Tag Archives: busy

Keeping Them Busy, But Not Too Busy

There is a pretty accurate theory that the child who does not have anything to do, will fill that void and find something to do. While our kids do need some unstructured time, too much unstructured time can make for trouble. When a child is trying to find something to do, he may find something we would rather NOT have him do to fill his time. Our job as parents then becomes to keep them busy, but not so busy they get overwhelmed and stressed. I think that there can even be some limits around unstructured time. There is nothing … Continue reading →

Boredom? You’ve Got to Be Kidding Me!

You can say what you will about life as a single parent of three teenagers, but the one thing I cannot lay claim to is boredom. It is always a bit strange for me when I hear adults my age complain of being bored—I cannot even imagine what that might feel like! I can remember vague feelings of boredom when I was a kid—growing up in the country several miles outside of the nearest town could get somewhat dull for a child with my temperament, but it has been years and years and years since I have experienced true boredom. … Continue reading →

Have You Heard the Term “Time Poverty”?

I was flipping through a business trade magazine this morning while sitting at my desk and came across an article that used the term “time poverty”—I haven’t heard this term before, or if I have I missed it. I decided it was the perfect term for a harried single parent—if there is one term that can often describe my wrestling with time issues it would be “time poverty”! Like many single parents, I have definitely teetered on the edge of the more traditional idea of poverty—one adult, one income and a family to support does not make for the most … Continue reading →

Some Days, I Can’t Keep Up

Most of the time, I consider myself a rather flexible sort who can shuck and jive with the best of them. But, then, there are those days when there are so many changes and adjustments that I truly feel as though I am doing a rather poor job of keeping up! Have you ever had one of those days in your home business when no matter how alert, focused, and brilliant you felt when you started the day—you are totally thrown for a loop in terms of keeping up with what the day (and your customers, clients, and vendors) throw … Continue reading →

Kiddy Burn Out

My kids were burning out. After years spent carting them to and from activities, sports and enrichment opportunities, I admit I was burning out, too. Reflecting on this point in our lives and how we got here, I realized that I fell into the “socialization trap” that many fellow homeschoolers share: if you don’t get your kids out of the house, and often, they will be socially stunted for life! Although I know better, that little nagging voice is the motivation behind our overscheduled days. I can’t imagine carrying the schedule we have and also having my kids in school … Continue reading →