Random Thoughts on a SNOWY evening

Yesterday we had a snow day...it was unexpected so exciting for the kids. The German schools were open, but because so many children live so far out and our school radius is about 60 miles, I feel the decision was appropriate. Surprisingly, my children are OVER the cold snow and ice and spent most of the day inside...Luke designing and building a new Lego ship and Layne reading, baking and just "being". The cats enjoyed the extra snuggles and we all took Angel on a short walk down to the market for some TP ( why do we always run out of tp when it is snowing??) Anyway, overall a good day. What I found interesting was all the people complaining on FB about how this messed up their schedules! For me, a lazy day at home is always welcome. Everything can wait...be present in THIS moment. We didnt need to get together with anyone, we didnt need entertainment. We talked about this and I just said to Luke and Layne I felt that US just being together is the most important thing...we have always had that motto. Its really about the 4 of us, wherever we are, that is the most important consideration. I like that.

SICK Days

The kids have both been sick this week. Layne really gets knocked out and had a fever for 5 days! Luke had one for 3. Nothing serious but just felt yucky. lots of TLC from mom, tea, rest, books on CD, Jim Weiss stories, a few movies etc. When they were feeling a bit more energetic we worked on Homework and some things that their teachers told me they were doing in class. Ive been accused of making sick days too fun--who cares! its NO fun being sick and being home is the place to be. I dont send them to schhol when even a "little sick" because as my amazing pediatrician says "a little sick is like being a little pregnant!" All are well and we are back to school this week.

Homework

Relaxing foot bath

Its a cold snowy day here in Wiesbaden. Sipping a cup of coffee after my yoga practice and cathcing on on some cyber reading. Not looking forward to Monday when the kids are back in school...I'll miss them! I am so lucky that they go to a school that doesnt measure their success with "grades" or punish them if they "forget", but rather gives them the power to think, create and take their interests and run with it. This quote made me think of ISW today:


"Of course, the more choice, movement, action, freedom, cooperation, talk, variety, energy, excitement, and joy there is in a classroom (home…family…), and the less invidious comparison, testing, gold-starring, grading, pecking-ordering, humiliation, coearcion, threat, punishment, and fear, the better it will be for the children…" J HOLT

IN our home we avoid punishment, never use the "charts" for good behavior and try to give the "L's " ( as Joey calls them) as voice to be respected and recognized. I especially like being able to tell them "Hey, mom's cranky, and annoyed" instead of just directing poor behavior at them which could really has nothing to do with them. As always, striving to be the parent they deserve. Authoritative without being Authoritarian.....