Yesterday my youngest and I meandered over to Starbucks and got ourselves a venti light brew, milk, and chocolate cookies (the coffee was mine, just to clarify;). We sat outside, looking at the mountains, relaxing, munching. After a while it felt like it was time to leave, so we did. We went to the library, going a bit faster because my youngest can be a bit loud, but still, it was a fun trip.
And relaxing. Did I mention that? Mostly because my older kids were in school.
I don’t talk about it much (I don’t think), but up until this year we were avowed homeschoolers. It was easier with our schedule back when we were finishing college, and then we lived in areas with less-than-stellar public schools (I know this because when I said we homeschooled -all- the parents said “keep doing that!!! I wish I could homeschool!!!”). But now we live in the best school districts in the state, and I’m trying to grow my business, so we decided to try public school for a year.
I’m trying not to make any sweeping judgments until we’ve had time to adjust. I have my doubts about the efficacy of homework, I have concerns about teaching to the test, I have concerns about the amount of stress my kids are now exposed to. But some kids truly thrive in the public school setting, and I want to give it a fair shake.
My days feel strangely empty though. Until they get home, then it’s crazy.
I’m setting a new schedule. It’s not all play-I still have the youngest with me-but I do have a decent amount of time to get work done, posts written, drawing to occur. I finally have time to figure out how to create planner printables and worksheets, something I’ve been wanting to do for awhile. The youngest’s naptimes are gloriously quiet. I have a cut-off time: business hours are over as soon as the kids get home. We can’t stay up late, skip our evening routine, because mornings would be awful if we did. Accountability, there’s the word. It’s a new paradigm for all of us.
So. Change. It’s good. Maybe. I haven’t decided. I’ll let you know how it goes.
And in the meantime, art on;)
Wordsremember 