“Mom, I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.” How many times have you heard that lament from your children? I had a number of programmed responses to this complaint and adopted multiple personalities to deliver them:
- The Pollyanna Response: “You are so lucky to be bored! It helps you clear your mind so you can think of new, exciting, fun things to do!”
- The Way of the Grasshopper: “Boredom is the well-spring of creativity, my sons.”
- The Martha Stewart To Do List: “Here are some ideas: make your own finger-paints with cornstarch, sugar and water; repair your stuffed animals by filling them with dryer lint; see how many shades of ecru you can make with a box of crayons; read a book; play cards; practice piano or GO OUTSIDE – now, that’s a GOOD THING!”
To which they always countered, “We’re out of cornstarch, I read all my books, we don’t have a full deck of cards, I already practiced the piano, I don’t wanna go outside. There’s never anything to do around here. My life is B-O-R-I-N-G!”
This retort, and the whining that went with it, conjured up my Evil Twin who suggested household chores, “If there’s time to lean, it’s time to clean!” Funny how that made them forget about being bored. Their amnesia was only temporary.
In my experience, bouts of boredom flare up when kids are between projects. What they really want are suggestions to get them jump-started on a new area of interest. Coming up with ideas for new explorations can be daunting. You may feel like Old Mother Hubbard – without a bone to toss them. Not only is your “idea cupboard” bare – you may be too tired or exhausted to care.
Let’s face it, we can all get a little bored with our homeschool routine. While a Starbuck’s mocha latte will jolt you into action – it wears off. There is a better solution – something more helpful, long lasting and nerve soothing. Attend a homeschool conference!
It will revitalize you and your children. You’ll be surrounded by homeschool parents who will affirm the soundness of your decision to educate your kids at home. The keynote speakers will provide you with food for thought. The workshops on every subject imaginable will fill your cupboard with new ideas, methods, and resources for learning with your children at home.
The vendor hall provides opportunities for hands-on experience with educational supplies, curricula, games, and toys. Boredom-busting activities for kids and teens abound. Solutions for every homeschool dilemma are offered by caring and supportive veteran homeschool parents.
Between now and September is homeschool conference season. My recommendation for those who have run out of ideas or are suffering from homeschool apathy, burnout, or boredom is to attend as many as you can. Your spirit will be renewed, your enthusiasm restored, and your homeschool cupboard will runneth over.
I have the honor of speaking at several homeschool events this season that include:
- Homefires’ Homeschool Discovery Day – Saturday, June 6th, Redwood City, California
- The California Homeschool Network’s EXPO – July 31st through August 2nd, Ontario, California
- The Minnesota Homeschoolers Alliance Conference – Saturday, September 26, New Brighton, Minnesota
I hope to see you there!
If you would like a directory of homeschool conferences, seminars, and events taking place throughout the U.S., The Old Schoolhouse Magazine website provides a comprehensive list of both Christian and secular events.
Go – it’s one of the best investments you’ll make for your family!
Do you know of other homeschool conferences taking place between now and September 30, 2009? You are welcome to post a notice about it in the comments section below. If you include a link to it, be sure it contains the entire url, for example: https://homefires.com. Also, please indicate if the conference is Christian or nonsectarian/secular.
Copyright 2009, Diane Flynn Keith, All Rights Reserved.
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