Monday, April 12, 2010

In Which I Contemplate a New Attitude

Many of you know that I was hoping to find a  new attitude at the Midwest Homeschool Conference in Cincinnati this weekend.  I've been feeling overwhelmed, frustrated and ineffective in parenting and homeschooling lately.  I think a large part of it has to do with the time of year and the need for a break.  We are getting that break next week.  Next year, I'll be sure to schedule spring break earlier or do something a bit more creative and restful in early March to hold us over.

I learned quite a bit at the Homeschool Conference.  I learned about mentoring my daughters, teaching multiple levels, classical astronomy, early medieval history, four level grammar analysis, high school transcripts and grades and parenting with power.  I laughed and I cried.  I spent money on food, paper, books and curriculum.  I remembered why I am doing this crazy, crazy thing and I found some joy in it again.

Now, I know, today is just Monday and it's a bit early in the week to say things have changed and I have a new attitude.  Only time will tell, of course.  However, I do feel like a weight has been lifted.  I'm feeling hopeful and, though it's a tender, fragile feeling, it feels lovely.   I do feel safe saying that I did find a new attitude at the conference.  I'm not really sure how much it cost though.  I'm guessing somewhere between $0 and $700, not including tax.

4 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing this. I will be picking up my new attitude next week. I'll try not to pay as much as you did. I spent that much at first. Now I am living off my past impulse buys that I had been making along the past 8 years. I really enjoy your blog.

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  2. Does four level grammar analysis mean you went to an MCT workshop? :) I'm loving MCT.

    I really appreciate the post. I want to find a conference that will motivate me. We are new to homeschooling and I'm finding the spring to be a difficult time. We all want to be outside playing and not working.

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  3. Yes, I did and found it interesting. My daughters didn't like the look of the workbooks or the booth presenation. We decided to buy Analytical Grammar instead after spending some time looking at materials and speaking with the author.

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  4. yes, homeschooling can be expensive sometimes- at least making it easy on mom is expensive!

    So happy for you that you found the inspiration and encouragement that you needed. Spring seems to make us all alittle stir crazy, I think.

    I'm jealous you got to hear the MCT talk..I just ordered it for next year.

    much grace and peace to you,

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