Today – GUEST BLOGGER – Clara S. – Do Homeschoolers Spend Enough Time With Their Children?
This post is by a GUEST BLOGGER I decided to feature. For more information about the author, please see the guest author, Clara’s, information posted at the bottom of the article.
Thanks! Carlie K.
Does this seem like an odd question? In the past, my first response to this question would have been something like this, “Are you kidding?! I spend 12+ hours with my children. We do the following things together: read books and poems, work on art projects, Bible study, Spanish class, field trips, science experiments, Lego club, eat lunch, eat dinner, and I’m sure there’s something else I’m forgetting…” Wait a minute, am I forgetting something?
Today both of my sons at different moments said something to me that made me stop dead in my tracks both times. My eldest, who is ten-years-old, said, “You haven’t spent any time with me today.” What?! What about the past three hours we spent together during school? According to my son, “That doesn’t count.”
When I was playing with my five-year-old, being a homeschool parent, I decided to turn this time into a “teachable moment.” As he was holding two cars in his hands, I asked him, “Of the two cars you are holding, which one is heavier?” His response, “Mom, can we just play?”
P-l-a-y…Play, wow! Today my children reminded me of something that I believe sometimes gets lost in our homeschool world. Just because I’m with my children all day teaching them, doesn’t mean (in their hearts) that I’m spending quality time with them. For my elementary-aged children, quality time means losing myself in their play world. This could mean playing with toy cars, stuffed animals, board games, or jumping on the trampoline with them. For older children, this may mean something else. (Take the time to find out what that something is.)
They also reminded me that I don’t have to be a teacher ALL THE TIME. Not every activity has to turn into a lesson. Sometimes, just having “mom” with them is all they want and need. Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to take my “teacher” hat off, put on my “mom” hat, and go outside and play…
Clara is the homeschool mother of two energetic boys and the Managing Editor for Altered Arts magazine. This is her seventh year as a home educator. She considers herself very blessed to be able to spend these important years at home with her children. You can read her blog, A Slice of Homeschool Pie, by visiting her website: www.asliceofhomeschoolpie.com.
Clara, it was a pleasure! Glad that we were able to connect through the bloggy world 🙂
So very true! I'm finding this out more and more the longer I homeschool. Kids don't count school as time.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to write for your blog.
God bless you and your family, and thank you to your husband for his service to our country.
What a great reminder for us homeschooling Moms. Such truth comes up from the depths of our children.
Loving this reminder. I am well over due for some serious play time.
Thats so very true… Mine kids say I have to teach and play daily lol… Guess this is true!
I did not know where else to leve a comment I hope this is ok.. First off I want to say Thank You to your family for all that you sacrifice for our country ♥ with love to you & respect. I am a homeschool mom also and love your blog what a beautiful family. Our blog is having a My Homeschool Friends Blog Hop and would love for you to join if you like… I will be putting your blog button on our blog.God bless ♥
http://nordykeacademy101.blogspot.com
Beautiful reminder. School is a type of time, but it is not truly "quality time" that speaks to a child's soul.
It's easy to think I'm meeting all my child's needs for time with me – we are always together. But is the time I'm spending with her fulfilling to us both? Thanks for a great reminder.
Thank you all for commenting on my guest post. 🙂