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LML22 Forum Newbie
Joined: June 29 2006
Online Status: Offline Posts: 33
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Posted: Jan 22 2007 at 2:06pm | IP Logged
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I think I have burnout. I don't think its just homeschool burnout; but maybe large family with many small children burnout. I have read Elizabeth's article on it and its great. But some of those things seem such a struggle to do. Its so hard to get outside, exercise, organize, etc. Also, school is not going well and I don't feel like doing it. (neither do the kids) I am tired of checking their work, listening to them fuss about it, etc. We are doing a more text/workbook this year for various reasons. I would like to step back from it for a while (or maybe all together) but several things are keeping me from doing so. First, is the cost I put into it. I hate to waste money. Second, these feelings of mine and the children may blow over in a few weeks. (we were all satisfied with it before Christmas) I also don't want to get "behind" and be doing school work until June if we take a break. I tend to make them finish all the work if we use a curriculum.
Just life with many children--- the noise, the mess, the fighting is getting to me.
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JennGM Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Jan 22 2007 at 2:10pm | IP Logged
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Hugs to you!
I don't have an answer or good suggestion, but I heard this story on the radio this morning:
Depressed? Not Surprising. It's Blue Monday . January 22nd is the gloomiest day on the calendar.
__________________ Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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Donna Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 25 2005 Location: Pennsylvania
Online Status: Offline Posts: 1151
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Posted: Jan 22 2007 at 2:47pm | IP Logged
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I just heard this as well, and as soon as I heard it, I thought, "Of course it is the gloomiest day of the year..it's the anniversary of Roe v. Wade."
You are in my prayers for overcoming that feeling of burnout .
__________________ Donna
DH, Keven
Jason, Stevie, Marie, Jackson, Clara, and Aaron
Jacob, Sam, and Regina with God
Grandbabies Leigha and Elsie
Moments Like These
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Becky Parker Forum All-Star
Joined: May 23 2005 Location: Michigan
Online Status: Offline Posts: 2582
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Posted: Jan 22 2007 at 3:09pm | IP Logged
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Do you have the book Real Learning? There is a nice chapter in there about burnout that might be helpful. I was feeling very similiar to you not too long ago. I think it is just the grace of God that gets us through the difficult times. We did something that helped a little regarding schoolwork - we changed location. I know it sounds strange but moving from the classroom up to the dining room table and changing our schedule a litte gave me sort of a fresh outlook. I don't know if it did much for the kid's attitude, but you know what they say: "when mom's happy, everyone's happy" or something like that. I wish I had more to offer you. I will pray for you!
__________________ Becky
Wife to Wes, Mom to 6 wonderful kids on Earth and 4 in Heaven!
Academy Of The Good Shepherd
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humanaevitae Forum Pro
Joined: May 31 2005 Location: Minnesota
Online Status: Offline Posts: 411
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Posted: Jan 22 2007 at 3:20pm | IP Logged
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When my mom felt that way she told all of us to stay upstairs- all day! We played boardgames, fought, and talked about how happy we were upstairs instead of getting yelled at or made to work. She called us down for dinner/supper and then back upstairs we went. We were told that we couldn't come down the next day until the upstairs was clean!
During that day she cleaned and recovered. We all appreciated each other a bit more the next day.
At other times when she was worn out from the fighting we kids would all have stay in different parts of the house with no contact with each other. She brought PBJ and water to each room for lunch. At first I was happy to be away from my horrible siblings but after a while (that night!) we all were ready to play together again. Mom explained that siblings were a privilege or gift from God and that we needed to appreciate that and treat each other right.
Maybe something like that would help? If you are not too far gone maybe a day from one of the two scenerios would help!
__________________ Nicole-Zane 10, Elizabeth 7, Xavier 4, and John Patrick 2
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J.Anne Forum Pro
Joined: Oct 24 2006
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Posted: Jan 22 2007 at 4:01pm | IP Logged
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I feel the same way today. My Dad just came back from retreat and that sounds like exactly what I need. Just prayer and peace and quiet for a day or two. I obviously have no answers, but I will pray for you and all the moms out there who are feeling overwhelmed right now.
__________________ Jennifer
http://ascozyasspring.typepad.com
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Willa Forum All-Star
Joined: Jan 28 2005 Location: California
Online Status: Offline Posts: 3881
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Posted: Jan 22 2007 at 4:15pm | IP Logged
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Nicole -- I love that idea. Thanks!
__________________ AMDG
Willa
hsing boys ages 11, 14, almost 18 (+ 4 homeschool grads ages 20 to 27)
Take Up and Read
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Erin Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 23 2005 Location: Australia
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Posted: Jan 23 2007 at 5:29am | IP Logged
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Nicole
What a beautiful way to impress upon children that their siblings are a gift and privelge. I really love it. Thank you for sharing.
__________________ Erin
Faith Filled Days
Seven Little Australians
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