FrogMom5 Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 Ok, so we sent ds #1 off to college. I still have 2 younger dc to homeschool. Our starting day was this past Monday and I can find no motivation to do school work with them. None, zip, nada. I don't have a schedule or even a loose plan. I have books and materials, but not much of a plan to use to them. The only things we've done this week are math, reading and any outside activities/classes that I can't get out of attending. The house is a mess from when we were so busy running around getting ds ready to go up to school. I've only done 2 loads of laundry and we've been back almost a full week. We've been swimming most mornings, but it is not helping me increase my energy or my motivation. I just want to sleep or eat or both. What is wrong with me? Is anyone else having this difficulty? Please tell me it will pass very soon. Denise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK_Mom4 Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 I'm in the same boat. DD13 has been sort of light-schooling since starting on the 20th because we have had so many things that needed to be done to take DS18 tocollege this weekend. It hasn't helped that DD13 has lots of new materials and I underestimated that amount she could finish in a day. She has been wrapping up her school work in about 2 hours. I need to revamp the syllabi and plan on some more books, but I just have no extra energy for that right now. Next week is a four-day week. We have music lessons one day and field trips on two of the days. I am going to try to pull my act back together by the following Monday as we really need to get rolling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneStepAtATime Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 There's an accountability/motivator thread starting on the gen ed board since a lot of us are having trouble with motivation. Maybe it would help? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori D. Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 Sounds like very normal low-grade depression/grieving from having sent out a child. It will take a few weeks to find your "new normal" and start feeling interested and excited about what your new homeschooling year holds. Be gentle with yourself. Set small goals to accomplish in these first weeks -- if all you do is math, reading and your outside-the-home commitments, that's great! The world will not explode, nor will the curriculum police come and arrest you if you delay adding in other school subjects for a few weeks. ;) Make one of those small goals each day doing something that brings you joy. Ideas... - ditch school for the morning and go for a hike with the family or all go to a matinee movie showing - have DH bring home dinner one night and have the kids clean up after, and you spend an afternoon or evening curled up with a good book - go out for lunch with a friend - take an afternoon off and enjoy a favorite hobby - spend time walking the dog, and esp. petting your dog or cat -- it really is very therapeutic! :) Also, while you're slowly regaining motivation, switch to some "low-maintanence" educational things for your DC, that don't require much from you: - documentaries and educational DVDs for science/history - fun historical-setting movies to go with your history - computer games and online educational games and logic/critical thinking activities - DC solo work on a science kit, or personal project (like writing a story, woodworking, knitting, etc.) :grouphug: Hugs to you all. I, too, am struggling after sending one off to college -- but don't even have the joy of children still at home to school to be a positive distraction. Warmest regards, Lori D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrogMom5 Posted August 30, 2014 Author Share Posted August 30, 2014 Thank you all for responding and being so supportive. It helps to know that I am not alone and that it is normal. I have seen other parents over the years and they seem to handle it all so well. Maybe their hiding it? Anyway, I feel more normal and that it is just temporary. LoriD.- your post reminded me to be thankful for what I have. Hugs to you sending your youngest off to college. That must be really, really hard. Consider yourself hugged and given a mug of hot chocolate or whatever it is that brings you comfort. I will do some of your suggestions. We don't have a dog or cat, just a lizard and I won't cuddle him! But, I will hug my younger kids. They have been doing extra chores without being asked, so they deserve extra attention. We will all get through this! Hugs and mugs of hot chocolate to everyone. Denise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlsdMama Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 I'll be brutally honest in that I suggested (truly) sending our kids this year in Tuesday. I've never truly felt that way in all these years. I didn't realize what a joyful spirit Ana brought to our school day. I suspect well all get there ( and ENJOY IT) yet this year, but it IS different and sometimes different is quite the adjustment. I'm finding it hard as she was my Lit. girl and Christian is Science/ Math. I have a hard time finding joy in Math. :P. Adding to this I'm not sleeping well and this school year found me unprepared and unenthusiastic. Thursday was good though and gave me how that maybe we just need to hit a rhythm? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TN Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 When you find out what's wrong with you let me know, cause I'm suffering from the same malady. I am managing to get in the basics but it's a constant battle. I am most successful when bribing myself with chocolate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrogMom5 Posted August 31, 2014 Author Share Posted August 31, 2014 When you find out what's wrong with you let me know, cause I'm suffering from the same malady. I am managing to get in the basics but it's a constant battle. I am most successful when bribing myself with chocolate. Chocolate - now that may be the answer! Oh, and maybe some ice cream, too. Thanks for making me laugh! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penguin Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 Oh goodness, you are not alone. Last year, my oldest moved back to the USA and we took the middle to his first year of college. Afterward, I was melancholy and SPENT A year later, we all have new normals :) It just takes time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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