After the miserableness of Day 1 I decided I needed a better plan. Not only better but revolutionary! Look at me, I’m like the Caeser Chavez of homeschoolers. Except I’m more like a dictator and less like a revolutionary. Instead of organizing the workers I’m breaking them down and herding them like cats. It’s really hard to herd cats.
I decided the best plan of attack was a schedule. Last year we didn’t need a schedule, we kinda did our own thing and it worked for us. This year is a little more intense. We’re doing more and the stuff we’re doing is more difficult. Plus, last year I had babies that napped. This year I have babies that demand. It’s a totally different ball game. Heck, it’s not even a ball game any more it’s more like rugby in outer space. So I devised a long and complicated schedule. It’s color coded and it involved a little bit of statistical analysis.
Kids: Hey, what’s that? There’s colors. It’s so pretty.
Me: It’s a secret you’ll find out tomorrow.
Kids: But we want to know NOW! Wah wah wah.
Me: (As I poured myself another glass–this was still day 1) To bed!
Kids: But it’s only 6pm!
Me: Well I’m sure it’s bedtime somewhere.
I needed something to encourage them to work hard. I knew that the colorful chart wouldn’t hold their attention long. I decided that I needed an incentive. Rewards. Bribery. Whatever.
I told Dave I was thinking about writing some kind of incentive on the bottom of the wipe board. I’d erase a letter every time the kids were bad, whinned, complained, misbehaved, or made me yell. I’d take off two letters every time I felt the need to pull my hair out. I needed his help to come up with an incentive. I suggested “swim”. He suggested “Swimming at Auntie Christina’s House after babies take a nap”. I compromised with Swimming.
I’m pleased to announce that Day 2 went much more smoothly. They only lost three letters from swimming. I told them they could go mming any time they wanted. They had a humming contest until they broke me down and I promised to take them swimming.
Well om, they won, we were all there today at Aunt Christina’s house, and if I am not mistaken that was your kids, husband and your in the pool swimming, along with all the rest of your beautiful family!