It’s that time of the month…our quarterly progress reports are due. While finishing up progress reports from last quarter, I am planning our next quarter, while also looking forward to next year.
I wish I had the kind of brain that could focus a little better. While filling out our science progress report, I am already thinking of next quarter’s science units. Then, I begin to make notes on what I want to do differently next year. I suddenly remember I never looked up a particular program in my curriculum review book and I begin browsing all subjects. I am already overwhelmed with next year’s options and I haven’t even finished this year yet.
Back to the progress reports, I wonder if we’ve covered enough this year. If my kids were in school, would they have learned more or less? I know I’m not supposed to care, but I do.
As I go through my files and notes for this upcoming quarter, I run across field trip ideas, books I still want to read with the girls, and articles I planned to read myself. Will I ever get around to them?
While I would love to escape with a good book, I must face up to the planning and get it over with already. First, though, I decided to walk away from my books, papers, and computer and get a change of scenery for a while.
I had started my project in the afternoon, yet when I looked at the clock, it was past dinner time! While I had been pondering the value of a language-based, classical education, my kids were glued to a Sponge Bob DVD …wasting significant brain cells, I am sure.
It just happened that one of my favorite episodes was on. Sponge Bob accidentally learns a bad word and says it repeatedly throughout the episode. (It’s bleeped). It’s immature, some would argue inappropriate, but I find it hilarious. Almost as funny, in fact, as when they show him in his underwear.
Laughing at SB’s antics, I realized something. I bring this overwhelming feeling on myself. Progress reports are due, yes, but who said I have to plan next year tonight? I’m just going to change my mind a dozen times anyway. And as far as next quarter goes, as long as I have the first couple weeks, I can slowly add to it.
So. The sweating, nervous, hair-pulling is really not necessary. Not to mention the explosion of books and papers covering my dining room table, where we will soon need to eat some kind of dinner.
Next time I’m overwhelmed, I will try to remember this. Step back, pause, and ask myself if it’s really worth it. Or can it be cured with a little Sponge Bob?
Do you ever get caught up in over-planning?
Angela can be found writing at Homegrown Mom.
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Oh my goodness. I am so overwhelmed right now and I don’t even know what could be dropped. I just want to cry and give up. I know I won’t (well, give up, I might cry). I want it all to be right RIGHT now and with four children here all day its not. I need to just tell myself what I tell new homeschooling moms when they are overwhelmed. Stop, breathe, and know you really only have to be one day ahead of the kids.
.-= MamaHen´s last blog ..A Valentine’s Meme =-.
I am always feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes I just take a “do over” and well do it all over!
Today is a “do over” kind of moment…guess what….we are enjoy the snow outside that is so unusual for these parts and not even worrying about the schedule for today.
Do i feel guilty? Yes but who says life has to be overwhelming. Part of the homeschooling option is flexibility.
Thanks for helping me to not feel so guilty!
.-= A. Werner´s last blog ..It was only a Day Late… =-.
That is a bummer that you have to do quarterly progress reports in your state. I would feel overwhelmed about that too!
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..I Miss You, Ditto =-.
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