Sharing a Secret
Spring Break is here and with it comes relaxation from homeschooling, along with an increase in activity with everyone home. This morning began with chores, that were rapidly followed by teaching Sunshine how to make pancakes, cleaning up the kitchen, feeding everyone, cleaning up again, the girls coloring pictures of birds, everyone playing outside…and then playing “house” inside, wet pants (Little Man), helping Ladybug start the laundry, breaking out the new Playdough, and on it went – busy, busy, busy.
Now three of the girls are at Aunt Michele’s, Ladybug is at a friend’s, Noah and Samuel are out of town, and Rusty is at a youth group event. I just read The Biggest Bear (so politically incorrect that it makes me laugh) and Curious George Goes to the Hospital
It feels like spring outside and today Sunshine brought me my first crocuses which she proudly placed in a tiny vase. I feel happy every time I look at them.
Remember my post about giving choices? I use my hands to offer two choices (you can see photos in the original post). I continue to use this tip nearly every day and find that it is very effective. The other day I was instructing Little Man to pick up the toys in the family room. He walked over to me, held his hands out and said, “Do I have choices?” I had to laugh! “Yes, you can choose to pick up the truck (I tapped one hand) or the Duplos (I tapped the other hand).” He looked at me with a smile and said, “Duplos!” Not to be overly analytical, but he was happy to make a choice!
My house is still quiet so I’m going to grab a book and read for a few minutes. I finally finished Sensational Kids, which was fantastic. I highly recommend it for anybody dealing with Sensory Processing issues…or if you think your child may have ADHD…or if like Eby, you have a child who is just intense.
I’ll be back tomorrow with a fantastic Tuesday Topic. Thank you for stopping by!
~Lisa
I have been tackling Sensational kids a paragraph or two at a time as I'm able. Lots of great stuff in there!
We do "two choices" with all of our children a lot, but I've never done the physical display of showing hands. I wonder if that might really be effective with a couple of kiddos.
Have you ever read "Parenting with Love and Logic" by Foster Cline? While I don't agree with him on everything, the two choices idea was something we gained from reading that book. I like that it gives them a measure of control without letting them be in complete control. It also puts it back on them if they make a choice and aren't happy with it. It has been really effective with one of our children especially.
currently reading "Sensational Kids". Thanks for recommending it. love your blog. dont comment much, but I love to glean wisdom from you. :)
Oh, and in regards to being on break from homeschool, doesnt it seem at times that the kids are learning more while on a "break"? It does in our home. When they get away from "book work", the real life learning takes over. love it!
God bless! :)
I love the picture of Little Man and Eby…can't wait to come home Friday!