Why is there so much emphasis on taking specific classes in high school and passing certain tests? I'm talking about public school and traditional homeschooler's that do the same thing as schools.What is done in high school doesn't have much bearing on college or one's future. Who cares what classes you took as a teenager? If/when you go to college you take their entrance exam and then you take their classes.
I don't see the correlation of high school preparing one for college or better yet, real life. I think time would be much better spent following one's interests and learning about what is really important to them. Time should be spent thinking and exploring. Time spent alone or with others. Time spent working and earning their own money. Time spent to really figure out what they want to do with their life.
Nothing magic happens at 18 that suddenly makes you know what you want to do. What does happen at 18 is that society deems you an adult, period.
Some know what they want to do with their life from an early age and they pursue it. Many kids don't know, they are forced to pick a major and follow a career path. I did it, I had focused goals, but guess what? People change, plans change, life happens as you live it. What I had planned on way back when I was 18, never happened, my life took a complete turn in another direction.
So have some goals, make some loose plans because nothing is written in stone.
Why spend years taking classes when you won't remember most of it anyway? I do believe it's all just busywork to keep kids occupied until they are adults and the school system doesn't have to worry about them anymore.
They need to be doing real things in real life, not busywork in an artificial environment that will never be replicated in life.
Monday, August 06, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Parenting for the children
There are just too many examples of harmful parenting out there. Perhaps it's always been this way but the internet makes it more readily available to hear and see. Or maybe it really has gotten worse. I don't know. It is disheartening to me to see the latest bad parenting by public humiliation. This is where the parent makes a sign stating whatever the child did and makes them stand out on a street corner for strangers to see. What is even worse to me is that many people agree with this and think it's a great idea because kids these days are rotten and disrespectful etc...
Honestly it is the parent that causes these kids to be this way. If you are demanding, controlling, belittling, mean, rude, disrespectful etc. to your child, how do you think they will be? You get what you give. People talk about spoiling babies, terrible two's, terrible teens etc... If that is what you expect that is what you will get.
I love babies they are tiny human beings, not food, they don't spoil. They thrive on human interaction and touch and being talked to and loved. Toddlers are wonderful little people exploring their world and teens are downright fun. I loved having toddlers and now I enjoy them as teens. My kids are not terrible they are wonderful.
Are we perfect? No, nobody is perfect. We decided to have kids and then decided to raise them as partners not adversaries. We take every situation as it comes, each child is different, each situation is different. We discuss behaviors and how to act in certain situations. Our kids have never been in trouble or punished.
When you set up an adversarial relationship and add in school, which in my opinion is the crux of the demise of families, you are going to get all of the behaviors you didn't want. Schools put a wedge between parent and child right from the start and by the time they are teens it's only worse. Yes, I know some people have a good relationship with their child even though they attend school. Let's face it, they are the exception, not the norm.
When you parent from a place of love, trust and respect, live with principles instead of rigid rules and build that foundation it manifests as the child grows. Then you suddenly have a house full of teens that love, trust and respect you because that is what they know.
Be your child's partner in this life not their enemy.
Some people think it's cool to rule and control, I don't get that at all. If you think humiliating your child in public will all of a sudden make them learn and change, you are wrong. I believe it will make them bitter and angry and cause more disrespect as they grow.
I'm almost a little concerned about what kind of world my children will live in as adults. I see the generation they are a part of and the way these kids are being raised is appalling to me. I know there are people out there who get how we parent but we are such a small percentage. The big picture are people being raised in a controlling environment without autonomy or respect. There are lots of teenage punks out there that don't care about anything and don't respect other people or their property. It's all in how they were raised.
If you are one of these parents I speak of I implore you to take a long, hard look at the long term damage that you are inflicting on your children. Take steps to change, get help, whatever it may be but please stop damaging your kids.
I am still trying to heal from my childhood, therapy has helped a little but there is a lot of damage that just can't be undone.
Let's raise children that don't need to recover from their childhood!
Honestly it is the parent that causes these kids to be this way. If you are demanding, controlling, belittling, mean, rude, disrespectful etc. to your child, how do you think they will be? You get what you give. People talk about spoiling babies, terrible two's, terrible teens etc... If that is what you expect that is what you will get.
I love babies they are tiny human beings, not food, they don't spoil. They thrive on human interaction and touch and being talked to and loved. Toddlers are wonderful little people exploring their world and teens are downright fun. I loved having toddlers and now I enjoy them as teens. My kids are not terrible they are wonderful.
