Our first day started out just great! We did our morning chores with such good will, and then we took our traditional first-day-of-school-pictures standing by the front door. We have been taking these pictures since they went to thier first day of pre-school.
Look at my handsome boy! I always measure how much they have grown by where the door knob is. And, this beautiful girl is growing so fast...
Usually, they have first day of school clothes, and first day of school brand new backpacks. Of course, this year we didn't need any of that, so, here they are...wondering what happened to their backpacks...
From there, it all went downhill. Math went well, they are both pretty good at that. But I had forgotten how hard it is for this Little Dude to sit still. Oh, yeah, ADHD, the reason for homeschooling! And every little correction brought cries of, "I am so stupid!" or "I can't do anything!" Rather than listening while I read, they fought over where they would put their beanbag chairs and who touched who. Writing ANYTHING apparently is far too difficult for Little Dude. By the end of the day, I was exhausted and seriously wondering why I ever thought I could teach these two.
Thankfully, Mr. Sahm came home from work and sent me to Target. By myself. I love Target by myself. So after a bit of time to re-charge, I came home, and this is what I saw...
Little Dude, dressed up like a cowboy. He was running around the house, shooting everything and calling his daddy "Pardner" and calling me "Ma'am." Now, some people might find that seriously annoying, but it was like a balm to my soul. This is the gift that homeschooling brings. A little boy, playing like a little boy. Pretending. Free from the expectation to be "cool." Me being there to see it happen. I'll tell ya, you better watch out for this guy...
Our second day was still difficult, but much better. We're working the bugs out, and I'm not quitting yet!!
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5 comments:
I have a bit of a random suggestion for you - but it's something I've heard from a lot of moms who have kids with ADHD. Could you get a small indoor trampoline? Then let Little Dude jump for, say 10 minutes. Then do a bit of math. Then more jumping. It will help him get some of the energy out and then he'll be more able to sit still and focus when he has to.
Heck, I've even heard of some moms who put their kid on the trampoline and then do oral math drills. They're having a blast and it gets the lesson in.
We don't have a trampoline here but we do "get the wiggles out" time. When math gets a bit frustrating, we stop both get up and wiggle wiggle wiggle. It helps burn off some of the energy and the general silliness of it tends to improve my mood.
You'll find what works for you. :)
Kim, finding what works is the exact struggle. When Little Dude is active, rather than getting his wiggles out, it hypes him up and it's more difficult than ever to get him to focus. It's as if he reaches a certain point of movement and he can't come back from it (unless I turn on the TV!)He is also a bit oppositional on some days. I try to get him to do yoga poses with me, and that really helps when he will. But many days, he can't even focus enough for that. I get so frustrated and I so do not want to yell at him and have him feel bad and stupid, but so many times, that's where we end up. I knew going in that this would be difficult, but this really is where he needs to be. So, we keep trying, and I will find what works for us, even if it takes a bit of time.
Thanks so much for the encouragement! I REALLY need it and appreciate it soooo much!
My kids went to public school thru 1st and 3rd grades (they are in 5th and 7th now) and I remember those early days of adjustment! It does get easier, I promise.
My daughter has ADD (without the H) and one thing that helps us is stretching and breathing, to start the day and mid-day. I think the more you stick with the yoga poses, the more your "little cowboy" will be able to participate. We also do soothing background music and as a special treat, we have a vanilla candle and a coconut candle. You'd be amazed how motivating it can be to let the kids choose which candle to light! :-)
I love your back to school photos! Your kids are just darling! I want to do some official photos this year, but my kids are in desperate need of haircuts first!
Have a great year learning together!
Don't give up. Starting out is the hardest part because you are still adjusting! :) You can do it!
Your kids are beautiful. And they are blessed to have a mama who is so invested in their education!
I agree wholeheartedly. Kids being kids. BEST. PART. OF . Homeschool!!!! Found you through the hop!
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