My kids are using Rod and Staff in a class they are taking and HATE it. It makes the kids write/copy too much. I know that sounds pathetic, but they spend soooo much time copying from the book and not enough time writing their own compositions. Luckily, they are also doing IEW. I have used Easy Grammar in the past and LOVED it. I used it with an advanced group of 2nd graders no problem. Just keep it light and fun - maybe do the evens together and have them do the odds on their own. Your kids have plenty of time to get grammar. You can always add in diagramming into it later if you are worried about that. Linda

My kids watch a movie on the weekend and we will watch a show together maybe once a week. Otherwise the tv is tuned to the classical musical station. They play on the computer, maybe an hour or so a night. My son loves mystery type games and my daughters love webkins. They go in spurts for video games - the Wii was a big hit this summer when it was too hot to go outside. I would limit video games to 30 minutes a day and they can not bank minutes (my son's idea). I don't really watch tv much either so it is a natural fit for our family.

If you have the money for a private school - consider using some of that money to reduce your stress in other ways. Hire a house cleaner, enroll your daughter in some fun programs that inspire her, take a yoga class (for you), hire a tutor twice a week. My nine year old daughter acts the same way ALOT. My husband has said the same thing - worried about our relationship, I have said to him - if she is gone all day dealing with hormones and girl stress, we will only get the leftovers. Pray about it. Also has your daughter read any of the American Girl books on growing up. I have also seen some books on Christain Book.com about daughters and mothers written for the daughter to read. Good luck and keep us updated. Linda

Good luck. I will pray for you. I had surgery (nothing scary) with a long recovery - 6 weeks in a wheelchair. My kids grew up (in a good way) fast. I am proud to say that they can all do laundry - even the 6 year old! I started reading Pollyanna aloud to the kiddos and am trying to adopt her game of finding the best out of every situation. Best of luck!

A deck of cards and you can play a ton of different games. We let the kids listen to our Ipods, you can download books and even audio tours of a place you may visit.

I tore a tendon in my right foot back in April and have gone through all (physical therapy, drug therapy, a cast, etc..) only to end up with surgery. I am unable to drive or walk for 8 weeks. The good news is that my kids have learned to laundry, clean the house, walk the dog, and cook. Sometimes it take an injury to keep a good woman down. Take this time to rest and let others pitch in and do more. Good Luck! Linda

Our teacher wants the kids to practice each new song five times a day and three old ones. This takes about 15 - 20 minutes.