Homeschooling through Mom’s Older Years

CindyS,

Oh how sweet it is to hear your sentiments. I was just lamenting to myself a few days ago that it would sure be nice to get together with older moms with lots of children to see if they too lack motivation. It seems my husband and I want to “give up” on the training the little ones. But, then I tell myself “I got a second chance to make things better for them. I’ve got so much more wisdom now – I ought to use it” Some days I do and other I don’t.

I struggle between being “Mommy” and being selfish. I’d really like to go back to school and get a degree in some kind of medical field and get a jog outside the house. Is that God’s desire for me? Certainly not! Like you said, the enemy is lurking.

I discovered SCM a few months ago and a fire began to burn in me to start reading to the younger kids like I used to with the older ones. I am lacking the motivation to get started. I need encouragement and purpose. I need to be on my knees to the Lord.

I wish I could help you, but I myself am in the same place.

Sharla

WOW am I glad to see this thread! CindyS, your suggestions are wonderful…we can really take naps? That’s ok? I crave them, but seldom give in to the desire.

I, too, am an older mom. We had 2 later life surprises that I’ve got years to go with. I just had this conversation with my ladies study group. I was telling them how I had really dropped the ball with these last two in comparison to my former parenting. I’m having to step back and re-group and greatly amend my ways. However, focusing on the children right now is an all out effort. Which is actually a step up, since at least there is one thing I’m focusing on…:}

I don’t know what “the change” actually involves, but I do know that I am tired, unmotivated, much more emotional and wishing like crazy I had the stamina I used to have. Wasn’t I once able to multi-task?

All that to say I’m no help whatsoever, but I am eager to see what others have to say on the subject. And with my first grandchild on the way, I just really look forward to any helpful suggestions…

It is great to know that one isn’t alone in her place in life. I just turned 50, and am still schooling 5 of our 10 children. We are having our 20th grandchild this summer. I can relate to all of the comments. I often look back 20 years ago at how alive my homeschool used to be compared to now. I have lost my spark! But, reading your posts makes me wonder if it is just a natural part of this age; slowing down, changing gears. Maybe we shouldn’t fight it, but find ways to compliment it.

I too have some educational goals that I want to accomplish. I am a midwife, and want to become certified. So I will do an online course. I have started doing research into a healthier way of life. For us and our animals. Then I teach it to the children in the afternoons when we are all gathered around. Just by sharing enthusiastically with them.

I naturally take a nap sitting with my youngest daughter reading to me. She just jabs me to continue. 🙂 We do need to continue taking care of ourselves. Getting sleep, eating nourishing foods, getting a bit of exercise. Don’t worry about looking like the skinny young moms though. Our older bodies are trying to round out a bit to protect our bones. 🙂

Remember that being older can be a big help to the younger moms. We have set up times once a week where we go to another mom’s house and help her with housework, outdoor chores, playing with the little ones. I do have teen aged daughters though.

I can relate with the cabin fever thing too. We can’t go for walks yet, as it is solid ice out there. I did just start two of mine in gymnastics. (Something I never thought I would do.) It has helped my 13 year old son quite a bit. He has set up a gym of sorts in his room. My older girls have started a walking dvd together. I bought a cheap rebounder that we occasionally leave in the middle of the floor. Jump roping and hula hooping is fun. We even set up a basket ball hoop in the livingroom once, and used a plastic ball. That got wild.

We set up the webcam in the afternoons so the children can talk to their long distant nieces and nephews. (Who also homeschool, and need the outlet until Spring comes.) We play indoor games. We like hide the thimble, mother may I, hide and seek…. It is getting close to Spring, maybe an indoor dirt and planting seeds day is in order. (Did I say that?)

We didn’t own a computer with the older set, but we have them now. We spend time picking a topic. Maybe castles. We google that and look at pics and videos of that. We go on Google Earth and visit many places in the world. We are reading GA Henty’s books. My son and daughter have made swords and staves, and keep exercised learning to use them. We have some great history talks too. We have listened to many of these as books on cd. “Come on Sea Biscuit” was a great one too. (All of these from the library.)

I have designated a large amount of rice or dried beans, putting it in a 5 gallon bucket or large bowl. I put lots of utensils and cups, funnels, etc. into it, and let the children go. I have even used flour. Yes, it is a major mess, and I tell them contantly to keep it in the bucket,but they can help sweep or vacuum it up. My youngest is 8, but she still enjoys it. It keeps my local grandsons busy too.

Something else we just did was to make banners on butcher papar. Just I love you whoever (Dad)banners. We hung them on the walls. We hung up bouquets of ballons. I have used blank butcher paper to hang on the walls so they can doodle. They can do their math or spelling on it. I realize most women our age are redecorating their homes differently, but this is our life.

Probably the one thing that has helped us is learning to laugh and hug. Bickering becomes such a problem with the children. I am trying to not allow that. It is hard, but necessary. I am learning to lighten up myself, and that is catching.

Well, it looks like I have blabbed enough. Thanks for the place to learn and share.

Kimber

oh MJ,

Thank you for bringing this post up to the present. I am not an “older mom” but I need the ideas that were posted.

Shelly