Archive for July, 2010
Perfect Timing
My idea of perfect time includes tasty coffee, complete silence, and no interruptions. I crave time alone to plan, to create, to write, to read.
After almost thirteen years of parenting, I wonder if I need to change my definition of perfect time.
It’s imagination that says I accomplish great things after everyone else is asleep. The opposite is often true. My brain is bleary from the work of the day, so I stare at the wall or click link after link on the never-ending internet. Then next morning an empty coffee cup follows me because I experienced perfect time.
Instead of pining for hours of quiet and wasting the rare moments of solitude, can I be diligent in the minutes I have throughout the day?
It is hard to focus in the multitasking of motherhood and homeschool, but what if I fill in the lesson plans while my son works on his math? What if I type out a few sentences when inspiration strikes?
What if I stop grumbling about not having time alone and focus more on why I’m not alone?
I get to homeschool three amazing children. It is messy and delightful, frustrating and rewarding. There are so many things wrapped up in this choice, but I don’t want it any other way (usually).
The Importance of Short Lessons
We got so much school done when my son was in kindergarten. He was an only child. We worked on school for hours a day. Learning phonograms, writing numbers, and reading lots of books. Yes, I was such a good teacher then.
Until I really think about it…
My son cried writing his letters. Math confused and both of us were frustrated. Learning was so painful. I pushed the tears right out.
Sometimes the frustration reappears, but I learned something from that early struggle.
