We often find ourselves with “little extras” around. They are usually homeschooled children like our own. I like to support the homeschooling of others as much as I can but I don’t want the children to spend all their visit time working on schoolish subjects. Knowing that idle hands & idle minds aren't a good thing, I try to keep a close eye on things and direct their time toward productive pursuits. My solution? We do “projects”! I usually end up with a very large mess on the dining room table, in the kitchen, sometimes the back porch and well…. all over the house! One year in winter we made paper mache snow men. One for our house and one for theirs. (PS.. think TWICE before taking on a project like this with six children under 10 years old!) Sometimes we do sewing projects. Often we are baking yummy fattening stuff. We've done clay projects, painting projects, tea parties, mud pies… One day we even had origami critters all over my house. We have a crazy good time! Occasionally I have them also help with housekeeping projects; rearranging, reorganizing, or helping with the animals outside. Sometimes the children see it as fun, sometimes they see through my antics and realize I have them working. I am usually running half cocked and by the hem of my skirt (or seat of my pants, however you want to look at it). We've had a few “experiments” that didn't turn out so great. Sometimes my students escape to the woods, meadow, or back pasture to play Hobbits or Explorers. I don’t mind too much because they always bring me some new, interesting creature for Nature Study or dissection. They have a lot of imagination,creativity, and resourcefulness. I may be a bit prejudice, but I think these children are AMAZING!
Well, last week I spent some time with the little ones then went to check on the older set and see what they were up to. They were sitting at the porch swing with the dogs talking. As I came upon them, one looked up and said something like, “Oh no! What are you going to have us do now?” I laughed, “Well, not today, but when the weather cools off, we’re going to redo the playhouse.” She sighed with relief, “You’re like my second mother. You always have work for us to do.” I was a bit taken back because I do really try to make things fun. I told her that was the best compliment I've ever had and gave her a hug. We talked some more & I left with a, “It would be nice if you all did accomplish some project today to take home with you.” They came up with lots of ideas and watched some “how-to” videos, but at the end of the day when their dad picked them up the older ones had nothing tangible to show. (I think he would have liked some No Bake Cookies!) The little’ns had made blanket-bags for their dolls and were feeling very accomplished.
When they were gone and the house was quiet I sat down with some hot tea and propped my aching feet up to share with Mr. Amazing about our day. I told him about the wonderful compliment I received and about how blessed I felt. One of my goals in life has been achieved. I've known wise elder women who it seemed everyone on our community looked up to as a “second mom.” I've aspired to be a woman like that but have felt like I had so little opportunity. Now I feel like I must be doing something right. I thank God regularly for allowing me to be a part of the lives of a few sweet children of others. May HE continue to work in and through me to be a Godly influence to those around me.
Well, last week I spent some time with the little ones then went to check on the older set and see what they were up to. They were sitting at the porch swing with the dogs talking. As I came upon them, one looked up and said something like, “Oh no! What are you going to have us do now?” I laughed, “Well, not today, but when the weather cools off, we’re going to redo the playhouse.” She sighed with relief, “You’re like my second mother. You always have work for us to do.” I was a bit taken back because I do really try to make things fun. I told her that was the best compliment I've ever had and gave her a hug. We talked some more & I left with a, “It would be nice if you all did accomplish some project today to take home with you.” They came up with lots of ideas and watched some “how-to” videos, but at the end of the day when their dad picked them up the older ones had nothing tangible to show. (I think he would have liked some No Bake Cookies!) The little’ns had made blanket-bags for their dolls and were feeling very accomplished.
When they were gone and the house was quiet I sat down with some hot tea and propped my aching feet up to share with Mr. Amazing about our day. I told him about the wonderful compliment I received and about how blessed I felt. One of my goals in life has been achieved. I've known wise elder women who it seemed everyone on our community looked up to as a “second mom.” I've aspired to be a woman like that but have felt like I had so little opportunity. Now I feel like I must be doing something right. I thank God regularly for allowing me to be a part of the lives of a few sweet children of others. May HE continue to work in and through me to be a Godly influence to those around me.
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