Friederike in Persia Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 I'm not sick or anything, but it's been really cold in Central Asia for a few weeks and it makes life a lot more difficult. Water pipes freeze, less electricity than usual, heating off at times,.... Not being the most patient teacher of all at the best of times I wonder if we should call lessons off. But that would be weird too, since I'm not bussy or sick as such,.... Starting to ramble, sorry. Friederike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MelissaM Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 I don't think it would hurt to stop for a while. Maybe you could do math lessons and then let them read fun books for an hour or so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 I don't stop unless stopping will actually provide time for me to take care of what is causing the stress. The reason is that, at least for me, if I stop school, the not making progress will also stress me out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
readwithem Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 The public schools around here take teacher in service days all. the. time. If your your times without heat and electricity are predictable, you might want to take advantage of it and work on math or where you see weaknesses. Otherwise snuggle together (to keep warm! :) and read good books together, play games, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shell in SC Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 spend some time with them doing fun (maybe meaningless) things. . .they'll remember it in the long run. Play cards (Old Maid, Crazy 8's), make up silly skits etc. They memories will be great. When they get older they can say "remember when it was so cold and the power went out and we made up silly skits". The situation may not be ideal now, but in the end they'll remember that you made it fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Sure. This week has been a blur for me as we struggle with a serious illness of my best friend. I can't concentrate, I can't teach properly....so I just pile up in the comfy chair with ds7 and read. Or put him on the computer doing math facts review. Or hand him a LA selection to read. Or let him go outside and play for an hour. I reason even with the down time he is still learning more than he would in ps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa at Home Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Sometimes we just need a fun "unschooling" type day. We do art, we play games, we watch educational videos, we have read alouds and private reading time, and we make something together in the kitchen. You can't do "nothing" or else the kids realize that if they act up and push your buttons, they'll get a day off. Just do whatever you can to learn without stress of too many agendas for the day. That's what I do, anyway. :) ~Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in the Kootenays Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 I'd go to schoool "light" - either fun stuff such as educational videos or workbook type stuff that doesn't need me at all. Or a field trip if it's fun and easy for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreenKitty Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 I'm not sick or anything, but it's been really cold in Central Asia for a few weeks and it makes life a lot more difficult. Water pipes freeze, less electricity than usual, heating off at times,.... Not being the most patient teacher of all at the best of times I wonder if we should call lessons off. But that would be weird too, since I'm not bussy or sick as such,.... Starting to ramble, sorry. Friederike Yes, I prob would. If the kids can do anything on their own then that works to. Otherwise its a freeforallday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dayle in Guatemala Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 it works for our schedule we don't have to work around it too often.:D Take time off, do a field trip or two, maybe make some cool projects, do some baking, watch a few movies, or do some read alouds. That's what we do to take time off when we are stressed out. Enjoy, relax, and refresh!:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DB in NJ Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 I don't stop unless stopping will actually provide time for me to take care of what is causing the stress. The reason is that, at least for me, if I stop school, the not making progress will also stress me out. This is what I was going to say. Just doing nothing school-wise stresses me out unless it's a planned day off. Weird, I know. However, if *I* am the cause of the stress (PMS, lupus flare, too much on my mind, etc.), then I usually do give them a lighter day if not the entire day off. However, the one who gets the biggest pass would be my 8 yo. My 13 yo would still have to do some of her work, and my 17 yo would do ALL of his work himself. Forgot to say that there are times when we all need a mental health day, as we call it. We'll just do our Sonlight history, readers, & read-alouds and call it a day. They love days like that :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephanie in FL Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 It really depends on the situation in my opinion. This week, okay this year, has been extremely stressful considering all that we have been going through in our home. The kids continued with some of their studies but not their full load like usual. I find that they still need some semblance of normalcy even though our situations seem to be not the best. They probably would have had their full load of work if I had more prepared for them. It really depends on you and your children. You know what you and they can handle best. That is what is great about homeschooling is the flexibility. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erica471 Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Absolutely. Granted, this is only my first year homeschooling. In December I lost a family member that was very close to me. We took the month off. It was the best thing I could have done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A.J. at J.A. Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 I don't stop unless stopping will actually provide time for me to take care of what is causing the stress. The reason is that, at least for me, if I stop school, the not making progress will also stress me out. What a good point! I am feeling very overwhelmed by the condition of my house right now and realize that if I take part of a day off from homeschooling because of the stress, it will only make sense for me to do so if I'm actually going to work on the house (instead of hanging out here!). I know it sounds like "DUH", but truly, it is easy to get distracted even when I have the best intentions. Your comment hit home with me. :D Angela Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8filltheheart Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 I also take into consideration who all is stressed. Is it just me or are the kids stressed as well? If it is simply me, we plod along at a pace I can cope with. If the kids are stressed as well, we stop. We have only managed 5 days of school since Christmas vacation. We will probably manage approx 5 more half days before we move into our house on Feb 6. It will probably take 2-3 weeks after that before I can even start thinking about full school days again. Initially I was stressing out about how far behind we are getting. Then I decided it simply isn't worth worrying about. It is beyond my control and we worked extremely hard the first 1/2 of the yr. The conditions are not currently suited for productive learning. The kids are just as overwhelmed as I am. If the outcome is going to be subpar b/c of their mental distractions, then I would rather go with the flow and make it up in the future. We normally take huge summer breaks. This summer I guess we will be doing 1/4 to 1/2 days the majority of the time. Not my preferred choice, but sometimes life simply is what it is and you make the best of it. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaryM Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Oh yes! Call it a mental health day! We had lots of heating problems las year and it just wasn't conducive to clear thinking for mom or student. Don't stress yourself out or it will take it's toll elsewhere and later... Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrianne Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 I think sometimes it is crucial for your sanity to stop HS when stressed. Go for it and do not feel bad about it. In the long run, it is the best choice. Adrianne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Consider changing gears for a while. Flexibility is a bonus with homeschooling. Now, if not doing lessons will add to your stress find an alternate route ie; read-alouds, literature study, instructional movies or computer time. There is no right or wrong answer. We have long cold winter months here, and I find it some of the best times for lessons. Just do what is right for your family. A day or two off wont matter in the long run and it might be the boost you need today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TCoppock Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 We take off school or rather postpone it when needed. We often push school to the weekend if there is something happening during the week. I still work and have mandatory classes for both my job and license. Although I attempt to schedule around school there are times that it is impossible for me to do. Rather than leave my DS with a sitter and a pille of work I would rather have one or two things he is able to do on his own and then catch up during the weekend. We have done half days many times and it works well for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiegirl Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 When life gets too stressful around here, I do take off a day or two until I can get my feet back on the ground. I am not good to anybody when I am grumpy or out of sorts. I think it is okay for you to take a bit of time off until life is back to normal (whatever that is) or until you feel that you can handle it all. Julia mom of 3 (8,7,5) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne/Ankara Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 I would love the adventure of living in Central Asia (please tell us your story of how you got to be there!) and I would hope that on days when schooling is distasteful, you could just take time to learn more about the local culture, maybe through visiting old folks to learn tales of days gone by, needlework, cooking... at least when we visit Turkey each summer, these are the memories I enjoy the most-- learning from older people who can share stories of their lives. Maybe even the children can write the stories up, and you'd definitely count it for school! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdWTMer Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 I just can't do it. Now, perhaps that's weak of me; but I just can't. Maybe it's because my mom had breast cancer and she thinks (for her) it was caused by stress. So, when I'm stressed, I'm taking a couple of days to regroup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siloam Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 I'm not sick or anything, but it's been really cold in Central Asia for a few weeks and it makes life a lot more difficult. Water pipes freeze, less electricity than usual, heating off at times,.... Not being the most patient teacher of all at the best of times I wonder if we should call lessons off. But that would be weird too, since I'm not bussy or sick as such,.... Starting to ramble, sorry. Friederike On Monday I woke up and things started going wrong immediately. By the time I got breakfast I was MRS. Grouch, snappy, short, irritable. I canceled school because I know from past experience that things go bad when I try to push through those days. PTL for new days! Heather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebecca in GA Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Yes, take a break. It will do you worlds of good. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom2GirlsTX Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 I take a break, I rearrange things, I shake things up. Maybe school that day really is snuggling for a couple of hours reading light, fluffy literature. Life is hard, we all need a break sometimes... and if you still don't feel like you can give yourself a break, visit a public school for a day, watch the poor teachers trying to redirect, teach, stop arguments, fights and etc all at the same time... Goodness, they turn on the tv for my daughters class all the time, if they can take a break, surely you can! