There are roughly 65 days left of our current school year. For some of us who homeschool year round, that number means very little. For the rest of us who live in houses with NO air conditioning in the summer, it means we put the books away for the months of July and August and take to outdoor living.
I am turning 40 this month, and lately this leaves me feeling rather contemplative. Nothing too deep – but a desire to be unusually creative. I have become interested in creative writing, poetry and even photography and I’m keenly aware of just how unhappy I can become if I’m not able to create something at least sometime during the week. This allows me to look at my children and appreciate their own desires to create – artistically or otherwise. Put this together with the 65 days left in our school year and one can begin to panic and feel compelled to shelve all this creative stuff and bury our noses in workbooks.
ative writing projects on their own, to write impromptu poetry, or start an art project. This often frees up more time for additional school work, because they are often ahead in the writing process. They also seem to be happier and more content to buckle down when they need too. I was concerned about taking time off for spring break, but family commitments and obligations got in the way and prevented any school work from happening that week anyway. The following week the kids seemed rested and content. They had all their school work done before noon – on their own initiative.
As for me, I fed my creative interests for most of the week. I had a chance to rest and give myself a much needed mental break. I am looking forward to celebrating my birthday with my closest friends, and when Monday hits (that will be the day you will be reading this), I’ll be ready for the last semester. I’ll be willing to pull out the schedule again and get back to academic routines. I’ll have what it takes to face the next 65 days. We are all able to work more effectively and often more efficiently when we are well rested – even when we think we don’t need to take a break.
I also need creative outlets– writing, baking, sewing, painting or photography.
With boys that are happy creating with string and mud and whatever else they chance upon outside, I forget to let them see ME being creative. When they do, they often like to join in as well, which leads to all of us having a great time TOGETHER.
Thanks for the reminder, Cheryl. I think I’ll plan at least one special together project tomorrow!
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So very true. We have only 40 days left to our “official” school year but I feel the need to shake things up to make it through the last few weeks of recording activities.
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Me too! We have about 60 days of the official academic year…
We have recently been adding art, something I have never done officially, and also nature study.
We need outlets too, and anything that gets us together and enjoying the same things… Im for that!
Great post! Thank you for sharing!
Lisa
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Thanks for this post! I know that when I get to have time to be creative I feel better and I’m sure my kids do too! It’s really easy to get stuck in…”get that workbook page done! You are behind in…” There’s always a balance. I could get lost in creativity land and not come up for air for days…so for me, I need to use a lot of my creativity with projects the kids and I are doing together. Making the history come alive or making something that correlates with that spelling concept etc. This summer I will get to have some time to get lost in scrapbooking…so for now, I’m getting lost in lapbooking with my kids and we are having a ball!…oh yeah and making pioneer outfits together and building log cabins and…can you tell what we’re studying!? LOL!
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Great post, Cheryl. I know that I’m just out of sync when I haven’t had any creative time. It recharges me in a way nothing else does.
I have to remember that the same will apply to my boys. They both enjoy creativity.
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From a big-time crafter and about-to-be-homeschooling mom, thanks for the great post. I think the flexibility of homeschooling can really assuage burnout, if we understand and allow the give and take.
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OHHHHHHHHH!!!! SO THAT’s why the URGE to create has been so GREAT…I’ll be FORTY too…but in a few weeks…AHHHHHHHHH!!!
I’m creative by nature, it’s WHO I was made to be and I NEED it in my life….and you are SOOOO right, my kiddos FEED on it…If I’m creating they DO TOO!!! There are SOO many opportunities to do it…
I read this and thought…WHEN DID I WRITE THIS….HA!! It just sounded so much like me….
Hmmmmmm….I’ve got cards to make today, and a paining to do too….
A friend of mine who JUST began homeschooling this year said that she MISSED her creative~ness time…I’m sending her over to READ this!!
THANKS!!
happy CREATING!!!
hugs,
lori
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I would really appreciate your input on what your top 10 fears are. I am seeking info for a book I am writing on overcoming fear.
Thank you
Christie Todd
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I find that school always works better when I look at the year as a whole, and not the individual days. If I can take some time when I slack off a bit on teaching, because I need to, sometimes I feel really guilty because I should be “doing school”.
But then, if you take the long-term view and realize all the stuff your kids have learned over the last few months, you realize that it doesn’t matter.
So that’s what I try to do, too–take some time to myself when I need it to rejuvenate, and I know that we’ll go full tilt again soon!
Visit To Love, Honor and Vacuum today!
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This was a beautiful post. You are so right about home schooling. I am finishing my 16th year and I was thinking about how much it’s not just about academics. It’s about LIFE. I think it’s awesome that you had some time to be creative.
By the way I turned 50 this year and I too have been reflective….. I guess it goes with making it to another decade.
Happy Birthday to you.
Blessings,
Julie
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so well said!
excitement’s contagious!
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