We just returned from Landry's first chess lesson, and it was a complete success. Landry loved playing with other people, even when he didn't win. He came home enthused to practice and return for another lesson. And, although one of the coaches seemed fairly concerned with competition, Landry remained unconcerned and simply wanted to play his game.
All of this raises a dilemma for me once again. At the moment, the boys enjoy taking lessons in martial arts and piano during the school year. Landry's chess lessons occur each week and are 45 minutes minutes by freeway from the house. And Kipp is not interested in chess. As I've written before, he prefers building and robots, and I may have found a fall class suited to his interest. Eventually, Galen will have interests that may be better suited to outside lessons.
Of course, I'm also responsible for seeing that the boys complete their curriculum. And I need some time for my own pursuits.
How do I find a balance between outside lessons and the curriculum? Or in time spent on each son? Or between homeschooling and my own creative life?
At the end of last semester, I felt burned out by homeschooling, a college class, and a commitment to getting the boys out more. Now, I see the boys becoming involved in even more outside activities, and I want them to have those experiences. At the same time, my exhaustion does not really benefit anyone.
So, where do you draw the line?
All of this raises a dilemma for me once again. At the moment, the boys enjoy taking lessons in martial arts and piano during the school year. Landry's chess lessons occur each week and are 45 minutes minutes by freeway from the house. And Kipp is not interested in chess. As I've written before, he prefers building and robots, and I may have found a fall class suited to his interest. Eventually, Galen will have interests that may be better suited to outside lessons.
Of course, I'm also responsible for seeing that the boys complete their curriculum. And I need some time for my own pursuits.
How do I find a balance between outside lessons and the curriculum? Or in time spent on each son? Or between homeschooling and my own creative life?
At the end of last semester, I felt burned out by homeschooling, a college class, and a commitment to getting the boys out more. Now, I see the boys becoming involved in even more outside activities, and I want them to have those experiences. At the same time, my exhaustion does not really benefit anyone.
So, where do you draw the line?
First, let me say, "Hooray! A new post!" :-)
Isn't the question of where to draw the line the toughest one? We are struggling here with the same problem. When we thought the boys would be doing traditional brick and mortar schooling, we set the 'one pursuit per child' rule. Once we brought them home, I threw that out the window with the knowledge that I'd need to get them out with other people from time to time. This summer we've added violin to JT's piano and Cub Scout routine. In the fall, I promised drawing lessons (I am NO art teacher!). Our youngest is starting to show an interest in sports and would like to try soccer (3 day a week practice + games!) I am exhausted thinking about it.
I know I have tried to ignore the people who scream socialization at me...but it's so hard to say no with that lurking in your mind.
I think I am going to start looking into more temporary pursuits. Instead of signing up for more ongoing lessons, maybe a one day event once a month. We have a wonderful group, about an hour from our home, that provides extra curricular events for gifted kids. Maybe this would be the best choice...
(I will be back into blogging mode in a week or two. I am feeling a bit of withdrawal, but promised myself a break from THAT commitment until July.) :-)