Are we perfect? No, nobody is perfect. We decided to have kids and then decided to raise them as partners not adversaries. We take every situation as it comes, each child is different, each situation is different. We discuss behaviors and how to act in certain situations. Our kids have never been in trouble or punished.
When you set up an adversarial relationship and add in school, which in my opinion is the crux of the demise of families, you are going to get all of the behaviors you didn't want. Schools put a wedge between parent and child right from the start and by the time they are teens it's only worse. Yes, I know some people have a good relationship with their child even though they attend school. Let's face it, they are the exception, not the norm.
When you parent from a place of love, trust and respect, live with principles instead of rigid rules and build that foundation it manifests as the child grows. Then you suddenly have a house full of teens that love, trust and respect you because that is what they know.
Be your child's partner in this life not their enemy.
Some people think it's cool to rule and control, I don't get that at all. If you think humiliating your child in public will all of a sudden make them learn and change, you are wrong. I believe it will make them bitter and angry and cause more disrespect as they grow.
I'm almost a little concerned about what kind of world my children will live in as adults. I see the generation they are a part of and the way these kids are being raised is appalling to me. I know there are people out there who get how we parent but we are such a small percentage. The big picture are people being raised in a controlling environment without autonomy or respect. There are lots of teenage punks out there that don't care about anything and don't respect other people or their property. It's all in how they were raised.
If you are one of these parents I speak of I implore you to take a long, hard look at the long term damage that you are inflicting on your children. Take steps to change, get help, whatever it may be but please stop damaging your kids.
I am still trying to heal from my childhood, therapy has helped a little but there is a lot of damage that just can't be undone.
Let's raise children that don't need to recover from their childhood!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Healing from Gluten damage
I have had health problems my whole life. Saw countless doctors and had test after test run...Drugs thrown at my symptoms but never a cause...Never a this is why you are so sick.... I am really frustrated that doctors didn't figure this out 20 years ago. I look back and I was so miserable....
Gluten causes so many health issues. http://www.glutenfreesociety.org/gluten-free-society-blog/gluten-sensitivity-intolerance-self-test/
On that checklist I have 24 symptoms....
Since they just told me I had IBS and anxiety and vertigo, inner ear troubles....I was so dizzy some days I got out of bed and laid on the floor all day. They gave me anti histamines that knocked me out. They gave me xanax, which I got addicted to. Told me to eat more fiber.... I also had endometriosis, serious PMS, had my gall bladder out...More tests, severe bloating, oh it's slow digestion, here take this pill...Asthma, allergies...Hormonal imbalance, peri menopause starting at age 34. High blood pressure, anxiety attacks, mood swings, severe vitamin D deficiency and several vitamin deficiencies because I couldn't absorb nutrients....
Then I decided to find someone to do a hormone saliva kit on me 2 years ago. Not only were my hormones way off the charts but I tested positive for Gliadin, a form of gluten. Now I wish I would have taken it seriously at first, I did stop eating it...mostly. I kept having real pizza every couple of weeks or would slip in a piece of bread or a beer or something....Symptoms just continued to get worse. It got to the point where the last few times I ate gluten I had chest pain for 2 days because it sat in my gut...I can't digest it...
I have been gluten free for a year now, been cross contaminated about 3 times. I instantly know because I get that pain in my gut.
So now my gut is so far damaged that it may take years to heal. I'm putting in as much probiotics as I can.
The good news is I don't live in that dizzy, anxiety ridden fog anymore. I've lost 40 pounds and I look and feel younger. I found a supplement that helps metabolize my estrogen and I don't have high blood pressure anymore either.
Part of me is really pissed that my 20's and 30's were robbed from me because I was so sick all the time. The good news is I'm rocking the 40's and I will HEAL!
Gluten causes so many health issues. http://www.glutenfreesociety.org/gluten-free-society-blog/gluten-sensitivity-intolerance-self-test/
On that checklist I have 24 symptoms....
Since they just told me I had IBS and anxiety and vertigo, inner ear troubles....I was so dizzy some days I got out of bed and laid on the floor all day. They gave me anti histamines that knocked me out. They gave me xanax, which I got addicted to. Told me to eat more fiber.... I also had endometriosis, serious PMS, had my gall bladder out...More tests, severe bloating, oh it's slow digestion, here take this pill...Asthma, allergies...Hormonal imbalance, peri menopause starting at age 34. High blood pressure, anxiety attacks, mood swings, severe vitamin D deficiency and several vitamin deficiencies because I couldn't absorb nutrients....
