Beginning CM while caretaking…

Hi Beth, first of all I am so sorry to hear about your father and now your mother’s difficulties, but I can assure you that not only is cm possible in those circumstances it can be a blessing.  Your are fortunate in that you have two older children and they can be a help with the younger one.  My family has had many disruptions over the years due to a hurricane, numerous moves and for the last 2 years serious illness with a daughter.  We have continued our studies through it all – we have adapted and though sometimes our school does not look like the norm and we are doing an extra year or two to make up for all the illness and disruptions – it is the CM that has worked the best.  CM education lends itself perfectly to this kind of thing – because disruptions do no ruin a schedule, whereas textbooks make you feel like you are behind if you miss a lesson.  The older ones can help with the younger one, lessons can be done so all ages learn together, and with the children’s understanding and cooperation it should work out fine.  Your children will also learn valuable lessons in empathy, compassion and caring, and your mother will benefit by having the children around her and perhaps depending on her health, she could read too.  CM is gentle and so forgiving when it comes to time – as long as you plan what you want to do, and the children know what is expected – you should have success.  Life is not always easy I have learned that time and again – but I know that without the CM approach all our disruptions would have created chaos – as it is apart from some delay, my daughter’s have done beautifully.  Good luck and I hope some people in your actual situation will chip in as well with hints and tips. Blessings, Linda