Ok… So Christmas is the time of joy and happiness right? yea. Whoever made that up didn’t count on shopping, crafts, and so much more. I just spent the night listening to a K12.com session about how to make Homeschooling fun during the holidays.
Pretty much, it boils down to this: Change your expectations. And heck.. if there is too much going on, it is home school…. take a break! don’t force something that will add stress! The best quote I heard was, “Your stress level will spill over to the children.” No kidding! No wonder DS doesn’t want to be around me right now. I’m so freaked out over all the crap I’ve got to do still, and the days are just flying by… where in the name of all things holy has the time gone?? Here we are with just 12 days left! and I still have to paint a picture, finish a calendar (which will be late this year, oh well.), do up the wooden letters for the kids’ new rooms, not to mention the baking, the wrapping, the shopping, and all the rest of the normal holiday whatnot.
The suggestions – When you feel stressed, do something silly. Have fun with it. Encourage imagination and do the unexpected. Create your own traditions, toss out the old, and do what works for your family. And stay positive. Always give the kids specific, positive feedback on their accomplishments. Every night, around the dinner table, say something positive about each person. Set goals, and use rewards. Always have a “Plan B”, and don’t glue yourself to the “To-Do” list. Think outside the box, because learning happens everywhere.
So here’s to being silly, taking breaks, and just having fun with life.
Hey, You know I haven’t even begun to shop. The time has really flown by. I barely got the tree up. And my dd1 has begun the “no” phase. I hope you don’t stress too much. Try to keep your chin above the water. LOL! Yeah right huh. I miss having you guys acroos the way. I hope you have a very wonderful CHRISTmas. I am sending cards out soon hopefully. Yeah another thing I have procrastinated against. Keep up the blogging.