Then I decided to find someone to do a hormone saliva kit on me 2 years ago. Not only were my hormones way off the charts but I tested positive for Gliadin, a form of gluten. Now I wish I would have taken it seriously at first, I did stop eating it...mostly. I kept having real pizza every couple of weeks or would slip in a piece of bread or a beer or something....Symptoms just continued to get worse. It got to the point where the last few times I ate gluten I had chest pain for 2 days because it sat in my gut...I can't digest it...
I have been gluten free for a year now, been cross contaminated about 3 times. I instantly know because I get that pain in my gut.
So now my gut is so far damaged that it may take years to heal. I'm putting in as much probiotics as I can.
The good news is I don't live in that dizzy, anxiety ridden fog anymore. I've lost 40 pounds and I look and feel younger. I found a supplement that helps metabolize my estrogen and I don't have high blood pressure anymore either.
Part of me is really pissed that my 20's and 30's were robbed from me because I was so sick all the time. The good news is I'm rocking the 40's and I will HEAL!
Friday, May 11, 2012
Being a mom
I became a mother almost 17 years ago, it's the best thing I have ever done. There was a time that we didn't know if I would be able to have kids so the fact that I have 4 is a true blessing.
When my babies were born I held them all the time, nursed them, slept with them, talked to them like they were real people, because they are real people, just little.
I met their needs the best that I could. I put them first, I shared my day with them. As they grew and developed and started walking and talking and coming into their own, I enjoyed every minute of it. Although some of it is a blur from pure exhaustion, I did have 4 kids in just under 7 years.
They are now almost 17,14,13 and10... The years really have flown by. I respect my children and parent with them in partnership, trust and love. We have great relationships, conversations and have lots of fun together.
I am proud to say that my children are my friends!
With Mother's day approaching I always think why do we need one day to shout out. I believe that every day is Mother's Day because I am honored to spend each day with my children. Moms want to feel appreciated for everything they do so it's a good idea to let them know all the time, not once a year.
When my babies were born I held them all the time, nursed them, slept with them, talked to them like they were real people, because they are real people, just little.
I met their needs the best that I could. I put them first, I shared my day with them. As they grew and developed and started walking and talking and coming into their own, I enjoyed every minute of it. Although some of it is a blur from pure exhaustion, I did have 4 kids in just under 7 years.
They are now almost 17,14,13 and10... The years really have flown by. I respect my children and parent with them in partnership, trust and love. We have great relationships, conversations and have lots of fun together.
I am proud to say that my children are my friends!
With Mother's day approaching I always think why do we need one day to shout out. I believe that every day is Mother's Day because I am honored to spend each day with my children. Moms want to feel appreciated for everything they do so it's a good idea to let them know all the time, not once a year.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
conversations
As my kids continue to grow and develop I continue to be in awe of the wonderful people they are.
Talking with the older ones about political hot topics or the latest news of the day shows me how bright and articulate they are. They have their own opinions on various topics and are able to express them.
They aren't brainwashed by school or me or the media. They take in info and they form their own ideas, and conclusions.
It's an honor to share life with my children.
Talking with the older ones about political hot topics or the latest news of the day shows me how bright and articulate they are. They have their own opinions on various topics and are able to express them.
They aren't brainwashed by school or me or the media. They take in info and they form their own ideas, and conclusions.
It's an honor to share life with my children.
Friday, March 09, 2012
Driving, Voting, Drinking...
The laws surrounding these events in life are not logical to me. Who decided that all of a sudden at age 16 one is responsible enough to operate a motor vehicle. Not just the mechanics of driving but the mental responsibility it entails.
At age 18, society deems one as an adult, responsible for their own actions. No longer a minor, parents no longer responsible for them. At this age one can vote, enlist in the military, get married, be tried as an adult etc.
Except they can't buy an alcoholic drink.
Now apparently one isn't responsible enough for that until they are 21. This makes no sense to me. Either you are an adult or you are a minor.
If society says you are responsible enough to drive, vote and go to war then you are surely responsible enough to buy a damn drink.
For any of this to make good logical sense. I believe that all of these things shall be available at the age of 18. The age that the law of the land deems one an adult.
Many of us know that maturity and responsibility have nothing to do with age.
