Perfect Tops

    Most of us want perfection, few of us are willing to work hard enough to reach it.

    Recently, I was working on a craft with some younger children.  We were making spinning tops.  The children got their pieces of wood and set to work coloring.  After putting the wooden pin in the center, they had fun spinning them.

    More children arrived and also wanted to create their own homemade top.  One of the children announced, "It doesn't even matter how you color it.  It looks nice when you spin it."

    It was true, no matter how they colored it, the blur of motion always blended the colors perfectly.  Still, one little boy looked up from where he had carefully been coloring his, and replied, "I am coloring it so that it still looks nice, even when it is not spinning."  The lessons you can learn from children!

    Sometimes we are too busy pretending to be perfect and acting perfect, that we don't realize that we should really be spending time becoming perfect.  We also have to realize that we cannot be perfect on our own, but that it is God makes us perfect.

 2 Samuel 22:33   God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. 

Memories

     Sometimes, we don't undertake projects or certain activities with our children because it will be "too messy".

     I understand.  If you are going to repaint the living room, it might be better to wait until the toddler is down for a nap; or if company will be arriving any minute and you really need to get the cake into the oven, you might do the stirring yourself.

    I am however, a big advocate of including children in the current family project.  Yes, there are some days where I am in a hurry, or that I really don't want another mess to clean up.  Some days, I have to make time.  No one really likes messes, or the cleaning involved that takes place after them.  But when children are making messes, they are learning.

    That is not to say that I am encouraging a child to dump the small potted plant sitting on my counter, but guaranteed, they'll learn something: not do to it again.

    Sometimes, it is hard to let go of that dream that with 3+ toddlers, your house in never going to be quite immaculate.  And if you are anything like me, toys scattered across the bedroom floor or an overturned chair is bound to irk you.  Sometimes, we have to overlook the mess and realize that they are making memories.

     Toddlers and children in general are interested in just about anything you are currently doing.  I think God put this interest there, because He wants them to learn from us.  Truly, they learn so much!  And their eyes are always watching.

     Yesterday, I had my group of toddlers all diaper changed and ready for an afternoon of outside time.  It had rained all the day prior and also that morning, but the sun had finally come out.  I quickly straightened the room, announcing as I did so, that we were going outside.  Some of them were too young to understand, so they ignored me and took out another toy from the shelf.

     On my to pick up a child, I almost tripped over a little boy who was holding someone's shoe is his hand.  "Shoe, Shoe, Shoe!" he kept saying, and I paused long enough to see that he was following one of his friends that had lost a shoe.  When she finally sat down, he hopped over to her and began to help her put the shoe back on.  He couldn't quite do it by himself so I lent him a hand.  After we were finished he proudly stood up and said, "Yay!  Now, outside!"

    The lesson didn't stop there.  He saw another one of the children who had previously ignored me and he went and tapped him on the shoulder.  "Outside."  He then promptly took the toy the child was playing with, shelved it, and proceeded to stand patiently by the door.  Considering that this boy is not yet two, I found it really impressive!

    In this one incident, it showed that he knew several things.

1.  We put our shoes on before we go outside.
2.  We all go outside together.
3.  We have to put away our toys before we move on to another activity.
4.  We go outside, when we are all standing by the door.
5.  It will go faster if I help!

    This was one of the highlights of my day!  :)  His sweet helpfulness made me smile and realize that after weeks and months of modeling this for them, he had observed, learned, and acted.

    What about you?  Do you have any similar stories?  Have your toddlers or children surprised you with the unexpected knowledge that they learned from you?  I'd love to hear about it!  As always, God bless you and thanks for reading.

 

Saying "No" To Negativity

     Sometimes, it seems that the only word you ever say as a parent, or caretaker, is "No." or some other negative.

    "No, you can't have a cookie for dinner."

    "Don't stand in the chair."

    "You can't scream in the store."

    "Don't dump the toys out!"

    I watch several toddlers on a daily basis, and I realize they probably are just as tired of the negatives as I am.  It is frustrating to both of us, and they don't always know how to handle the limitations with the right attitude.  To be fair, sometimes I don't give the limitations with the right attitude.  I tell them not to play in the water, but sometimes it is just because I do not want to have to change them out of their wet clothes.  After all, I already have enough to do without adding more onto my ever growing list.

    I daily have to realize my own selfishness and pray to God to help me overcome it.  Water is a fascinating experience that is fun and educational.  In a child's perspective it is something to explore and familiarize themselves with.  They haven't lived as long as their parents or their caretakers and sometimes we forget how new to the world they still are.  Each day is a new learning experience for them.

