enchantedhome Posted August 25, 2016 Share Posted August 25, 2016 I really need some feedback. Our days have been so crazy since we started back to school last week, and I just lost it on my kids this morning. Not feeling like a good mama :( Both kids need my help with their work, so I can't just hand things off for them to "go do." They both have math, copywork/dictation/writing, daughter has Latin, and then we do history and science together. There's a morning basket with read aloud and rotating subjects. I don't think I have too many things on the docket, but the whole school day (roughly 8:30/9 to 1, with breaks for lunch and puppy care) I am bringing their attention back, one kid needs the iPad and the other does too, someone needs math help, someone can't move on until I explain the writing assignment. It's just like putting out fires all day, and nothing feels like it's moving in a nice rhythm. Partly I'm sure it's being back to school after summer, but partly it feels like we just don't have a good schedule. I'm an INFJ (if you know MB), and I NEED calm, order, and routine, and I feel insane dealing with all the various energies being thrown at me (kid who doesn't want to do x, kid who's frustrated by y, dog barking, kid who was playing with something and is mad about having to practice piano, etc). Some people probably are able to cope with all that and have a bit of grace, but I feel all that energy as chaos, and I want to run and hide. I'd welcome advice and commiseration. This is our second year hs'ing, and I'm usually really good with organization and logistics. But we had such a bad day today, and I don't know how to improve things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KSinNS Posted August 25, 2016 Share Posted August 25, 2016 I find it works better with those ages to work with one then the other on the things you can't combine. Let the other have a playtime break while you are working with one. (You will have to teach them not to interrupt which is always tough.) Chunks or alternate, whatever is easier. This is also an opportunity to work on beginning some independence with your 8 year old (my 6 yos are never independent.) Maybe try with some copy work or math problems after you have prepared them for the assignment. Don't expect perfection at first, but in school they would be expected to do some work alone, so it is a good skill to develop. However, it really will not be as good as what they can do with you, especially at first. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KSinNS Posted August 25, 2016 Share Posted August 25, 2016 And yes, the chaos and negative energy are gross. A tight routine can really help, but it takes time for it to become a routine, if you know what I mean. Hang in there. There are really tough days with this, especially during transitional times, for both you and the kids. I'm a big believer in ice cream on those days. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tohru Posted August 26, 2016 Share Posted August 26, 2016 We'd eat lots of ice cream :) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shred Betty Posted August 26, 2016 Share Posted August 26, 2016 (edited) I'm noticing it seems like once a week we have this absolute disaster day that was supposed to be school and just doesn't move along. I feel myself ratcheting the days expectations lower and lower. Today I went to the store at 6pm and bought some m n ms lol, somehow, that seems to help and she decided to do some math after all. So ice cream makes sense! Haha. I feel ya, you will get the routine ironed out, give it time. :hugs: Edited August 26, 2016 by Shred Betty 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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