At age 18, society deems one as an adult, responsible for their own actions. No longer a minor, parents no longer responsible for them. At this age one can vote, enlist in the military, get married, be tried as an adult etc.
Except they can't buy an alcoholic drink.
Now apparently one isn't responsible enough for that until they are 21. This makes no sense to me. Either you are an adult or you are a minor.
If society says you are responsible enough to drive, vote and go to war then you are surely responsible enough to buy a damn drink.
For any of this to make good logical sense. I believe that all of these things shall be available at the age of 18. The age that the law of the land deems one an adult.
Many of us know that maturity and responsibility have nothing to do with age.
Saturday, March 03, 2012
Witnessed at the playground
I was hanging around keeping an eye on Jared running through the playground when I saw something that really bothers me.
I heard a little voice from the jungle gym say,"Mommy can you get my apple juice, I tirsty."
The mom sitting on the bench says, "No, I'm not walking to the car." But I'm tirsty...... Mom: I'm not walking to the car, you'll be fine...
Then I see the little girl and I mean little, probably 3 years old... She tried to get her mom to get her juice, mom wouldn't do it. They left a few minutes later.
It's a playground, kids play, they need a drink. Smart thing is to bring the drink with you. I'm just so bothered by this because you can bet the farm that if the mom was thirsty she would walk her ass out to the car!
This small child couldn't do anything about it.
Don't be a lazy ass parent. That is pretty cruel in my mind to deny a child a drink because you are lazy!
I heard a little voice from the jungle gym say,"Mommy can you get my apple juice, I tirsty."
The mom sitting on the bench says, "No, I'm not walking to the car." But I'm tirsty...... Mom: I'm not walking to the car, you'll be fine...
Then I see the little girl and I mean little, probably 3 years old... She tried to get her mom to get her juice, mom wouldn't do it. They left a few minutes later.
It's a playground, kids play, they need a drink. Smart thing is to bring the drink with you. I'm just so bothered by this because you can bet the farm that if the mom was thirsty she would walk her ass out to the car!
This small child couldn't do anything about it.
Don't be a lazy ass parent. That is pretty cruel in my mind to deny a child a drink because you are lazy!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Weight Loss
In July 2010, I weighed 204 lbs. In July 2011, I weighed 183. Today I weigh 163. I'm just barely 5'7.
I've been off of gluten for 9 months, I had it twice by accident. Must really read labels carefully, it wasn't wheat it was barley. Me and barley don't get along.
I'm off of blood pressure meds and my blood pressure has been normal for the past month.
Still working on balancing my hormones but it's not as bad as it used to be.
I've been off of gluten for 9 months, I had it twice by accident. Must really read labels carefully, it wasn't wheat it was barley. Me and barley don't get along.
I'm off of blood pressure meds and my blood pressure has been normal for the past month.
Still working on balancing my hormones but it's not as bad as it used to be.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Kids don't have to go to school
Did you know that? I mean have you ever even given it a thought?
If kids knew they didn't have to go to school that would sure ignite a fire under their parents.
Everyday there are numerous articles about schools. Failing students, shootings, bullying, poor test scores, no funding etc...
You can't fix this broken, outdated system with tests and money.
It's the kids with no voice, no choice, that are being harmed every day.
School is out today in observance of MLK Jr.'s birthday. I have 3 extra kids here today. Why are they here?
Because this is the house they want to be at. A place where they can be themselves and not be ruled, judged or disrespected.
My house is a safe haven, it always has been and always will be better than any school ever could be.
There are options and people need to look into them instead of settle for the status quo because today's youth are being damaged because of it.
If kids knew they didn't have to go to school that would sure ignite a fire under their parents.
Everyday there are numerous articles about schools. Failing students, shootings, bullying, poor test scores, no funding etc...
You can't fix this broken, outdated system with tests and money.
It's the kids with no voice, no choice, that are being harmed every day.
School is out today in observance of MLK Jr.'s birthday. I have 3 extra kids here today. Why are they here?
Because this is the house they want to be at. A place where they can be themselves and not be ruled, judged or disrespected.
My house is a safe haven, it always has been and always will be better than any school ever could be.
There are options and people need to look into them instead of settle for the status quo because today's youth are being damaged because of it.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
I used to be...
So involved in unschooling discussions. I used to debate. I used to share my political views. I used to talk about parenting respectfully and I used to just be active online and in person. I used to promote my thoughts and opinions.
Then....peri-menopause hit me like a two ton heavy thing. Also life has thrown lots of punches in the last few years.
