We have been taking a break from “school work” for last couple of weeks. My oldest was having trouble sleeping, which means we weren’t sleeping. She was saying she was sick, but she didn’t seem to be sick. It was an ordeal, let me tell you. The bright spot in our week was our weekly open gym time.
One of the things I love about it the most is the kids of all ages playing together. 13 year olds to 3 year olds all having a good time and bonding together as homeschoolers. It was utterly adorable watching the older girls teach Bear how to walk on stilts.
These older girls have such patience with the younger kids. They include them in their activities and don’t mind being interrupted. And of course Fofo couldn’t stand to be left out so she needed a turn too.
We have a new family joining us at gym time. You wouldn’t know it, but they all seem like old friends.
And who doesn’t love a teenager playing catch with a four-year old!!
It may be unique to our situation, but I have found homeschooled kids to be more open to playing with younger kids. At least my kids anyway. If we are ever at the park and some regular school kids happen to be there, they stick together and ignore the little ones. One girl told Fofo to stop and get away from her. Not that Fo wasn’t being annoying, but I was still taken aback. She has acted that way around homeschooled kids, and they never act that way. They don’t always engage her, if she is being a little strange, but they are a little more sensitive and tactful about it. Homeschooled kids, at least in our situation, are used to playing and interacting with kids of all ages. Every one is included. The older kids lead games or let the little ones if they want. Their isn’t a seperation by the year you were born and geography. They are playing with a variety of kids. Some kids they see every week. Some kids once a month. But no matter what, they are always welcomed and respected. The real meaning of socialization.
Linking up with Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers for the Weekly Wrap-up!
Hi, stopping by from the Weekly Wrap up. Coffee and sarcasm are a must in life, I’m sure you will agree. I don’t understand people who shy away from both.
Anyway, I do find homeschool kids to be more open to playing with other kids of any age. They don’t have those “clicks” that start to form way to early in regular school. My kids have only been homeschooled for 2 years, and it’s not unusual for the older boys in our homeschool group to invite them to throw the football at our gatherings.
I love that homeschool kids don’t have cliques! I am sure some larger co-ops might have that problem, but I haven’t come across anything like that. They all have the common experience of being homeschooled so I think they bond over that. Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely weekend!!
I do believe older (homeschooled kids) or kids with siblings that have a lot of younger brothers and sisters. We have a wonky sleep schedule here. My youngest hardly ever goes to bed before 2am because he hangs out with his late night tv watching dad. So as long as you let them sleep (which we can because they are homeschooled) it works out.
Sorry to hear that things in the sleep department have been lacking lately. I feel your pain… I can not function without sleep!!
I agree that homeschooled kids do well with playing with younger ones. It’s beautiful to witness actually… I’ve observed lots of tender care and mentoring.
Thanks for sharing.
xoxo
Thanks dear. I believe we have finally found the reason for the sleepless nights. We are still working on it, but it is much better than it was a couple of weeks ago.
It’s so nice to see a group of kids of all ages playing together rather than one grade at a time at recess at school. You can also see potential babysitters interacting with you kids before they come to your house to babysit! The variety of ages has so many positive points.
Thanks for reading Jennifer!!