I love my kids. I do. But sometimes, after being with them nearly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, I need a break. Don’t you?
There’s an old joke out there about June, July, and August being a teacher’s 3 favorite words. I think that when we play a “dual role” as both parent and teacher, we can find ourselves burned out and often fantasizing about sending our kids off to a school just for a break.
I know you’re asking yourself “What does this have to do with homeschooling?” Well, as I write this I am off on a girls weekend. I flew to Sitka, Alaska to visit a girlfriend and her family, and to meet other internet friends that I’ve chatted with for 10+ years. That old addage “if mom ain’t happy, no one’s happy” rings true in my house, and my dear sweet husband is willing and able to let me go have my girlfriend time so that I come home ready to teach, and happy to be around my kids.
So, here I am, away from my kids and husband for 4 days. Sure, I miss them. But let me tell you, I am enjoying the peaceful calm. There are no children in the house this weekend. The only sound I hear is the tv in the background and my fingers as I type. I just got here last night, but I’m starting to feel as if I’ve been gone a million hours already.
My husband is an excellent father and a fantastic substitute teacher. I may not be there leading and guiding the boys as they do their work, and dh may not do it exactly like me, but the boys are learning. I’ll walk off the airplane on Monday and I’ll be greeted by a report of what they did for school. I’ve learned not to cringe because it’s not my way (let me tell ya, that’s hard!).
How do you recharge your batteries? Do you take off for a girls night out, or do you do a whole weekend? Or is locking yourself in the bathroom for a bubble bath enough of a recharge for you?
I miss my family and I’m looking forward to going home, but today this is what I need.
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Barb’s travels around her little world are documented at Barb’s Life.
