Today felt like an un-productive day, even though my kids actually got work done. I work graveyard, so then I usually come home, teach, and then go to bed in the afternoon. This morning I was so tired. I taught from 8:30-10:00. Then laid down on the couch when I put the baby in her crib for nap time. I just closed my eyes for 5 min, and next thing I know, its almost 3 hrs later. My husband is a stay at home dad, so the kids were not left unattended. The baby actually took a 2 hour nap (normally its 30 min). The boys did some work independently, and dad helped them with some other work. Then I taught for another hour in the afternoon. So they got most of their work completed, but I just felt like it was not a good day because the day was broken up, and I slept when I wasn't supposed to. So now I feel like I have to make up for it today.
Why are you doing all the teaching when dad is a stay at home dad? I used to work graveyard and know dang well I couldn't do this whole homeschool thing if I was still doing it. You need to get that man to take on he brunt of the workload of school. He can do it, I promise. That said, most homeschoolers break their day up. I don't remember the ages of your kids, but my 2nd and 1st graders seem to do better if we do the core subjects, take a break, then hit the content subjects. I'm not sure I have evrer needed to teach for more than 2-3 hours in a day. Not even when I had a middle schooler here with us.
Don't worry about it being broken up either! Whoa - if we actually had a day that WASN'T broken up I'd be amazed. I think it helps actually. How did YOU feel though? Did you feel mentally better? I agree with Sommer.... why can't dad at least get them started during the day - even if it is just some coloring and worksheets? Dads do some cool lessons actually (my husband and son built a building which was awesome and a great memory for the 2 of them - especially since we are impressed it's still standing! ) If you NEEDED the rest then you needed it. Don't feel bad that you had to recharge - it's normal (especially with a baby!) Don't beat yourself up for it... you can do it and your DH can help.
Our day is broken up everyday. My hubby works 5pm-3am so we stop in the middle of the day for clean up, big lunch since it's our only family meal, and family time. Sometimes it annoys me and I feel rushed, but it's life. It is what it is. At this season in our lives, it's what we have to do. But I f find it gives the kids a nice break and then in the evening they are refreshed for more school.
I am SO glad you posted this. I feel the same exact way. I work graveyard also. This it too weird. I got home this morning at about 8:00 am (I work 11:30-7:30). I usually stay up until about 3:00 pm with him and try to keep him on track. Now mind you he is 18 and I shouldn't have to remind him and keep him on track that much but I do. Well, I got sleepy and I fell asleep. He comes in and offers nicely to pull out the bed on the couch I had fallen asleep on. I told him that was Ok. Then I decided that I would rest some more, but get up after he had gotten his morning stuff done. I told him let me know when he was done exercising and showering. WELL, I woke up around 11:00 am to find him asleep. WHAT?! He is 18 and I shouldn't have to keep him on track. I flew off the handle. I laid into him and lectured TOO much and didn't keep in my mind how much of a wonderful young man my son is almost all of the time. I regret how I handled it. So, I have the feeling of not being organized on top of the feeling of guilt for not being a balanced calm mother. I am not saying I shouldn't have been upset, but I get carried away and say things in a tone I shouldn't and say things that probably make him feel like a failure and that is not what I want to do. I have been getting better at this, but obviously today I failed in that area. I hate feeling like things aren't going in the order I want them to. I hate feeling behind. I hate feeling that angry. Oh, I wish I had a redo button.
Wow, you sound like my twin. Lol. I get so frustrated at having to 'babysit' my kids. My boys are 12 and 14, and capable of doing independent work, but when I don't stay on top of them, they tend to goof off or try and say they read for 30 minutes when really it was only 10 min, or do mediocre work, or something like that. So most of my day 'teaching' is really just over seeing and checking work and helping with corrections. Really, the only classes that I have to teach every day are science and history, and we only do one or the other each day (45 min). Plus, right now, they are working on big research papers, so that requires an hour of my time, if not more. Our school day usually starts at 8:30am and ends some where between 12:30-2:00 (depending on the amount of work we have to do, and depending on if my 12 yr old is being stubborn that day - as he is known to do at times), when I came home at 7:30am, the baby was still asleep so I laid down on the couch. My husband got up with the baby and started school at 8:30. He woke me up at 9:00. I showered, dressed, and bathed the baby and took over school at 9:30. This is working well today. I am not totally exhausted, have more patience, and husband got to teach school for an hour. I might try doing school this way on the days that I am working, from now on. I totally understand the feeling of being frustrated and not handling it too well sometimes, especially when I am exhausted. Then I feel guilty too.
My day is always broken up also. I dont go by a strict schedule. Dont sweat the small stuff. Sounds like you got some things accopmpished. I am always happy to get anything done. lol Some days are better than others around here. I am thankful for any day that is at home and we can work on school.
