How should I go about getting "back into the swing of things" with hs once the baby comes? I was thinking about taking a month off or at least at a relaxed pace after the birth, because I usually get ppd and I dont want to push myself then kwim?
What have you ladies done to help the transition?
Thanks, Jackie
desertblossom79
10-14-2006, 12:37 AM
I would suggest taking more than a month off of school. Even school teachers take 6 - 8 weeks of maternity leave. Your kids will still be learning, just because school stops doesn't mean learning does. We schooled right up until the day I went into labor and then took 2 months off and even though we've been schooling for almost 4 months we still aren't doing a full schedule. We're still easing back into our old schedule. My best advice would be don't stress about school right now. Educating your children is not a race to the finish, it's a journey and adventure with many rabbit trails along the way. Keep them reading and being read to and they will learn plenty. :thumbsup:
Jeni
geckoed
10-14-2006, 12:44 AM
I buy consumable workbooks (avail at Sams and Costco) and staple together some packets. Then after we get settled (usually only about a week here) I just ask them to go get a packet. Its a "review season" for us after the baby. Not much new material. I always say we'll take a break, but the KIDS do better being back into a routine. So we just gather a HUGE selection of library books and the worksheets.
annes_cottage
10-14-2006, 08:59 AM
I buy consumable workbooks (avail at Sams and Costco) and staple together some packets. Then after we get settled (usually only about a week here) I just ask them to go get a packet. Its a "review season" for us after the baby. Not much new material. I always say we'll take a break, but the KIDS do better being back into a routine. So we just gather a HUGE selection of library books and the worksheets.
I do this same thing. They like it too. A change from their normal routine and books. I also let them do more choosing during this time. If I really just don't feel like it then we watch some educational science or history movies. But they usually won't let me just skip....the packets are "too much fun mom!" lol
Do what is best for you and your family. Maybe even let them have arts n crafts for that month. Make a tub filled with paper and glue, markers, pencils, paints...whatever ya know...it will give them something to do too. :hugs:
RedneckWoman
10-14-2006, 12:24 PM
have you tried time4learning.com? It is almost totally do-it-yourself learning for the kids. A great way for them to keep learning until you feel up to taking over it again yourself. I use this alot with my homeschooling and my kids LOVE it!
blessed with boys
10-15-2006, 02:27 PM
Thank you for the suggestions. I hadn't thought about the workbooks, or the Time 4 Learning ideas. My ds loves time 4 learning and that will keep him going when the baby comes. I'll go to Sam's for the workbooks I know I've seen them there....great ideas mama's thanks! I feel better knowing he wont be "ignored" once the baby comes....he likes routines and I know I wount feel like doing anything for a while....heck last time I had ppd so bad I didnt want to eat, drink, shower etc, luckily my dh was able to tend the kids until I got on meds and was feeling a little better. This time around I know I'm more likely to get ppd and I will start on meds right away after I deliver.
Jackie
MyGlorylife
11-07-2006, 08:36 PM
We turn into unscoolers after I have babies- reading, playing and chores- that is school until I decide I am up for it!
It took me 3 years of homeschooling to realize that it is "home-school" not "the hokmeschool version of public school" as soon as this clicked with me school became wonderful in our house. Especially for those with lots of kids and even more so lots of little kids you have to go withthe seasons. Right now we are on fire in school! I have a 2nd grader a K and Pre-K and a 1 yearold. However in March we are having number 5 and school will be more or less done for the year- why- because we can! and then in the summer why not school some more? Kids get sick mom gets sick, no more sitting and fretting and thining I am going to fall behind- because we don't.
We have a season for down time and seasons for being on fire. And I must honestly say that when this finally hit me last year and I ended our school year in May my kids learned more through our down town then they were through b=me trying to puch through to our preset work schedual. when I backed off and gave them some time to absorb it was amazing to see them progressing.
Of course there are many things we always do because they are part of everyday life. The educational and non educational play, reading, reading, reading, and basic family life (my kids are great helpers and are quite accomplished in their domestic abilities)
When you are feeling good seize the moment and when to tired fall back.
thirdtimemomma
11-07-2006, 09:01 PM
Im planning to take 6 weeks off after the baby comes. Then we'll start a new school year or finish where we left off. But mine are k and pre k so Its no big deal yet.
We will play. I have extra workbooks, and video games for them. I think we'll be fine..
