Search Results for: blog what do children need more structure or freedom

Finding the Freedom in Routines

I will be the first to admit that the word “routine” is enough to send many people running the other way. In fact, I am amazed that I have been able to implement any sort of routine because I like to think of myself as one of those spontaneous, go with the flow people who does not like to be fenced in. Perhaps I am not really as free flowing as I perceive myself to be, but maybe that is a good thing. I have found through experience that the only way that I can manage to get most of … Continue reading →

Ways to Help Your Autistic Child Cope With Vacation

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Summer vacation is something many families look forward to. School is over, and that gives families the freedom they need to do some vacation activities together. This lack of predictable structure can be overwhelming for children who have autism. Here are some tips to make summer vacations a little less stressful for kids who have an autism spectrum disorder. Children who have autism tend to need a set, predictable, plan for their day. When they are in school, they know that they can count on things happening in a certain order. There is comfort in knowing what will happen next, … Continue reading →

Exploring Homeschool Methods

Finding a homeschool method that fits your family will focus your homeschool and improve the educational experience. I spent a few years exploring methods before deciding on the one that suited my family the best. Since that moment, my children and I have benefited in numerous ways. I encourage you to research the methods for yourself. A lack of vision and focus, as with any endeavor will result in failure and frustration. However, choosing a method should not be frustrating; it should be a natural fit into your family’s lifestyle. The method is simply framework for how your homeschool is … Continue reading →

Choosing a Preschool

I’m in recovery from our preschool meeting this morning. I’m the president of our local cooperative preschool. We love our school. As I look around at options for public schooling next year, I realize that while there are a lot of possibilities, there are so many more in the preschool realm. What preschool should your child attend? Well, that depends in part what you’re looking for out of preschool. Are you looking for academics, languages, music and instruction in pre-reading and math skills? There are many academic preschools out there, some better than others. Observe a class and watch how … Continue reading →

Homeschoolers take back the mall

As I walked through the mall today I noticed several things. The first thing I noticed was that there were numerous school age kids in the mall with their parents. I realized they were homeschoolers, not because of dress, not because of mannerisms, but because of the way they took their time shopping and enjoying the after Christmas clearance sales. They weren’t hurried, or frazzled as shoppers have inhabited the mall for the last month or so. They were just intently examining clothing and other items and making purchasing decisions. (Experienced homeschoolers know the best time to shop is after … Continue reading →

Why Can’t all Homeschoolers Get Along?

There’s nothing about a group of homeschooling mom’s getting together to discuss homeschooling their kids. Often it is a source of encouragement and a much needed time of connection with people who are like minded. Sometimes however, such meetings can get contentious. Not all homeschoolers see eye to eye. This is of course, because there are many different types of homeschoolers. Classical homeschoolers with a regimented college bound course, can be dismissive of unschoolers, who let their children lead the way, whether it means college or not. Textbook-based homeschoolers, feel that Charlotte Mason type homeschoolers are missing out on technical … Continue reading →

Why Exactly Are We So Concerned About Socialization Anyways?

**Note: For the purposes of readability, “Americans” in this blog refers to those who were born and raised in the United States and who grew up under our public education system. It is in no way implying that those who live here, but were born and raised in a different country are not Americans. The point is to note the cultural differences in how the two groups in general view the purpose of education and to do that it’s easier to refer to one group as such. Some of you already know that the community in which I live could … Continue reading →

The Most Talked About Homeschooling Blogs in 2007

This is my annual list of the most talked about blogs in 2007. We love comments, and the more the better! If you have been wanting to peruse the homeschooling blog but weren’t sure where to start. . .this is the place to be! My Top 5 Math Curriculum Picks In Defense of Teaching Creation Too Much Information Homeschooling or Housekeeping? Why We Are Not Testing Our Gifted Son Reason #2 Why Tax Credits Are Wrong for Homeschoolers You Call That Homeschooling? The National Lunch Association Takes Aim at Those Who Dare to Eat at Home It Has Been a … Continue reading →

Despite Appearance, They Really Do Want Structure

It might seem obvious that little children need and want structure and organization surrounding their lives–but it can become less obvious as kids get older. The way they push against those limits and seem to embrace mess and chaos can cause us to believe that they really don’t want the structure and organization we parents impose. But, the truth is–even those teenagers who are telling us to “loosen up” and “butt out” really do want structure and organization–they are just trying to learn how to do some it themselves. I think we humans strive to make order and structure out … Continue reading →

Giving Kids the Freedom They Can Handle

I once received advice from a teacher of one of my children—I was volunteering in the classroom and we were chatting one day about some of her teaching philosophies and methods. She shared with me a tiny morsel of advice that I not only took to heart, but have also applied as a guiding philosophy in my parenting. She said that she thought we should give our children as much freedom as they could handle. And, with Independence Day coming up, I thought it might be appropriate to chat a bit about freedom here in the Parents blog. The tough … Continue reading →