Blogger Friend School Assignmnet
One of my worst struggles with homeschooling is socialization. My son went to public preK and Kindergarten, so he was used to being around a whole bunch of kids. When we started homeschooling, it was difficult for him to make the change. And since he is an only child, all he had was me during the day.
I was his constant source for attention, and it was really hard for me in the beginning. Every day when we finished school I wanted to start my housework, and he wanted to play and chat. I know I handled it the wrong way in the beginning by asking him to watch a movie or play a game on his own. And to be honest, sometimes he just annoyed me with all his talking. I love him dearly, but there were times I just couldn't do it.
Then, I found out our church had lots of evening activities during the school year. So we signed him up for flag football which practices one night a week and has games on Saturdays. We also signed him up for Royal Ambassadors on Wednesday nights. And of course, he had Sunday School and Church on Sundays. These were great things for him to look forward to during the week.
We started our second year of home schooling last month, and quickly signed him up for football and RA's. He looks forward to going to Church during the week to see his friends and chat. We also have a niece that homeschools, and they call each other 2 to 3 times a week to chat.
Now we chat as mom and son, not school mates! It is nice that he has the outlet at Church, and I have my time to get chores done.
God had all the tools in place for me, I just had to find them!!
Here is a picture of our school cubby
(2nd time)
(3rd time)
10 comments:
Hi Melinda,
I agree, with one child, it's hard to keep them busy or socialized. My daughter enjoys being alone but she always misses her friends from our co-op during the summer. Summertime is the hardest, but she is getting at the age (15) that she's more occupied with church, community service projects and fund raisers for the v-ball team that she's on. Thanks for sharing with us.
Mrs. Nancy
BFS Teacher
Hi. I was pretty much an only child, though I wasn't homeschooled, it was still hard and a bit lonely! I think it sounds like you are doing wonderful! That cubby is so cute and organized!
It is nice if you can find a local christian homeschool group, if there is one in your area. You can get together with other moms and chldren.
I will have an "only" child in about four years when our 3rd graduates. He will have the entire classroom to himself from age 11 on. I will definitely be looking for outside activities to keep him busy. Right now, our biggest problem is finding someone for our 14 yold daughter to hang with. Guess all families have to deal with this problem (even with a boat load of kiddies). You seem to have found a great solution that works for you and your son! Awesome! Blessings!
Having an only child myself I know its tough. For us he has a bunch of cousins we see regularly and there are kids out here in the boonies with us he has been known to spend some time with. Any outside activities have been tough for us since we only have one vehicle. But we are hoping this year things will change to give more opportunities for our son. Otherwise he was only in Awana's. Which is great but he does need a bit more.
Emily23@Ramblings of a Farm Girl
How wonderful that the Lord has provided just the very things that you needed for your son!
~ Kim
It's great you have found wonderful activities for your only to participate in that satisfies his need. I think sometimes HS folks are afraid to talk about this for fear of the 'I told you so' comments. Thanks for being open about this issue.
Hi Melinda,
I enjoyed reading your blog.
You have a nice list of books to read this year. I Love to read. I have some of the books you mentioned. At present I am reading `Passionate Housewives Desperate for God`.
Thanks for posting.
Michelle
Thanks for the post! It was interesting reading since I am on the flip side of the coin...I have 6 children. I do have a housefull of "talkers" though...sometimes I wish I could just turn my ears off. :o)
I hear you. I am a mom of an only to and you are so right at the end of the day...I have heard a few mom's do quite time where EVERY one goes to there room for quiet play/reading what ever. I have put that in my scedule, but it has not happen YET!! We just started the new school year this week...We will get there, I need that time after. Even better I need prayer time...
God Bless
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