Trying to do school today after 5 days of tornado cleanup. I think my boys are happy to be home and back in routine, but I feel guilty that I'm not out there today since there is so much more to do.
Do not feel guilty for making your children priority. Life goes on and right now you know it is time to get back to your routine. This is a great life lesson that even amount tragedy, life has to go on.
One of the beautiful things about homeschooling is that it allows us to prioritize the circumstances in our lives according to our values. If you feel that the primary concern right now is helping with the tornado recovery, then don't feel guilty about taking extra time off of school. You are teaching your kids so much more than academic lessons. If your boys are pretty shook up and need the get back to a routine, then don't feel guilty about meeting their needs first. Regardless of what you need to do for you, your family and others, you are blessed to be in a homeschooling situation that allows you to determine your course. Hugs to you...I have dealt with tornado recovery as well, but it was prior to marriage and kids. Thinking of you and yours.
Thank you both. Just realized I had left off my question, which was 'How do you balance the needs of your family with those of your community?'
The first thing I do during a time I am compelled to help others is keep a good eye on how my kids are handling the extra stress. They come first, so if they are really needing me it trumps other things. Then I go into "bare essentials" for school work. At your boys' ages, you could probably shorten their lessons down to math and reading daily. It might be just enough of a reduced load to allow you to do school and help out others to some extent.
Ditto to the max!!!!!! I am terribly sorry you had to go through that tragedy and I am praying for recovery also! ((((((((HUGS))))))) to you and your family.
This might be a learning experience in itself. Your children have a chance to learn basic human need. I'm sure what they've learned the past couple days will carry with them their entire adult lives. Learning how to cope with and rise above tragedy, is an important life skill. Sounds like you haven't stopped teaching at all. It takes a strong person to keep their cool when the world around them is in shambles. So technically, by helping out, they're learning leadership and empathy Good Job Mom!
Maybe just do a little bit of school and then work together to clean up. I think helping others and taking care of the things you have are far more important than regular subjects. What a great lesson in compassion and perseverance! If you don't mind, where do you live? We are in Southern Indiana very nearby huge devastation. My family would love to come help you if you are near here.
I'm in Henryville, Indiana. Our house is fine, but many friends and neighbors are not so fortunate. I have brought the boys out a couple of times to help, but much of what we are doing is way too dangerous for them (broken glass, sharp metal and nails everywhere). The first 2 days, I kept them with me- the last 3, I have passed them from friend to friend- they had fun, but it's so chaotic. I was sensing that they needed some routine and structure, and they are thriving today in school. It's me that's struggling today, because I feel like I should be out there. By the way, OhioMom, I'm a dad
