The ’should be doing more’ syndrome…
Posted on Jan 07, 2009 under Homeschool | 4 CommentsChristmas is over, things are settling down and the ’should be doing more’ syndrome has come over me again. Right now Carter is doing VERY well with the self guided/unschooling we’ve been doing. I’m trying to fit more reading time in and one on one workbook time. Especially since he INSISTED on a Math 1-2 book and needs a bit of help on it.
But I can’t help but think of all we don’t do….maybe I should be helping him more with reading. Is there something I can buy/rent/borrow that could help him and his very strong desire to read? We visit the library often, talk about, spell, read together….
I’m sure he’s not getting enough sit down science. But is that important? Is the science he’s getting from everyday life enough? When won’t it be?
He’s clearly doing well. Better than if he’d gone to K. In my opinion of course.
Then I feel terrible I don’t have him signed up for more extracurricular stuff (like we do any curricular stuff…). No sports (we do Jungle Java weekly), no music. We do nature programs and get together with friends often. But is it enough?
Is this sort of like the newborn baby. He’s happy, he’s growing, he’s learning. Is it really that important to measure what I’m giving him?
Sorry, just feeling down about myself lately. UGH. Must.get.out.of.funk. and breathe.
January 8th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
I think it sounds like you guys are doing great!!
January 11th, 2009 at 7:21 am
LOVE your blog–I’m in the same situation for a lot of things you’re writing about (do we do enough, the digital album, the kids having a special place for “their” ornaments–this year, they decorated almost the whole tree by themselves!).
I think it is kind of like having a newborn. You have to follow your instincts that they’re getting what they need, and sometimes, they even let you know!
January 11th, 2009 at 11:59 am
Hey there. I can identify with your blog a great deal. Science is one of those issues isn’t it??
I think that you’re on the right track though. Sitting, reading, workbooks here and there, exploring nature, exploring things in general….. developing that natural curiosity for the world around them.
Sometimes the simplest things that a kid does is the best learning and like Kimmer said often kids will let You know when they need more.
January 18th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
Carter is doing great, and you are doing great! It is so easy to feel the need to do more, but if that really isn’t what feels right in your heart then don’t do it. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to see Carter learning, and he has such a natural desire to know more. I really believe that if you follow and honor that desire, he will learn so much more than if you filled up his schedule with lots of activities.