporate the children into your day.. start training them to help when you're working.. talk with them while your hands are busy.. cuddle the 2 yr old to your side while you're nursing the baby and reading out loud.. you'll be too busy to worry about what's next
Make a list, another great way to not worry about what's next, you'll know that you just check the list when the baby is done.
Do you have to keep the house perfect all the time? maybe set up one of the bedrooms with a comfy chair for you and you go to the children's rooms for sitting with the baby or reading out loud then the main rooms don't get messy.
Use baby gates if you need to, to keep kids out of one room so that it's always ready.
And if you don't need to be always ready, plan certain times during the day for picking things up.. then you won't worry about getting things picked up all the tiem because there will be a time for doing it.
__________________
Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Lisbet
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2006
Location: Michigan
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2706
|
| Posted: Nov 04 2009 at 1:03pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I just wanted to offer prayer, hugs, and a HUGE ditto to what Molly said. I also second the 'put the school books away' sentiment. I cannot tell you the last time I 'officially did' k-1 with a child. Academics this early is waaaayyyy overrated. Andrea, can you at least get help for the entertaining? Maybe one of those meals a week could be a potluck or BYO? Again, I agree with Molly, your community should be bringing you meals!
__________________
Lisa, wife to Tony,
Mama to:
Nick, 17
Abby, 15
Gabe, 13
Isaac, 11
Mary, 10
Sam, 9
Henry, 7
Molly, 6
Mark, 5
Greta, 3
Cecilia born 10.29.10
Josephine born 6.11.12
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
LisaD
Forum All-Star
Joined: Dec 27 2005
Location: California
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 526
|
| Posted: Nov 04 2009 at 1:14pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Wow, everyone has already responded with much of what I would say to you, too.
My oldest went to public school for K-1, and then to our parish school for 2-3, and my second oldest went to our parish school for K-1. Those are the years where I felt like I was drowning. The homework, the parent hours, the endless requests for $5 here and $10 there. Getting children up, dressed, fed, lunches and snacks packed, etc. completed overwhelmed me...I had a toddler and baby that needed to go everywhere with us, too. My husband works very long hours and travels, so it was all up to me.
We are now in our second year of homeschooling, and while it requires more from me in some ways, it is much less stressful and overwhelming than having two in school was.
My third child is extremely bright...and last year was his "kindergarten" year. I had some of the CHC materials to use with him, and honestly, I did actual sit-down work with him once a week (or less). I got him some Kumon books for numbers and math, and used the first few CHC phonics booklets. The rest of the time, he played, I read aloud some to him, he listened to audio recordings of books, he played educational games on the computer and Leapster. I had a screaming 2 year old and two older kids to help.
You know what? This year he is already a third of the way through his first grade math book, and is reading chapter books. He really just absorbed so much on his own, it amazed me. Even now, he is done with his formal school work in less than an hour, and has time to play and explore and do a lot of things that he would be too exhausted to do if he was in school for seven hours a day.
You need to be honest with your husband about how you're feeling. Maybe he'd be willing to let your daughter try the Catholic school next year...or even next semester. There's no law saying that you couldn't take her out after a semester or a year if it's not the answer you thought it would be.
You are in the bootcamp years. It's just hard with so many littles. Sometimes I wondered how I survived without a 10 year-old daughter to help me from the beginning!
__________________
~Lisa
Mama to dd(99), ds(01), ds(03) and ds(06)
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Nina
Forum Pro
Joined: Nov 13 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 154
|
| Posted: Nov 04 2009 at 3:42pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Oh Andrea, I'll pray for your family.
Can you ask your husband to help? Besides a little help with the housework, could he do a subject or read to the little one? My husband works a lot but he still helps with the schoolwork and some cleaning. Because my dh helps when he can the house is usually clean and organized (mostly ) and the children actually do better in school because they like spending the extra time w/ dad. He seems to explain math a lot better than I could. 
