Mother Needs Time For Herself

Everyone needs time and space for themselves in order to stay healthy and mentally balanced, as this homeschooling mom’s letter shows.

From GWS 74

Gayle Young wrote in the March 199O issue of The AHA Experience, the newsletter of the ALASKA HOMESCHOOL ASSOCIATION: 

Last summer was a difficult time in our home school. Everything was fine academically. But the teacher felt out of kilter. I tried for the longest time to ferret out the cause until one day I took writing materials, found a quiet spot, and spent two hours jotting down ideas. When I returned home, I was amazed at the change—in myself! Time alone to accomplish something important to me solved my dilemma. 

It took me ten years of parenting and half that many of homeschooling to learn an important concept: parents must hove their own time—homeschooling parents especially. It is an intense life we lead. Quiet places where one can work undisturbed are sometimes dififcult to find. I was faced with leaving the house to discover a spot. But where to go in a tiny town with few public buildtngs? I settled for the library room in the community building. Positioned on the rug in front of the single electric heater, my pad propped on the step stool, I now enjoy two quiet interludes each week. Families living even more remotely will need to be correspondingly more creative. Allowing time for yourself in a busy schedule is just as important as planning school time for the kids. 

Having embarked on my own private time, I was chagrined to be reminded recently that my son is in need of project time also. I started to protest that he had several hours to himself each day when I suddenly remembered the multiple requests I send his way while busy with chores. I quickly saw his point and sided with him. He now has blocks of time to work uninterrupted on his own projects.