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mamagistra Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 I canceled school because I know from past experience that things go bad when I try to push through those days. PTL for new days! Heather Yep. Today is one of those days here. Mrs. MamagiGrump has declared the day rained out. Down with Singapore! Down with Henle! :mad: Up with cocoa and cookies! :D And, btw, Heather, your smiling avatar is so lovely. It makes me smile everytime you appear in a post! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhondaM. Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 I do. I stop schooling and clean my house. I clean out closets. And drawers. And rearrange stuff. And usually take breaks to eat lots of chocolate. And then I feel better and can get school done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LG Gone Wild Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 I don't even feel guilty about it. I'm not sick or anything, but it's been really cold in Central Asia for a few weeks and it makes life a lot more difficult. Water pipes freeze, less electricity than usual, heating off at times,.... Not being the most patient teacher of all at the best of times I wonder if we should call lessons off. But that would be weird too, since I'm not bussy or sick as such,.... Starting to ramble, sorry. Friederike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdeno Posted January 26, 2008 Share Posted January 26, 2008 Sometimes I will take a day to recuperate and read, play games, let them watch a dvd on the computer or play a game. The cold and electricity and situation must be so stressful. Just enjoy those little ones, cuddle them, read to them :-) Kari Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted January 26, 2008 Share Posted January 26, 2008 Yes. We don't take entire summers off so that I can take days off when the stress gets too high. We may not even take the days "off" schooling but we do take time off from our regular curricula and maybe do a unit study or something *different* for a while. Anything to take a break from the grind. eta: I think the pic in my avatar was taken on just such a day. I took it with my webcam to show my sister my lunch, there is also one with me holding a cupcake. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted January 26, 2008 Share Posted January 26, 2008 Sometimes these involve an insane field trip, like the time we flew to LA and visited the King Tut and La Brea Tar Pits exhibits and flew home again, all in one day. Other times I will say, "Watch out! A crazy Mommy day is almost here!" each day for about 2 weeks. Then one morning I will say, "Today is the day!" and announce what we will do. Sometimes this involves baking and decorating something, which in our house is unusual. Sometimes this involves stating that I will read aloud until someone tells me to stop. (No one EVER tells me to stop. I could easily do this until my voice gives out. So I usually limit it to one book. Invariably this is a novel.) Sometimes I will pull out an archeology kit or a complicated board game and announce that we are all going to learn it. Sometimes I will let everyone mope around in whatever they slept in, all day; ideally with a fire in the fireplace or at least candles involved. I think that it's important to mix things up. It's also important to me not to appear to be a victim of circumstances or nagging. So even if I really called for a crazy Mommy day for bad weather and a sore throat, I never say that that is the reason. I wouldn't want DD to think that she should start negotiating every time it gets cold, LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen in CO Posted January 26, 2008 Share Posted January 26, 2008 I am going to have to borrow that title for the next time.... Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted January 26, 2008 Share Posted January 26, 2008 One year when we were in a funk in January, we started playing board games every morning and played half the day, then read, read, read. We actually did this for a while, playing all sorts of games and just leaving them out or stacked so we could take up our games the next day, etc. Give yourself a break, but don't leave yourself bored in doing it, Regena Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tami Posted January 26, 2008 Share Posted January 26, 2008 It is a necessity to do self-care so that we can finish the marathon. When I get tired, I let dd do "unschooling." I use the method described HERE It has worked for me for YEARS! Take tender care of yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Friederike in Persia Posted January 26, 2008 Author Share Posted January 26, 2008 Since taking off altogether stresses me (some of you admitted to that too:rolleyes:) I'll slow down with them and do more fun stuff, like so many of you suggested. Still rather cold Friederike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in NH Posted January 26, 2008 Share Posted January 26, 2008 We call it a "reading day", and lounge in our pajamas all day catching up on assigned and pleasure reading. Of course, the kids probably get extra time on reading days to play Lego or go sledding, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nuthouse Posted January 26, 2008 Share Posted January 26, 2008 I can't begin to even list the stress events....I had surgery on Tuesday....the house remodeling crew is in the main bathroom of the house...the cabinets are going to be two weeks late because the store didn't order them on time.....dH lost his job...I'm facing more surgery in two weeks...plus hospitalization, and we are moving overseas in 10 weeks...we have a house hunting trip over seas, planned four weeks after surgery ..... the house here needs to sell... cave boy has to take an entrance exam for school next year....taxes!.....euros!......stock market!.....did I mention the remodeling crew is still here and the paint on the walls is the wrong color....There is no school..... I'm struggling with just the basics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyinCA Posted January 27, 2008 Share Posted January 27, 2008 yep-we take a mental health day occasionally, or we do school-lite, if we need a break or a change in routine. Sometimes we school differently (bring some books and math along in the car) and go do school at my grandma's house (1.5 hours away). She loves to see the kids, we love to see her, we get some school done, and we get a change in routine. I think this flexibility is part of the joy of homeschooling-it can be structured in a way that best suits you and your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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