Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.



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Syncletica
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Posted: Aug 22 2008 at 10:41pm | IP Logged Quote Syncletica
do your children have? We've had more during these summer months, but I can see a replay of last schoolyear quite easily, where my 7 year old won't get much free time. It takes so long just to get everyone in 'order', and get the chores done; one on one time is similar to a novelty. Always interrupted, thus taking up more time. It's hard to find time to get everything done, and then to make sure they have some free time, too. How important do you consider free time for children and do you let things slide so they can have it? If so, what?
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Cay Gibson
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Posted: Aug 22 2008 at 11:07pm | IP Logged Quote Cay Gibson
I have been an enthused proponent of "free time" for several of our hsing year.

I've seen lots of good come from it and tried to make sure our school time was done in the morning hours to allow afternoons for free time and free play.

I've also noticed (in the past couple of years) a certain amount of discontent and upsetments that come from having too much unstructured/free time on their hands.

We began the new school year (ie: structured time) this past Monday.

*Everyone is busy doing something.
*Everyone is held accountable.
*Everyone is expected to be productive.
*Mom is a constant presence, available to everyone.

We aren't finishing our school work until about 1 or 2 PM. Then it's time to start supper. Things, so far, are going very well. The children seem to like the accountability of their time. There is less disruptive behavior and less arguing.

I think we're sticking with what we're doing.

Of course I don't have a younger toddler or preschooler in the house either. That makes a big difference. My youngest is 1st grade and this is the first year I decided she had played and free-spirited around the house long enough. It was time to get serious and she's taking her schoolwork very serious. I'm glad.

I hate to say it but this year I'm not letting much slide at all. I don't consider "free time" as important as it once was. The children have to "earn" their free time and computer time and television time.

But this is just where we're at at this point in our lives and hsing. You know your children and what they need right now. Go with your instincts.

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