    That isn't to say that "No" shouldn't be a part of your vocabulary, but it can be replaced with other words or worded differently.  Taking a look at the above example, let's try to find a way to say each instruction in a different, less negative way:

    "Maybe after dinner." Instead of: "You can't have a cookie for dinner."

    "We need to sit in the chair so we can be safe." Instead of: "Don't stand in the chair."

    "Let's use an inside voice," Instead of: "Don't scream in the store." (Make sure you are modeling it for them.)

    "If you take the toys out, you'll have to pick them all up," Instead of: "Don't dump the toys."  (Just be sure you follow through with it.)

    In this way, we are telling and showing them the right and appropriate action, instead of just telling them that what they are doing is wrong.  We are also showing that there are consequences that they probably didn't think of, and will make them think twice before they do whatever they are thinking about doing.

     What do you think?  Are you tired of constantly saying "no"?  Let's work on rewording our expectations so that they sound less negative and more instructive.

    Thanks for reading!  As always feedback is welcome.

Organic Play Slush

    Greetings!  I haven't updated in awhile, but hopefully I can become more regular with updates.  :)

    Play-dough, moon sand, slime, putty, etc. are always fun to play with.  They are cool manipulatives that can keep children entertained for hours and also fuel their active imaginations.  However, if you have toddlers or child who loves to sample these for their edibleness, you are probably looking for a more organic alternative that won't be harmful if swallowed.

    My favorite, calls only for one ingredient: zucchini.  It is really easy to convert this vegetable into an edible modeling manipulative.  Just puree and squeeze the extra water out.  Children love this!  It is edible, easy to clean, and healthy if your little one does decide to sample it.  This is also a great way to use extra zucchini from the garden.

    You can freeze, and thaw for later play or add it to your compost pile when you are finished.  As always, enjoy and please leave comments below.  I'd love to hear from you!

No Running In The House!

     Most parents have this rule, or a similar one.  Why do parents and older siblings caution the little ones against running in the house?  The reasons are probably endless:

• Our house is too small.
• We have breakable objects.
• The baby is learning to crawl.
• Tear ensue because someone always runs into something or another someone (double the tears).

     If you home school, your children probably spend a good portion of the time at home.  Children have a lot of energy, and unfortunately they cannot always take their energy outside: its raining, the yard is not fenced, its too hot, the mosquitoes are out, my husband just sprayed the weeds, its snowing, etc.  Some moms decide that this battle is not worth fighting and they let their children run in the house as long as they can do it safely and it doesn't get too out of hand (they'll probably outgrow it once they get older, like when they reach their mid-twenties).

     Other moms prefer that their children do not run in the house.  There are some instances when running in the house is acceptable: when the house is on fire, if there is an emergency, if someone is in danger, if you need to vomit, etc.  (feel free to add your exceptions).  It is important that you explain to children when it is acceptable to run in the house.  

     An example:

     When they run pass you while you are folding laundry, ask them if the house is on fire.  This will remind them that they are allowed to run in the house only for specific reasons and not just because they want to be the first one to answer the phone.  :)

    If the children cannot go outside to play, you will have to come up with an activity they can focus their energies on.  Simple exercises like: Touch your head, elbows, toes.  Touch your head, elbows, toes.  Elbows, toes; and other exercises will take the edge off the their energy.  Assign them something to clean or fix: wipe the kitchen table, sweep, peel off stickers, clean out their toy box, etc.  There are a lot of little jobs they can do.

     Having them stop, go back, and walk, will also quickly curb the tendency to run in the house.  After all, it take energy and time to correct a mistake so the best possible avoidance is not to make the mistake to begin with.  

    What about you?  Do you prefer your children to walk in the house, or does it not bother you to let them run off some of their energy as long as they do it safely?  What methods work best for you when teaching your children to walk in the house and not run?  We'd love to hear from you.  As always we look forward to feedback and appreciate you stopping by.  God bless you. 

My Child Hates Reading!

      It isn't uncommon for a child to have difficulty reading.  And really, it is not that the child hates reading, they probably would love to read!  Unfortunately, they are struggling with their frustrations as they learn how to read.  As I was learning to read, I can't say that I particularly enjoyed it either.  In fact, I would make mistakes on purpose, hoping my mom would get tired and consider it a lost cause.

    As you can see, my plan didn't quite work out as I intended it to, but what can you expect from a eight year old?  :)

    I love reading now!  I do it daily, it has become one of my favorite hobbies.  I am really glad that my mom was persistent.