Now I'm just some crazy whacked out hormone imbalance that can't get it together anymore. My emotions are all over the map and I can't seem to pull myself together.
I used to be so strong and confident and determined. Now I feel weak and down. I don't want circumstances to beat me down. They are and I don't know how to stop them.
I don't know how to get out of this funk that I'm in.
Then....peri-menopause hit me like a two ton heavy thing. Also life has thrown lots of punches in the last few years.
Now I'm just some crazy whacked out hormone imbalance that can't get it together anymore. My emotions are all over the map and I can't seem to pull myself together.
I used to be so strong and confident and determined. Now I feel weak and down. I don't want circumstances to beat me down. They are and I don't know how to stop them.
I don't know how to get out of this funk that I'm in.
Friday, December 02, 2011
Letting Go of School
Letting go of school is a process that I believe is
imperative to Unschooling successfully. When you start out homeschooling you go
through a deschooling phase. This phase usually takes longer for parents
because they have been indoctrinated longer than their children have.
If you have 12 plus years under your belt it may take you
several months to deschool, maybe longer. Your children don’t have the luxury
of waiting for you though. I recommend that you leave them out of it.
While you are detoxing from the system allow your child the
same courtesy. If they have been in school or homeschooled they need to undo
the damage of schooling.
So many people try to
unschool and then freak out and go back to math lessons or curriculum. Then
they try again and keep failing. This can really confuse your child and it’s
not good for you to panic about schoolish things.
School is artificial, Unschooling is natural, let it flow
from one day to the next. Make one more connection, have one more moment
without school. Pretty soon you won’t be thinking about grades or tests or
lessons, just real life.
Education isn't about schooling at all; one is educated by
learning what they need in this world. We all have different needs; we all have
different abilities. That is why there are so many choices as to what one can
do in life.
If you don’t completely deschool you will never fully unschool.
I’m not saying everyone can or should unschool. There are
many people out there interested in Unschooling, curious as to what it’s all
about. They try it on but never fully let go of school and just can’t seem to
grasp it completely.
I may be in the minority but I believe that mass government
compulsory schooling is doing so much harm to our youth. It makes no sense to
attend an outdated institution for 12 years of your life. Being told what to
do, what to think, what to believe, it leaves little for the imagination. We
all know that textbooks are boring and full of mistakes and if you disagree
with the teacher even if you’re right, you’re wrong. Being graded and tested is
degrading to a child.
Learning is a natural thing but people have lost the ability
because they have been taught that learning is a chore. It’s hard, boring and painful;
it’s work, not fun.
This is of course not true but it’s what schooling will lead
you to believe. Work hard, study hard, get good grades so you can grow up and
join the rat race and celebrate mediocrity.
I say forget that! Venture out of the school box, let go of
grades, tests, teaching, scopes, sequences, lessons, curriculum and textbooks.
Let it go far away from your mind. Those things are not necessary for life
learning.
Children who have never been schooled learn in a natural
way. They know how to learn, they know how to think, they know how to get
information. Real learning, real
education is about knowing how to obtain information.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Life...How it's been lately...
My friend said I should write about what is going on. I didn't think anyone would really want to know what's been going on but here goes...
Things have been very tough. Three months ago my husband was let go of his job. He does own his own business and has been building it part time while working a full time job for almost 2 years. Just over two years ago he lost his job and was unemployed for 4 months. That was a very difficult time and I really didn't want to repeat it.
Last year was a very prosperous year and he made more than he ever has, maybe not a lot for some people. Trust me the tax man took a big cut. We were blessed to be able to help many others in their time of need.
I really wonder why this happened again? Was I too comfortable? Was I spoiled with wine, chocolate and rock concerts? Too used to certain things because now we are going without things.
My attitude has been in a really bad place. In September he was hit, our van was totaled. We went through a 6 week ordeal dealing with bureaucratic bullshit. Long story short it was securing a loan so they paid off the loan and we have a broken van. I am not satisfied at all with this but I have tried to let it go. I admit that I still get pissed if I think about it. Things don't roll off me, they stick around until I'm good and ready to be done with them.
Times are very tough. Business is very slow. We get to where it seems something will happen then it is taken away. Doors keep closing and walls keep going up. I sure haven't seen one open after one closes, nothing to replace what was lost.
I hate all of the cliche's that you hear about going through trials. I have a hard time having faith or hope. I just don't have much evidence.