__________________
Mom to 3ds and 4dd.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Angie Mc
Board Moderator
Joined: Jan 31 2005
Location: Arizona
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 11400
|
| Posted: Nov 04 2009 at 4:42pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Andrea, I just came to post delegating. One of the hardest things for me is to delegate...to ask for and accept help. I mean, I reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelllly was awful about this when mine were all little and I was a newish mom. I'm a little better now . So in addition to the wonderful advice above, perhaps you and your dh can brainstorm about what you *want* to do, to keep for yourself. For example, I wanted to nurse my babies and not delegate feeds to bottles or others. Then brainstorm about what you *don't* want to do yourself. For example, washing floors is a chore that I don't dig so I'm delegating it to robots  . You can narrow this down to homeschooling, too. For example, I like to "keep" reading picture books because I love it and I "delegate" high school Latin/Spanish because I don't have the skill.
Hope this helps, dear, and know that I'm super proud of your efforts and I'm super-super proud of your courage to reach out and ask for help .
Love,
__________________
Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
About Me
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
ekbell
Forum All-Star
Joined: May 22 2009
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 747
|
| Posted: Nov 04 2009 at 5:42pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
You've been trying to teach, cook, keep the house clean enough for entertaining, run errands, care for an newborn/infant, and three other small children while recovering from childbirth. It sounds as if there may not be enough hours in the day for everything you are trying to do. (I found this post well worth pondering on Admitting I can't do it all ... or even half of it You and your husband may wish to do the planning that this couple did)
One of my children completely missed kindergarten one year (four children including an infant and we were moving across the continent; I decided to skip kindergarten and just gave her markers and paper to scribble on plus read to her). At age eight she's doing just as well as her older sister was. There's lots and lots of time to catch up if necessary.
Various things I've found helpful
Remember that the first person you need to care for is yourself, if you are to properly care for everyone else.
I find life much easier if I can take a walk once a day while leaving everyone with my husband, even if only for ten minutes. It can be a good time to pray.
I also encourage quiet time when I nurse the babe down for a nap, (even if it means keeping the active two year old in the childproofed room with a quietly playing video). [I was so happy when my oldest was old enough to be a good mother's helper and entertain the toddler for twenty minutes while I nursed the baby to sleep and read by myself for a bit.]
If you wish to contine with formal kindergarten and don't mind the thought of having your child on the computer for some of her school, I'd suggest looking at starfall.com. There are downloads to print out for handwriting practice and online videos/games for letters and reading.
It's been very useful for me as a backup for days when I didn't have time to 'do school' with my kindergarten aged students. It has also worked well as incentive for working on their seatwork.
For $35 there is more on a subscription site called more.starfall.com (although I would not suggest attempting their lesson plans considering your other obligations)
This site has games for Math and science as well. Good games which offer room for exploration. Emark House Series Learning Games
The other thing that has helped me quite a bit, has been to have a nursing set up kept by the couch.
A nursing pillow, and a totebag with everything I need including books. This makes it easier to sit and nurse the baby while snuggling my toddler and read to the older children.
I've also found that five year olds can be taught to hold the book and turn the pages for me when I'm both nursing the baby and snuggling the toddler.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
StephG
Forum Pro
Joined: Nov 01 2009
Location: Canada
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 143
|
| Posted: Nov 04 2009 at 6:40pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I totally hear where you're coming from. Although my kids are older now, once upon a time they were 5 under 5. And no matter how hard I tried for Super-Mom status, I never quite made it.
I have to agree with what our fellow board sisters have said here. Not one has said anything I can't agree with. Even with my kids now being 5 under 19, I still have times when I don't feel like I have it all together. I still have times when I feel I don't have enough time to pray, to rejuvenate or to rest. 
In my opinion, that's when it's time to add to the head of the household's responsibilities and ask him to step in...maybe not to do school work with the children if he's not so inclined, but maybe to fold a load of clothes or even watch the Littles while you take time to pray.
I have found over the years, in a pinch and with lots of practice, I can say the complete Rosary in 20 minutes or less. In my personal experience, that's about how long it takes dh to fold a basket of clothes.
And when in doubt, or in need of extra reinforcements...you have all of us to help you through it all.
God bless my dear one,
Steph
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
|
|
Forum Locked) 
4Real Forums : Mothering and Family Life
Topic: Drowning.
