Now that she's left Scott's mom, Aunt Carrie and Cousin Angela have stepped in. Angela is the official Auntie and cook doing all our meals. The two grandma's are on duty reading stories, playing board games, supervising tree climbs and skateboarding.
I see my boys just thriving with all this extra attention and it's filling in the gaps so I can rest, recover and just enjoy this special time with Koa. I'm so thankful for my family!One of the beautiful things about having a fourth child is the confidence of knowing what I want to do. Throughout the last 7 years of having babies I've read a wide range of books on infant care - from Dr. Sears to Babywise, Dr. Dobson to Dr. Spock. All of these books have different theories and recommendations. After trying many of them and sifting through the information overload I've come to a place of mothering from my heart with a mindset of having no regrets. I've found that I love co-sleeping. I love having this little one right by side - and I'm sleeping better than I've slept in months! I love to just confidently follow my instincts and do what I feel - it makes it such an enjoyable and relaxing experience.
I know I'm crazy, but even though this is my time to rest and recover certain worries and concerns start to fill my head surrounding homeschooling. I start to doubt. It feels weird to keep my kids at home when everyone else's kids are in school. Especially in this culture where it is actually illegal to homeschool. I start wondering if I'm being irresponsible? Will Kai get behind? Is it ok to take this much time off school? Will we be able to make it up? He is supposed to be in 1st grade right now so I feel a responsibility to keep him on track.
I woke up this morning to a really sweet sound. Kai has this adorable, high-pitched singing voice and I awoke to hear him singing, "Do you like green eggs and ham? I do not like them Sam I am." He continued to sing his way through the whole book. I didn't even know he could read that book.
As I'm emerging from my fog I was observing today and noticed the stacks of books that Grandma is reading aloud and Kai reads some to her as well. Meanwhile little scientists observe bugs and explore their world. They learn to share and take turns playing board games and how to be gentle and loving with an infant. It's comforting to see that even though we're not formally doing school right now they are still learning and growing each day. I'm realizing I need to expand my thoughts on what "school" is and be confident in my decision even though I feel like the odd duck.
I'm reading this book, too, which shares research showing the benefits of delaying formal schooling. It's a very interesting and timely read for me. (Thanks Tracie and Sandy for recommending it!)
Here's a quote:
So let's not bother with flash cards at six months or math at two or formal reading lessons at three, or even four, five, six or seven. You may elevate your ego, but you will likely pay a large price in creativity and normal development of your young.
Read to your children from the time they suckle at your breast; some will be reading by four five. Their brothers or sisters, however, who are just as bright, may not be reading until eight or ten. Just be sure your physician checks their vision and hearing, and don't worry. Read to them several times a day, respond to them warmly, and give them license to explore anything that is not dangerous to them. Don't let them read more than fifteen or twenty minutes at a time at age five or six.
Let them help you from the time they start to walk. As the years roll on, let them learn to clean up after you instead of your always cleaning after them. Respond warmly always, using many whys and hows to trigger their creative thinking as they grow cognitively mature. Ask them questions, but especially by the warmth of your responses, encourage them to question you. Their highest form of play is working with you.