I have been forcing myself to list the things I am thankful for everyday. I know it could be worse. I am thankful for many things but I am just so mad about so much also. I have to feel what I feel.
It really feels like so much is against us, the last 3 months have been very stressful. My body isn't doing well, my hormones and anxiety and blood pressure and stomach all need me to release the stress. I don't want to worry about the rent or the water etc.... I want to live.
I've been a bit withdrawn and not being the best wife, mother and friend that I used to be or can be. My attitude has been sucking to say the least.
I'm trying to see the good and believe that it will be ok but it's really hard. I have no idea why this is happening or how we'll get through it. We got through it two years ago and I really thought that horrible time was over. We had a fresh start and now that is gone too.
There is something comical though. We were all used to having certain things and have had to go without or make substitutes. I bought generic cat food and the cats won't eat it. It's just funny to me that even the cats are pissed, you should see how they are acting.
The thing with these cats, they were strays that decided to stay here. They live outside because I'm allergic, I told them to go catch a mouse.
The kids are adjusting but I can see that some things are a bit hard for them. Mostly just adjusting to not having certain things or being able to go places. They do really well through this all though. I don't want them to see me being a negative bitch, I'm trying to keep it under raps. I'm trying to make the best of it, they are trying too.
Things have been very tough. Three months ago my husband was let go of his job. He does own his own business and has been building it part time while working a full time job for almost 2 years. Just over two years ago he lost his job and was unemployed for 4 months. That was a very difficult time and I really didn't want to repeat it.
Last year was a very prosperous year and he made more than he ever has, maybe not a lot for some people. Trust me the tax man took a big cut. We were blessed to be able to help many others in their time of need.
I really wonder why this happened again? Was I too comfortable? Was I spoiled with wine, chocolate and rock concerts? Too used to certain things because now we are going without things.
My attitude has been in a really bad place. In September he was hit, our van was totaled. We went through a 6 week ordeal dealing with bureaucratic bullshit. Long story short it was securing a loan so they paid off the loan and we have a broken van. I am not satisfied at all with this but I have tried to let it go. I admit that I still get pissed if I think about it. Things don't roll off me, they stick around until I'm good and ready to be done with them.
Times are very tough. Business is very slow. We get to where it seems something will happen then it is taken away. Doors keep closing and walls keep going up. I sure haven't seen one open after one closes, nothing to replace what was lost.
I hate all of the cliche's that you hear about going through trials. I have a hard time having faith or hope. I just don't have much evidence.
I have been forcing myself to list the things I am thankful for everyday. I know it could be worse. I am thankful for many things but I am just so mad about so much also. I have to feel what I feel.
It really feels like so much is against us, the last 3 months have been very stressful. My body isn't doing well, my hormones and anxiety and blood pressure and stomach all need me to release the stress. I don't want to worry about the rent or the water etc.... I want to live.
I've been a bit withdrawn and not being the best wife, mother and friend that I used to be or can be. My attitude has been sucking to say the least.
I'm trying to see the good and believe that it will be ok but it's really hard. I have no idea why this is happening or how we'll get through it. We got through it two years ago and I really thought that horrible time was over. We had a fresh start and now that is gone too.
There is something comical though. We were all used to having certain things and have had to go without or make substitutes. I bought generic cat food and the cats won't eat it. It's just funny to me that even the cats are pissed, you should see how they are acting.
The thing with these cats, they were strays that decided to stay here. They live outside because I'm allergic, I told them to go catch a mouse.
The kids are adjusting but I can see that some things are a bit hard for them. Mostly just adjusting to not having certain things or being able to go places. They do really well through this all though. I don't want them to see me being a negative bitch, I'm trying to keep it under raps. I'm trying to make the best of it, they are trying too.
Unconscious Mutterings week 460
- Crushed ::smashed, squished, sad
- Thanks ::I am trying to give thanks for what I have
- Steam ::hot shower
- Bulletin ::board, message
- Budget ::Don't have one
- Value ::cherish, worth
- Aquarium ::fish
- Logo ::letter, symbol, icon
- Information ::internet
- Lend ::a helping hand, an ear, money
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Good bye Honey
Honey was part of our family for three years. She fell sick yesterday and hung on
until about 2:40 am.
Cassie spent the day holding her and keeping her warm and comfortable. She lasted longer than we thought after the symptoms arrived. Cassie was very close to Honey and is very sad. This was our 5th guinea pig and we are taking a break for awhile. Cassie gets so attached and they just don't live very long.
until about 2:40 am.
