All the activities

We have found ourselves in a new season of life. Little Man is old enough to want to try things and do those fun extra activities. Its not something that I’m naturally inclined to go for that often, but I’m trying to accommodate him. I remember being at this stage. And this is one advantage of homeschooling… we have less of a schedule and so can take on another activity. Of course, I remember what I read in Simplicity Parenting (which is one of the best basic parenting books I’ve every read): limit organized activities, let the kids have as much free time as you can give them. And Charlotte Mason says it over and over again: kids need play time to process all they are learning. And adult led play isn’t play!

Playing a “mean” guitar

Little Man said to Pete and I, earlier this summer, that he wanted to learn to play a “mean” guitar and lead worship in a church. Wow, we thought that is fun and such a worthy goal. So, when I learned of a free group guitar lesson, we jumped for it.

But, after the lesson, it never came up again. I heard about sore fingers the day of the lesson, so he might have decided he wasn’t ready for sore fingers.

All the jumping around

Later, I learned that we could do a free gymnastic lesson at a new place in town. So we tried it.

That night I was told “if you don’t let me do this, I’ll cry.” Ah, nothing like a bit of emotional manipulation to influence a decision. But the class and skills came up the next day and the next. He was eager to go back. So, tonight began the regular 1 time a week gymnastics lesson. And yes, I’ll be one of those parents who watches with adoration of their child and every little skill they even attempt.

I’ve taken something to work on both weeks, but got very little done. Little Man kept motioning for me to watch, and really, I did want to watch. Its always fun watching your child have fun.

With September rolling around, the homeschool co-op starts back up. I’m teaching 2 courses, Pete is teaching 1 and Little Man is signed up for all day. We will see how he likes being busier. I might have to reread Simplicity Parenting to keep my self restrained.