I was supposed to come and write about what we've been up to over the last few weeks, but I've not managed to get my thoughts together on it. It has been, as it always is, a bit of whirl. I spend way too much time driving them all where they need to go. And way too much money on the fuel to do it. How on earth people think home educated children are hidden from view is a mystery to me. We're barely in the house some days. And tied to the kitchen table 9am to 3pm? Managing it from 9am to 3 minutes past is a victory sometimes.
My fault in part, I suppose. Living in a small village stuck in the countryside was a fab idea when they were little. Now they're bigger it's rapidly losing its appeal. Especially since the shop has closed down and the bus service has been cut. Might seriously have to consider moving somewhere they can at least walk down the road and buy a pint of milk. Let alone get a part time job.
In between the driving there have been lots of activities though, either at the place we were driving to or back at home. Or even in the car sometimes. But you'll have to bear with me while I sort them out and find the photos I think I remembered to take. Instead I'll make you all feel better by confessing to being a bad parent today. Today I am letting them do whatever they like. Which means that one is still in bed and two have been playing the Xbox all morning. In their pyjamas. So there.
Well, really, it's exhausting being an inspirational educator all the time. At least, I assume it is. I don't think I manage it very often. When you have more than one child and they all like different things (very inconsiderate) and want to be inspired in different ways (downright rude) it's like spinning plates. It can look really impressive sometimes. Sometimes I can keep plates of many colours spinning for ages! But I can't keep it up forever. I'll lose concentration and they'll come crashing to the ground. Better that I pack them up from time to time and give them a rest.
And in the meantime they can inspire themselves. Even the Xbox can be a part of that. J was proudly showing me the World War I trench he's building on Minecraft.
So today I give myself permission to be a lazy parent!
'When you have more than one child and they all like different things (very inconsiderate) and want to be inspired in different ways (downright rude) it's like spinning plates.'
ReplyDeleteYes, THIS!
Oh yes! Great post.
ReplyDeleteI confess there was one day I spent most of the day in the loft as I just couldn't face - well, anything, really. (Particularly the children! ) Hang in there :)
Fab post Jane, can identify with everything you say here having lived miles from anywhere myself! Plus the challenge of being the HE inspiration monitor all the time - it's a hard job. But don't call yourself a lazy parent please! You are just a parent who gives their all and has to recharge regularly in order to cope. You wouldn't call the teachers and schools lazy for having this half term week off would you?! :)
ReplyDeleteLiving away from conveniences can be a trial. We lived in a village with no bus or shop for nearly a year, cant say I liked it much. And whilst I dont enjoy where we live now, the kids can get to where they need to be.
ReplyDeleteI have (many, shhhhh ;) ) lazy parent days and I think its a good thing to take a day off occasionally.
hugs x x i think we all need a duvet day once in a while. we aren't so remote and have shops and afterhours activities in the village, but DH does sometimes think he might evolve into a car!
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