Cassie spent the day holding her and keeping her warm and comfortable. She lasted longer than we thought after the symptoms arrived. Cassie was very close to Honey and is very sad. This was our 5th guinea pig and we are taking a break for awhile. Cassie gets so attached and they just don't live very long.
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Uninspired
I haven't blogged in awhile and I haven't written an article for An Unschooling Life since September.
Any thoughts, questions, ideas?
I need something to run with to get my head back in the game.
Too much stuff going on and I am completely uninspired...I got nothing...
Help?
Anyone?
Bueller?
Any thoughts, questions, ideas?
I need something to run with to get my head back in the game.
Too much stuff going on and I am completely uninspired...I got nothing...
Help?
Anyone?
Bueller?
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Sleep?
This is just a little follow up that just happened right after my article was released.
We have been renting this house for 1 1/2 years and the owner decided he didn't want to own it anymore. Today it was auctioned off.
All week we have been cleaning and decluttering to prepare for the sale. We had to get up about 7:30 am to get ready by 9:00 when people would be allowed to walk through our house.
You know that out of the 6 of us only 2 do mornings well. We tried to go to bed earlier but it didn't work. I only slept from 3-6am, I just can't sleep when I know I have to get up early.
The kids only got a couple hours of sleep also. Everyone got up and got ready and had fun, well I wasn't having fun, I was miserable.
When the auction was over 2 kids napped, I laid down and went semi unconscious for an hour and the other 2 kids are doing fine.
I guess I'm just saying we got up, did what we had to do and moved on with our day.
This is an example of an outside force imposing on our natural sleep rhythms. It is difficult to go to sleep just because someone else deems it necessary. We had no say in the time of this auction and had to do our best to handle it.
As of now all of us have had a nap and some of us are really out of sorts. It will be nice to go to bed and wake up naturally.
We have been renting this house for 1 1/2 years and the owner decided he didn't want to own it anymore. Today it was auctioned off.
All week we have been cleaning and decluttering to prepare for the sale. We had to get up about 7:30 am to get ready by 9:00 when people would be allowed to walk through our house.
You know that out of the 6 of us only 2 do mornings well. We tried to go to bed earlier but it didn't work. I only slept from 3-6am, I just can't sleep when I know I have to get up early.
The kids only got a couple hours of sleep also. Everyone got up and got ready and had fun, well I wasn't having fun, I was miserable.
When the auction was over 2 kids napped, I laid down and went semi unconscious for an hour and the other 2 kids are doing fine.
I guess I'm just saying we got up, did what we had to do and moved on with our day.
This is an example of an outside force imposing on our natural sleep rhythms. It is difficult to go to sleep just because someone else deems it necessary. We had no say in the time of this auction and had to do our best to handle it.
As of now all of us have had a nap and some of us are really out of sorts. It will be nice to go to bed and wake up naturally.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Why do some people have kids?
I really do believe that there are lots of people out there that should not have had kids. That is another story...
I do wonder why some people have kids and then bitch about them. Tonight at the store I witnessed a mom with 3 kids bitching about her kids with the cashier. I really couldn't hear everything, I was in another lane, it just bothers me. I see so much bad parenting out there but to just complain about it to strangers????
If you change your thinking and your attitude about your children I bet they would start acting differently. You get what you give. If you are always bitching you aren't going to get happy children.
Most small kids do not like going to the grocery store as it is, it's not fun, they have to sit in the cart and they can't have any treats in the check out aisle.... They keep asking and keep getting denied....
Well actually my kids can have a candy bar or pack of gum....they get one almost every time we go. Now that my kids are older I usually go shopping by myself or just one will tag along. Now they ask me for a Twix as I'm going out the door.
I guess my point really is that we need to be aware of how we are treating our children in public and at home.
Some parents are just so dramatic and rude.
We all get tired, we all have bad moments, the key is to recognize it and do something about it to make it better.
Bitching and moaning and woe is me I'm so tired can't these damn kids behave....That will get you exactly what you give!
I do wonder why some people have kids and then bitch about them. Tonight at the store I witnessed a mom with 3 kids bitching about her kids with the cashier. I really couldn't hear everything, I was in another lane, it just bothers me. I see so much bad parenting out there but to just complain about it to strangers????
If you change your thinking and your attitude about your children I bet they would start acting differently. You get what you give. If you are always bitching you aren't going to get happy children.
