HELICOPTER HOMESCHOOLING–THE NEW ME, THE HELICOPTER MOM

I have been messing up, badly–not scheduling my time correctly. I’ve tried so many ways to schedule and while some times I have done okay, overall I can do better.

After reading more about Charlotte Mason’s methods, I realized that I allow my children to work too independently. This statement seems like a contradiction between current interpretations of her work. The focus that I have read from others seemed to indicate that Ms. Mason didn’t want teachers coming between students and their work. But after re-evaluating my own homeschooling situation, I think that is an over-simplification of her intentions.

I think Ms. Mason wanted to encourage students to make connections for themselves, but not by themselves without guidance. Children need to be kept on task and re-directed all of the time.

For some reason, I bought into the idea, that I was supposed to be able to teach pre-school, K, 4th and 5th grade, while doing laundry, housekeeping, and preparing dinner. Impossible!

I’ve decided to focus on schooling during school, and nothing else. Not quite rocket science, is it? But that is a huge sacrifice. After school, there’s piano lessons or library or just outside time. I can’t send my 3 yo outside under the supervision of a 10 yo. That means that during school, chores wont get done. And immediately after school? Chores won’t get done.

I’m not sure how we’re going to do it all. I’ve frightened myself. All I know is I need to get more directly involved hovering around during most school work. And I’ve got to work with the 3 yo and 5 yo. I hope it works out okay. I don’t have it all figured out, but I’m praying for divine intervention.

Btw, the more complicated teaching becomes, the more interesting it is. If it’s easy, it’s probably not worth it.