Welcome the Montessori ottage for 2011! We have undergone a few changes this year, physically, mentally and logistically.
Our timetable for this year will prove to be quite full so it will be interesting to see where the formal schooling will take place. The change in thinking has really come from me. My life before children was with children in a state school education system and it has taken four years of debriefing to accept that homeschooling is NOT just schooling at home. There many other elements that come into play and sometimes take precedence over the formal schooling. For instance, last year we introduced Baby M in June into our family and we have spent the last six months adjusting to the new addition. Well actually Mum has been adjusting, the children just took it in their stride.
I had to deal with sleepless night, feeding at all hours, cooking,cleaning and all things mummsy as well as add a homeschool element. I was punishing myself for not doing anything well. Eventually I gave myself permission to not be perfect.
I gave up on the formal schooling and just went with the flow. We spent time learning to be a family and that mum was human just like everyone else.
I think it was a valuable lesson for all.
