Though unexpected, it's a nice prospect for me to spend a quiet day with Matthew, with no plans (though I've completely run out of fruit and am thinking that we may need to hit the grocery store yet today). I love spending time with him. Given that I work so little outside the home, it's not at all unusual that we spend our days together - but there's something lovely about the unplanned part of days like today that feel nice sometimes.
Next week, things will change a bit - Matthew's schedule will get a bit busier. He's continuing on with Kindermusik classes (as he has since he was six months old), playgroup, and with skating lessons, but we're adding a few other things to his roster as well, based on what he expressed interest in doing:
- Sunday - church and Kindermusik
- Monday - Little Chefs afternoon program. Matthew did this program last year, too, and loved it - it gives kids hands-on experience cooking and baking, and teaches them bits about nutrition and kitchen hygiene
- Tuesday - Little Artists program
- Wednesday - Community playgroup in the morning; Gym for homeschoolers in the afternoon
- Friday - Intro conversational French for 4-6 year olds
- Saturday - skating lessons
I know it seems like a lot. It is a lot. And, despite appearances, I'm not one who believes in over-structuring a child's schedule. Someone I was talking with yesterday thought that I was doing just that - overfilling his life. But here's the thing (prepare for the justification). Matthew is homeschooled, so we have more time to take on activities that he'd like to do. I'm privately thrilled that he wants to be engaged in these ways, because I think it's good for him (as an only child, thus far) to have lots of social interaction with other kids. I also think, to be honest, that he occasionally benefits from having someone other than a parent teach him things as well - especially things like skating, which Geoff attempted to do with him...for about five whole minutes, until Matthew fell apart and refused to take Geoff's instructions!
At any rate, I'm so excited about this new year - not only for Matthew, but for our whole family. I think this year holds great things in store!!
Hey Ruth,
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun filled schedule Matthew has! It does look like a FULL schedule at first glance. But then I remembered when I was homeschooled and all the extra time we had. If we focused and worked hard I was done in the morning!(Sometimes) So then I think that something has to full some of the time. It is very nice to see that Matthew has lots of interests, all over the board! He seems to be well rounded. And a great kid!
God bless!