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happyWImom

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Posts posted by happyWImom

  1. I use antidepressants (celexa), I don't have a choice, I am a very different person off the meds than on them and every time I wean off my kids notice enough to ask why I am not taking my "happy" pills because I turn into a very meanmom with out them. That said, I have heard for some b-complex vitamins, and st. john's wart work. However if you need the meds do not discount them just because they are not natural.

     

    I'm not depressed, but I become a meanmom also when I'm not on something. (currently lexapro). It's like pms to the 100th power-ALL MONTH LONG! I would like to not be on anything either, so I know how you feel. But..... if you feel like you've tried without & you and your family are suffering, do what you need to do. Don't feel guilty.

  2. I had to read this, now I wish I hadn't!!! My dd is 6 & my ds is 4, and it is the same way. Play great, love, love, love each other, and the next minute-war! My problem is with my dd, who is always so physical. Pushing, pinching, hitting, etc... None of it really hurts, but it's the point that she does it. We do have consequences, but it doesn't seem to help. I know she tries, but self control is a real problem with her. NOW I have to start worrying about puberty??? I feel like she's already IN puberty at age 6.

     

    Good luck & God Bless!:D

  3. Rebecca:

     

    I just sent you a pm, re LBC, I hope you get it!

     

    Anyway, we were running into a similar situation with my dd. Do you have a YMCA near you? We have one that's about 40min away, which is a pain, but they have a great Homeschool Fit for Kids class that meets twice a week. That has helped a lot. Also, we did join a co-op and we really enjoy it. I hate to say my kids only need to be friends with other hs kids, but they really need to feel they belong to some sort of "group". I don't think this is always the case, especially when you have a big family, but with just 1 or 2, I think it helps to have the connections. Keep searching!

     

    Blessings,

    Tammi

  4. you are a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations

    :D

     

    -COPIED FROM AN EMAIL-

     

    Just a Mom?

    A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office, was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation .

    She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

     

    'What I mean is, ' explained the recorder, 'do you have a job or are you just a ...?'

     

    'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman. 'I'm a Mom.'

     

    'We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it,' Said the recorder emphatically.

     

    I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.

    The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,

    'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.'

     

    'What is your occupation?' she probed.

     

    What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out.

     

    'I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.'

     

    The clerk paused, ball- point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right.

     

    I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.

    Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

     

    'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest, 'just what you do in your field?'

     

    Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply,

    'I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) In the laboratory and in the field,

    (normally I would have said indoors and out).

    I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters).

    Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?)

    and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).

    But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'

     

    There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she

    completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

     

    As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.

    Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,

    testing out a new vocal pattern.

    I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!

    And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mom.'

     

    Motherhood!

    What a glorious career!

    Especially when there's a title on the door.

     

    Does this make grandmothers 'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations'

     

    And great grandmothers 'Executive Senior Research Associates?'

    I think so!!!

     

    I also think it makes Aunts 'Associate Research Assistants.'

     

    =========

     

    claim the title, babe!

     

    I JUST saw this! Thought it deserved to be seen again.

  5. Okay-Am I the only one here that wants their dd's in dance class? She loves it, which is a big part of the reason, but we are doing soccer on Saturday's, piano, Wed. night church & AWANA, PLUS I have her in a Fit for Kids class at the YMCA 2 afternoons a week. WAAAY enough activities, right? Plus, the expense of dance lessons, the costumes, etc...

     

    So why do I feel sad at not having her do it? Am I falling into that trap of "I'm just trying to give her every opportunity" thing? It's not like she's going into it professionally, because our dance studio isn't very good (sorry Miss Nettie!). I guess I just need reassurance that it's okay not to have her in every activity under the sun, even if SHE wants it.

  6. We started last week too. One of the things I've tried to keep at the front and center for myself when planning this year, is to keep subjects limited to a certain time frame (if you can). Since your children are so young, maybe you could limit phonics to 15 min/day, math 20 min/day, reading 15-20 min/day, and so on. Set the timer and when you've reached your time limit, move on to the next thing even if you don't feel "done" yet. Try this for a couple of weeks and see how it goes, see if you can find your groove so-to-speak. Then re-evaluate your curriculum. It's amazing to see what these little ones can absorb in such short bursts of time. Just my 2 cents Michelle

     

    I LOVE the timer idea!! That way, I'm not constantly nagging them to "hurry up!" And even though I thought I had things organized, I didn't really have a specific time frame for the subjects, I just had my list of everything I thought we needed to do.

