Alternative LearningAre you a homeschooling mama? or maybe you unschool... or maybe you are interested in another alternative learning style? or maybe you don't have any idea what i am referring to?? this forum might just be for you! share your thoughts and ideas
I am trying really hard to back off and let them have some down time, but the zero structure is making this house a nightmare. They fight, they throw things at each other, they are tired of each others company. And the more I try to be really easy going about it, the worse it seems to get. They need sometime apart I think and they have got to have something for structure during the day. Even a little bit. What do you all think?
p.s. Josh needs the deschooling, not camden. She would be happy to sit and do workbooks for hours.
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Kate~ mama to Joshua 8, Camden 6, and Annabelle 3
wife to B who has loved me since we were 8
The best thing I can think to add (getting outdoors is probably the #1 thing to do ) is to perhaps focus on finding a rhythm for your day rather than 'structure' for them. Finding our family rhythm was life-changing for us. It allows things to flow naturally while still 'fitting' everything in.
i wrote about it in my blog somewhere... let me go track it down in case it would be of help.
~jo
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formerly known as sagemama
Sage 9 - Torin 7 - Rhys 4 - Mac 2
Yes, this is part and parcel for what you are doing!! Not that anyone looks forward to it or wants it but it is change. Now, as Jo said, find your rhythm and let them know what to expect (even loosely at first) every day.
Example: Get up and dressed (tidy rooms if you have them do that)
Eat breakfast
do whatever comes next
etc, etc.... if they are bickering, then gently remind them that this is what is to be done at this time and what is coming next.... also let them know that if they are bored enough to argue, they may need some work to do. Not as punishment but it usually is a motivator to either work together if they are assigned something or to find something else to do. That said, mine are expected to do the dishes after meals and to sweep and clean the table. they MUST get it done quickly and well so I can come and do my jobs that must be done in those areas.
You do not have to entertain them 24/7. Just saying that cause I always felt like I had to be coming up with something (in the beginning) to keep them occupied. Rhythm helps piles and of course, going outside whenever possible!!!
((HUGS)) you are doing great and on your way to a successful homelearning adventure. It just takes time to work out the kinks. You could also talk to your children by letting them know that it is not acceptable to do this or that or speak loudly to each other.....
You can establish a routine without involving schooling in the process. Some kids really need a routine to function. So you could get up, have breakfast, have a chore time, have quiet time, have outside time, inside play time, etc. You don't have to be rigid about it, but he may thrive with a loose schedule.
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Victoria
Homebirthing Momma to Coleen, Paul, Katarina, Emma, and Baby Garrett.
I agree with the people telling you to go outside. When my girls were little (and even now to some extent) little field trips would stop the constant squabbling. It doesn't have to be much, a trip to a park, a walk in the woods, or going swimming. On rainy days, even going to the mall, not to shop, but to walk around in a large open area would work.
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My oldest dd and me:
Mother to:
The college student and future novelist, Kayla (19)
The computer genious, Danika (17)
and my super hero, wizard, and daring knight,
Aidan(8)
Can you get out of the house? Go on walks, check out museums, etc.
) is to perhaps focus on finding a rhythm for your day rather than 'structure' for them. Finding our family rhythm was life-changing for us. It allows things to flow naturally while still 'fitting' everything in. 
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