Most small kids do not like going to the grocery store as it is, it's not fun, they have to sit in the cart and they can't have any treats in the check out aisle.... They keep asking and keep getting denied....
Well actually my kids can have a candy bar or pack of gum....they get one almost every time we go. Now that my kids are older I usually go shopping by myself or just one will tag along. Now they ask me for a Twix as I'm going out the door.
I guess my point really is that we need to be aware of how we are treating our children in public and at home.
Some parents are just so dramatic and rude.
We all get tired, we all have bad moments, the key is to recognize it and do something about it to make it better.
Bitching and moaning and woe is me I'm so tired can't these damn kids behave....That will get you exactly what you give!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Just wondering
I have seen several times over the years unschoolers turning to school or some version of school at home.
I can't help but wonder why? What happened? I also wonder if they were really unschooling in the first place. Just because you don't use a curriculum it doesn't mean you are unschooling. For my purpose here I mean learning through living, learning naturally.
I'm thinking that unschooling from the start heeds different results then coming to it later. While I have seen people leave school, deschool and unschool, it seems that some just can't quite get there. They have that niggling feeling that they need to be taught. Maybe they lack confidence in themselves or lack trust in the learning process.
Schooling interferes with the learning process. Teaching conditions people to think they need to be taught.
I'm not talking about structure, some people have the need for their day to be structured, that's fine, I think they should structure it however they wish.
My kids all have different learning styles, abilities, personalities, interests etc...
Yet they all learn, they all thrive, they all don't have the need to be taught. They don't seek out school, they know it's there, their friends go to school.
I don't believe that some people are born with the need for school, I just don't believe that. School wasn't always around so people used to learn without it. I do believe that school has come and messed up the natural learning process and some people just can't escape it for whatever reason.
It does baffle me because I live in a house full of learners.
I can't help but wonder why? What happened? I also wonder if they were really unschooling in the first place. Just because you don't use a curriculum it doesn't mean you are unschooling. For my purpose here I mean learning through living, learning naturally.
I'm thinking that unschooling from the start heeds different results then coming to it later. While I have seen people leave school, deschool and unschool, it seems that some just can't quite get there. They have that niggling feeling that they need to be taught. Maybe they lack confidence in themselves or lack trust in the learning process.
Schooling interferes with the learning process. Teaching conditions people to think they need to be taught.
I'm not talking about structure, some people have the need for their day to be structured, that's fine, I think they should structure it however they wish.
My kids all have different learning styles, abilities, personalities, interests etc...
Yet they all learn, they all thrive, they all don't have the need to be taught. They don't seek out school, they know it's there, their friends go to school.
I don't believe that some people are born with the need for school, I just don't believe that. School wasn't always around so people used to learn without it. I do believe that school has come and messed up the natural learning process and some people just can't escape it for whatever reason.
It does baffle me because I live in a house full of learners.
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Autodidact
Autodidact means self taught.
My children have always been unschooled, they learn naturally. They look things up, ask questions, think and figure things out.
There is a quote from Ivan Illich that says:
"School prepares for the alienating institutionalization of life by teaching the need to be taught"
My kids do not have that need, they have never had teaching, lessons, curriculum and tests.They are incredibly knowledgeable about various things. I could not have begun to teach them what they know. They have truly learned so much in their own way and time. It's their life and mind and nobody should control that but them.
They don't have fear of learning or trying something, they just dive in and figure it out. I'm here as their facilitator not their teacher.
My youngest son is 9, he has now created 3 websites, he did 99% of it himself, he asked a few questions along the way.
When one hasn't been hindered by schooling or teaching, learning is as natural as breathing.
My kids are amazing people!
My children have always been unschooled, they learn naturally. They look things up, ask questions, think and figure things out.
There is a quote from Ivan Illich that says:
"School prepares for the alienating institutionalization of life by teaching the need to be taught"
My kids do not have that need, they have never had teaching, lessons, curriculum and tests.They are incredibly knowledgeable about various things. I could not have begun to teach them what they know. They have truly learned so much in their own way and time. It's their life and mind and nobody should control that but them.
They don't have fear of learning or trying something, they just dive in and figure it out. I'm here as their facilitator not their teacher.
My youngest son is 9, he has now created 3 websites, he did 99% of it himself, he asked a few questions along the way.
When one hasn't been hindered by schooling or teaching, learning is as natural as breathing.
My kids are amazing people!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)