     

    Thanks for everybody's advice! I think I'm a little calmer now.:tongue_smilie:

  7. I know exactly what you mean! My dd is further in some of the things we are doing too, but I figure it will only reinforce what she already knows, plus make her more confidant. Plus, when starting something completely new for both of you, I think it would help to start at the beginning. You can always do more than one lesson a day, also, see how it goes, and skip what you need to. That's what we did last year with Saxon Math K. Some days, I did 7 or 8 lessons at a time!

     

    Good luck!

  8. We'll be starting on our 2nd week, and already I'm second guessing all of my choices already! I feel like everything is taking way too long, and I still haven't fit everything in. Also, I'm 2nd guessing a lot of my curriculum because I feel like I'm leaving things out. So far, I feel like all we're doing is read alouds, which they love, but I haven't even had time to fit in math or phonics. And, I'm not happy with my phonics/LA program. I'm thinking of switiching to Alphabet Island phonics. I'm just worried they aren't getting what they need!!

     

    Is this panic normal in the beginning?

  9. for my last 2 students we did Abeka half-way through, then Phonics pathways about 2/3 through...I liked pathways because it was all in one place, this was my third round of Abeka and I just couldn't take keeping track of all the different parts...but I noticed with pathways that the kids were bored. I just switched to heasprout phonics, which is on the computer- and they love it. I had my doubts because they make you start at the beginning, which is too easy for them, but they still love it and ask to do it. I think 3rd time is the charm.

     

    we have

     

    ds8- abeka, phonics pathways, headsprout

    bonus student 8 with auditory processing disorder- abeka, pathways, headsprout phonics

     

    dd6- phonics pathways, headsprout phonics.

     

    Jen:

     

    Did you supplement headsprout with something? I was thinking of using it also, my dd loves computer stuff. Maybe Explode the Code?

    Thanks

  10. That is unreal!!! People amaze me. I know there are a lot of legal things you could do, but even though he is totally in the wrong, I'm sure you want to avoid being on bad terms with a neighbor. I would do as some of the others have said, and just re-state what you said in your post. And be honest and say you don't want there to be hard feelings, but you need him to respect your wishes.

     

    Good Luck!:patriot:

  11. I agree with you two....perhaps it boils down to "why" you homeschool in the first place. If anything I think your dd needs to be home with you as after God, you love her like no other. Do you think the PS will be able to provide/assist her the way you do? She'll get lost in the crowd. Yes, she'll be on a structured timetable, what at what expense?

     

    I've said to others that the 1st and 2nd grade are very "trying" times in homeschooling. I bet, with the exception of the perfect homeschooled child, most families experience this.

     

    With all that said, I experienced the same with my dd...she's now 9 and entering 4th grade hometeaching, but 2-3 years ago it was the worst type of day. This was day by day, week in and week out, month by month, and it lasted for a couple of years. I wanted to pull my hair out, send her ps just for MY sake of having peace in my day, but....she had an epileptic seizure and as a result we've been told she has some behavioral issues.

     

    Your dd probably doesn't have epil., but she may need an evaluation by a neurologist to determine if there is a behavioral issue requiring med/s. We've been in this boat for 18 months and my dd is on meds and seizure free for 5 months. PTL!! During our most trying times, her brain was very active and it basically caused such heightened activity that it made her disobey. PS...homeschooling did not cause her seizure. We were at bible study when she had her one and only grand mal type seizure. It can be heredity, trauma to the head/brain, etc. A child can have behavioral issues and not have epil., so it's something to think about.

     

    Pray about it and God will open/close doors for you. Pray for discernment.

    I really agree here!:iagree: Also, have you read the book "Better Late Than Early" by Raymond & Dorothy Moore? At 6 (my dd is) we think they should be reading, doing math problems, etc... based on what "society" says. When honestly, they learn the most by just interacting and being with us. Anything else is a bonus. I was going to do "regular" school this past year with my dd, had my schoolroom ready, her desk, VERY structured curriculum, phonics, etc.. and guess what? It didn't work. My dd is very strong-willed and has her issues, but I didn't force it. I did have a structured day, which I think she needed, but we also did all the things that she really enjoys. Nature walks, exploration, cooking, tons of reading aloud, games, printables I found on-line, educational dvd's. It worked really well, because she was busy and structured, but I wasn't forcing anything. And, we could deviate when we wanted. My dd is very creative, and always making up some kind of craft, or games and involving her younger brother. Sorry this is so long, but I just wanted you to see that we get so locked in to what we think we are supposed to do, when we don't have to. One other thing, is your dd involved in any activities like dance, gymnastics, sports? I don't think you should overdo it, but my dd is in dance, and takes piano lessons, and so she does have to follow rules and knows "it's not all about her". Also, she has Sunday school. Are you involved in any type of homeschool co-op? That might be good too.