    As a teacher myself, I have helped numerous struggling young readers.  Here are five tips that have helped me make progress with frustrated readers:

• Ease off the pressure.  Children learn to read at different rates, forcing them to become fluent in reading now only serves to frustrate the child further.  Let them learn at their rate, this doesn't mean that there should be no challenge, but if the child is not ready to move onto the next step, stay with it until they are.
• Let the child choose books that interest them, they are more likely to enjoy reading and want to learn if the material interests them.
• Read to them and have older siblings read to them as well.  Children learn a lot just by watching parents and older siblings model skills.
• Have your child help read, write, and copy grocery lists, directions, their name, basic information, colors, etc.
• Phonics is really important (sounds that the letters make), make sure you invest in a good program that teaches this skill thoroughly.  I personally like Abeka Books.

    Don't let reading become frustrating.  If it becomes increasingly difficult, take a break.  Try a different and easier activity.  Reading can be done during the time of day that you have noticed your child doing best in their studies.  Lead up to reading with a fun activity, and follow up with another easy activity.  Planning those difficult lessons between easier ones is rewarding, and it really works.

    What about you?  What have you noticed works best?  How do you get your child to read?

8th Admendment

     No cruel or unusual punishment.

     Yet what course do we take when children need to be disciplined?

     The Bible says to train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they shall not depart from it.  We should train our children and younger siblings to honor the Lord.

     There are some creative ways of getting your message across.  You don't have to stand on a stump and scream, you don't have to ground them until there are old enough to buy life insurance, etc.

    When you correct a child, you should never do it in anger, but in love.  When you correct in anger, the child senses it, they may retaliate or become even more sullen and distant.  As parents and older siblings, we want what is best for the child.  We certainly don't want them to become resentful of us.

    Asking some of the homeschooling moms I knew, I found some creative ways to discipline and correct.  I thought I would share them with you all:

•     One family would have their child look up Bible verses that explained what they did was wrong.  They also had them write their findings down in an essay and explain how it could negatively impact their family and specifically them as a individual.  I think backing up your stand with God's Word, is an excellent way to correct a child.  This is also a great method to use with older children.
• Another family would have the child choose their punishment.  Of course they made sure the punishment fit the "crime", the child was less inclined to become resentful of their parents because they had chosen their own punishment.  They had no one but themselves to blame if they didn't like it.
• Have the child make amends.  If Johnny broke Susie's favorite toy, he can either fix it, or replace it.  This is a great way to teach children that actions have consequence, and that you should make amends when you do something against someone.
• Extra chores like dusting, cleaning the chicken coop (or bathroom), matching socks, or pulling weeds can be useful reinforcement.
• Don't force apologies, it teaches the child to lie and make it look as sincere as possible while it is the furthest thing from the truth.  This doesn't mean that the child shouldn't apologize, but sometimes the child needs to be given a little time to cool down (they can have time-out, or do some extra chores while they think about their actions).  They should also not just say they are sorry, but show that they are sorry.
• Sometimes, a trip to the woodshed is best.  But don't try to humiliate them by having them bare their bottoms (especially when they get older).  Spanking them in front of siblings or other adults may not always be a good idea.  Correction is sometimes best done in private.
  
  

Classroom Pets?

     As a homeschooler, you can have a variety of pets and learn a lot about responsibility.  Getting up at 6:30 in the morning to gather eggs definitely teaches a lot about self-discipline.  And what child doesn't like animals?

    My siblings and I have doctored many a injured, wayfaring stray: sparrows, lizards, rabbits, and dogs.

     During our homeschooling, we didn't exactly have a classroom pet... more like another family member.  We learned a lot about long-term commitment.

     We had many different pets, some of which included: a box turtle, a horny toad, multiple hamsters, rabbits, fish, Labradors, a rat terrier, chickens, a black-headed plains snake (that didn't last long), and an ant farm.  We learned a lot about feeding, watering, and clean-up duty.

    Children are naturally fascinated with animals.  Even getting a beta fish can teach a child a lot about responsibility.  Of course, I was never really good at taking care of fish.  I accidentally broke the fish bowl while walking with it from one room to another... it hit the corner of the desk.  I think we did manage to get the beta into a cup of water, but the shock proved a bit too much for it.

    If you don't have a pet yet and might be considering one, you might consider a more hardy pet.  Labs are pretty hardy, they do get big, and they will shed... of course they might terrorize the children, chasing them around the yard and rough housing, (the children will love it, though you might be called to referee once in a while).  They do love to chew.  I say this from experience as nearly every piece of furniture we have, bears teeth marks.

