I love homeschooling my kids. And we have had plenty of positive experiences. But lately I have been struggling with the idea that they are not getting enough experiences outside of the home. Maybe because it's winter and there's not much extracurricular going on right now. I am struggling telling myself that making friends is not a reason to go to school. School is not an option for us. Period. So I need Advice on what to do with feeling like they aren't getting what they need outside of the home....like the dreaded "socialization".
I wonder if we are suffering from burn-out, because I am feeling the same way! I was gung-ho before the holidays and was researching CM and thinking about their curriculum for next year, but now I am not that way at all! I have tried to get mine involved in as much as we can, but I too worry about their friends and their playtime with kids other than each other. (I have 3 dd's, but the older two are only 16months apart so they are very close). Do you have Upward sports near you? We have them involved in dance, piano and cheerleading-as well as a Friday morning Bible Study program so they have something 4 days a week. They would never have time for all that if they were in school-at least I wouldn't with all the homework they would bring home! I'm sorry if I am not much of an encouragement to you, but sometimes it helps to know others are in your boat. I think for me, if there was a school that they could go to twice or three times a week that would be perfect for us. I definatley feel there is not enough time in the day-Mommy never gets a brake and that can get old after a while! Needless to say, we are in it for this year and most likely next...only God knows what's next! Tanis
What are your kids' ages/genders? Interests? Are you near a large city? Are you more isolated? What you can do with your kids would depend a lot on how old they are and where you are and what you might be able to afford; so if you could give some specifics to guide everyone's answers, that would be great!
Do you have a Children's Museum near you? We are about an hour from one and we have an annual pass. It only cost $75 for the whole family. They have tons of activities for kids that are free with our membership. It is a great way to get out of the house (even in the winter) and meet other kids and learn at the same time. I can understand how it is in the winter. When we have a stretch of really bad weather, I feel like I am so isolated. I remember as a kid going to school and then staying inside other than that so I don't think it is much different than PS in that regard!
Many of our homeschool groups activities are too expensive for me to attend during the winter months. We tend to stick to the free park days, hikes, and etc in the warmer months. We do stay around the house more when the weather is colder and try to use it as a time to do the large project without interuptions. We do lots more science experiments, art projects and etc. However we have also had some good luck finding fun library programs to enjoy and those have been helping a lot. Our library is sponsoring an American Girl book club that meets once a month, they have first Friday tween events, some craft days, movie nights, and tons of other activities. I have passed the word around in our homeschool group and have been pleasantly surprised by how many of their friends have been coming. Maybe you'll luck out and find some fun activities in your library to attend too.
Sounds like the winter blah's. I have them too :cry: We signed my 7 yr. old up for basketball through the rec. dept. Last week my parents took the kids for a weekend trip to the zoo and childrens museum. Other than that we are just trying to make it through to Spring. I can't wait for it to warm up and stay lighter longer so we can go to the park, beach, pool or just play outside more. My oldest has always been in public school, and she has been on 1 field trip in the last 4 years. So, just because they are in ps doesn't mean they are getting out either :wink:
I think it can be the winter blahs also. I am not overly fond of this time of year for the weather, even though I love the Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays. This can be a great time for family games and fun stuff at home. Maybe you can make a fire outside (or in) and roast marshmallows. Maybe you can paint some ornaments for next year's tree, (I know at Hobby Lobby they sell them REAL cheap after Christmas). Of course, if you live where you have a lot of snow there are many activities. That is not the case with us (except we got some yesterday). Oh, I just looked--you live in the South also-so not a lot of snow. I wouldn't worry about the "s" word too much. I felt like my son needed friendships that were closer to home (he had some friends, but most lived too far away for weekly get-togethers). A short time later-he has many friends in this area and still has the other friends too. God has a way to provide. My son is an only and that added to my worry.
This is a FREE activity I recently did with my kids ( and a group of other homeschoolers a 2nd time) We were having winter blues, and yet its cold, and winterly and BLAH! I made up a Scavenger Hunt.... But this is how it worked. We went to the mall. The kids then had to find all the things on the list... but here is the catch, they had to be the one to finish saving the most money... They found their items, and snapped a pic of item/price and then totalled up their list. In the end, we looked it over to see who saved the most. It was fun, yet educational... and my cranky TEEN BOYS even had a blast! PS.. nothing was purchased, it was all pretend! So if you want a FREE activity this might be something to do...
My kids are dd 8, ds 6, and ds almost 4. We have lots of activities and things that we do. We live right outside of New Orleans. So we are surrounded by things to do. The problem is, I am more concerned about the "making friends" thing. Right now there's not much extracurricular going on...my dd is in brownies and that's about it right now. Right now I feel like we are inside sooo much with just us. I think I'll feel better when we can go to the park and the zoo and the city when it doesn't get dark so early. On our schedule, by the time our school day is over, it's almost dark.
I deal with this also. My daughter has really....well, right now...no friends at all and she is an only child. Now, we do AWANA and Girls Scouts. With that being said, I guess saying she has no friends is a little strong but it isn't like she has a best friend or someone she hangs with all the time. I mean, I worry about it also but then I remember my time in public school and I know that I don't want her going through that. I am going to try one of the co ops in the area. Do you have any co ops there. YOu may want to look into that. Winter is always harder than the warmer months because many homeschool groups slow down during the winter. You just gotta get creative. I love the mall scavenger hunt idea. Sounds like great fun. Another thing I have started doing is Unit studies and I always try and find something outside the home to do that relates to what we are doing. Be Blessed, Dawn
So go out while it's light, and stay in after dark!!! Going out can BE the school day, then do the inside activities in the afternoon/evening!