     

    Last of all, you need to take care of yourself. :) I totally understand how draining this is on you, and how you feel you're at the end of your rope. Are you able to get any time to yourself each day? (ha, ha, right?) But we've talked to a Christian therapist (who homeschooled!) and she really stressed the importance of it both for yourself and your ds.

     

    I'll be praying for you & your family.

  12. Oh, I feel your pain! The glass is the worst! I had it happen the other day with a Mike's Mojito-sticky, plus the little shards everywhere!! I said "God, I know my floor needs to be cleaned big time, but couldn't you have found another way to give me a hint?":confused:

     

    Speaking of Mike????? Keep him in mind for later.

  13. Age range was mid 30 to upper 40. I just turned 37 and the least I'll wear is a tankini (2 pc with a longer top to cover the belly). After 5 babies, my tummy is too squishy to be revealed to the public. As soon as I know for sure I'm done having babies, my husband promised a tummy tuck!

    :lol:

     

    Squshy is being kind when it comes to mine-and what about my legs!:eek: Up until last summer, I've been still wearing my maternity suit, and my youngest is almost 5!

  14. I have one small one on my ankle from my college days and I've thinking of getting another. Then, I went to a play date recently with the children from my ds's pre-school. I was really surprised how many of the moms were not only wearing bikinis (gave mine up years ago) but also had tattoos peaking out from under their suits or around their ankles. Got me to thinking how many moms are sporting tattoos out there.

     

    Forget the tatoos, I want to know how old these moms in bikinis were?!:001_huh:

    Actually, I have a tatoo that I got when I was 28 and going through a divorce. It's a 4 leaf clover-I guess I needed the luck. I wasn't a Christian then, otherwise I would have gotten a cross. I'm 40 now, by the way. My dh has one on his shoulder of a heart with my name in it. He got it on our 1st anniversary. :001_wub: He is the least likely man to ever have one either-very out of character. Must have been LOVE.

  15. How old is your oldest? Can you name he/she? We have a 13 year spread between oldest and youngest and we will word ours that my sis will get custody unless older ds's are over 25 and stable in careers. Or something to that affect. does this make sense?

     

    I was going to ask the same question. We have friends with 5 kids that were in a similar situation as yours, and now 2 of the kids are adults, so that is who they have named. We have my parents listed 1st, but with a contingency (if something happened to my mom, or they get too old) that our friends will take the kids. They were the ones that got us interested in homeschooling, and are very like-minded. Even though they have moved and aren't in our town anymore, we make a concerted effort to get together on a regular basis, because we want the kids to stay close "just in case". I guess otherwise, just do like the others said and pray. The answer will come.

  16. Since I like aspects of both WP & SL, and so will dd & ds, I am going to do both! And I am not going to beat myself up over trying to do everything, I'll just pick stuff out of both. For instance, I was reading about Martin Luther in Hero Tales today, and dd and ds were totally clueless! THAT is a little over their heads. So, fine, I skimmed. And I know I won't do all of the crafts. You should have seen me trying to show dd how to weave a little potholder today. Not a pretty sight.

     

    I figure I'll see which LA is a better fit and just hold onto the other until next spring and sell whatever I don't use. And I am fine about HS yearround. I would prefer it. Kids get way to restless.

     

    Thanks!

  17. Okay. I was so thrilled to finally decide between MFW, Sonlight, and WP. I had ordered MFW 1st, and while I think it's great, it's not for us. Fine. I had previously ordered Sonlight K from someone & thought I'd never get it, but decided to sell it when I did and JUST purchased WP Animals plus LA. I was sooo relieved. So, today the Sonlight box comes. The books look so great, I thought I'd just take a peek at the IG. Then I said "come on kids, lets do school!" So we did day 1. I, of course loved it! I really like the IG, and I have to say, I liked the Language Arts also. (LA 1). Anyway, now I'm torn. Both kids liked it, but dd who loves nature and crafts did say "are we going to do a craft now?" DS, is fine without crafts. ANYWAY, sorry for the babbling, but I'm wondering if there is a way to do both, or will I just make myself insane (not that I'm not already)? I know I can't do both LA, so I'll have to choose, but since Animals is science based?? Of course if we were rolling in $ it wouldn't be an issue, I'd keep both and not worry about it. What does everyone think?

     

    By the way, dd is crafty and likes them, I am not and don't.frown.gif

    __________________

  18. I would get my favorite junk foods, fav magazines, books, my pets and the phone and bring all to the bed and watch whatever I want, eat, read and nap ALL DAY LONG! I remember (vaguely) doing this during the final month of pregnancy with my dd and it was heaven! It would be even better if it was a rainy day. If I had another day that was nice, I would bring my book, mag, ice tea and snacks on the deck and sit there for hours enjoying the bird songs.

     

    ENJOY!!!:thumbup:

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