    I do have a lot of fond memories of my pets, and still creating new ones.  It is fun to come home from work in the evening and be greeted by my energetic rat terrier who loves to cuddle.  It is also relaxing to watch the fish in the tank swim, or throw the ball for one of our labs, almost therapeutic...

  Still, if you aren't quite ready for that big of a responsibility, start them out will a small one.  Like a house plant.  :)  For those of you who already have pets, I'd love to hear about your favorite creature.  How has it helped your child to grow in responsibility?

Reusing Pencils & Crayons

    We all probably have hundreds of old crayons or eraser-less pencils around our houses.  My family uses, and reuses.  Rarely does anything go to waste in our family.  We recycle rubber bands, foil, plastic baggies, water bottles, and clothes.  Once our clothes get too old or worn to wear any longer, they are braided into dog toys or turned into rags.  Have you ever needed to dust something and you pull a sock out of the rag bag?  I have.  Way too many times to count.  :)

    If your pencil is still usable and only lacks an eraser, you can buy mini erasers to stick at the end or just get one, big rubber one.  Most of us have graduated in our family, but we still have those giant pink erasers from our childhood.  I am sure most of you can relate.

    Perhaps the easiest way to recycle your pencils is to pull off the rubber eraser (if you still have one) and then add the pencil to your compost pile.  The brass, tin, or metal rimming will oxidize and the graphite will be turned into carbon.

     Another way to recycle, is to add your pencils to fuel or as a starter for a campfire.

     As for crayons, you can re-melt them into different fun shapes and colors.  Collect your old crayons, peel them, put them in a can (this can be a soda can or a soup can, etc.), and fill an old pot with about an inch of water.  You can then place the wax filled can into the pot of water and heat it until the wax is melted.

     Pour the melted wax into candy molds or mini-muffin pans lined with foil.  (You can even try making your own candles, just buy scent and wicks).  Careful!  Wax will be hot.  Take your time to experiment will color, shape, and temperature.  Make it a fun learning experience.  Children will learn a lot about liquids, solids, temperature, and different combination of colors.

    Have fun and be creative.  :)  

Admissions Of A Homeschooler

     Homeschoolers are subject to some stereotypes, and the questions can get downright interesting!  :)  Here are a few:

Do you raise chickens, make your own soap and compost?

     Actually, I didn’t see my first real live chicken until I was probably fifteen years of age.

     I do have several homeschooling friends that had chickens (had = past tense, I think the coyotes got them... the chickens I mean).

    Eventually, we did raise some chickens.  We also raised Labradors, which are bird dogs.  Consequently, we only raise Labs now.

  

    I never did made my own soap.  Glycerin is expensive, and I am often too pressed for time to take up such a time consuming hobby.  I did hear yucca root makes a good lather, but then again, I am not too anxious to begin digging under a cactus.

  

    As for compost, we do have a sizeable garden on the side of our house and a small compost barrel.  We have grown some giant squash and chilies.  :)

Does everyone play instruments in your family?

     We have all learned to play the piano to an extent, my younger brother and sister especially.  My twin sister can play the violin.

     I love music, though I am not musically inclined myself.  I do play the tambourine in church but that is the sum of my musical ability.

How do you socialize?

    We travel quite a bit, visit different churches, and fellowship with other homeschooling families.  Just because some children are quiet, doesn't mean that we haven't been socialized.  Some members of my family are naturally quiet, while others are much more outgoing.  I guess it all depends on different personalities.

Do you have 8+ siblings in your family?

     Nope it’s just us four.  Some of my best friends come from a family of twelve but theirs is the biggest family of my acquaintance.

Do you wear denim jumpers?

    Even in my elementary years, I don’t recall wearing many jumpers.  My sisters and I do wear a variety of skirts, made from different materials.  Jean skirts are durable so I love wearing them when I go hiking, camping, or riding.

How would you rate your organizing skills?

     All my clothes in my closet are sorted by color.  I thought about sorting by long sleeves/short sleeves, skirts, and dresses.  However, the different colors sprinkled throughout my closet gave me the feeling of being disorganized... :)  Some people organize by style, size, etc.  I usually organize by color and matching size.

Having been a homeschooler, and now homeschooling a younger sibling, you must be extremely patient.

  Sometimes I am patient, and sometimes its a struggle.  I guess it depends what I am waiting for and how long I have already waited.

    Well, that is about it.  :)  I hope you enjoyed!