{tight} strings
During the hustle and bustle of a couple weeks ago, I made this carelessly framed, but thoughtfully taken photograph of a new phase in our life.
Ava was invited to a birthday party of a little friend from church. It was titled, "a non-sleeping slumber party". Cute, right?
I was looking forward to taking her and staying to watch the party. But, as circumstances changed that weekend, I had to decide if I'd rather have her miss the party or get a ride with a friend.
I was really sad to miss the party, and it felt so strange to have a friend come pick up my baby and take her to a party, but that's the choice I opted for.
The girls were asked to wear pajamas, and bring a pillow, sleeping bag or other sleeping accessories. Ava opted for the pajamas and her peacock...and a large gift bag!
When the time came for her to leave, I helped her get buckled in and kissed her. It felt like something ripping away as the van pulled out of my driveway.
She returned safely a couple hours later, all smiles, rosy cheeks and excitement spilling over.
All was well...
As a home educating parent, I am so used to seeing everything my kids do. I take them to their classes and field trips and teach them here. There's little they do or engage in that I'm not present for. This is partly by default, but partly by design. But that's getting into another issue for another post!
The point is, as hard as it may be, I think it's a good thing (for us homeschoolers who are perpetually with our children) to allow (on a carefully chosen, carefully timed basis) our precious children time away from us to experience the world and form opinions on their own.
What about you? Are you a home educator who is with her kids 24/7? Do you allow your children to have play dates at other houses?
4 readers took time to leave a thought:
Hi Shelly..thank you for this post. I have 4 lovies, and I homeschool. My oldest is 7 and he is very social...loves to play with others. I have to admit, that it is really difficult for me to "let go". We have play days, sure, but I am always there visiting with a friend while our kids play. I am always with my lovies..and I'm not saying that in a negative way...I just absolutely love being with them.
Inspiration comes to all of us in different ways, and I thank you for inspiring me....to be reminded that it is OK to let them go, (under the right circumstances) I will pray about this and hope I can be strong if a situation arises where I won't "be there" and to trust that he is in God's hands.....always.
Love - Lisa
www.4littlelovies.blogspot.com
I don't homeschool my kids but I am a stay at home mom. I love being with my kids and I love all kids! Consequently all of the neighbourhood kids usually end up in my house and yard and I LOVE it. We are very socially and do lots of things with neighbours and friends. Yes - my kids love to also have playdates with other kids. And I think you are right: they need to some opportunities to do things with another safe and caring family. We are lucky we have a street full of great, like minded families!
It was hardest with my oldest, but much easier with my younger children to allow them time away. I have wonderful friends who I know I can trust my children with. That is a real blessing!
What I struggle with now is making time for me. I have begun to realize that in order to be a good mom, I have to make time to take care of myself - from doing devotions and exercising, to getting away by myself to get groceries or get my hair cut. That's actually harder now, because my daughter always wants to come along. Sometimes I have to say no, because I know I need a few minutes away, even if it's just to get groceries.
Hi Shelly, how are you? You have not post in a while. I was reading your friend's blog (girlytwins) and I remembered you :)
Hope everything is all right
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