Theory about timing of those doubts that creep in about the education paths

[Mom2legomaniacs]

Have you noticed a timing of when those doubts occur more often? Like, say, once a month or so? I was wondering if those pesky hormones affect me so that around about that time I might get more insecure (and less rational) with what we are doing?

This just popped into my head and got me wondering -- hmmm.

Anyone else notice a correlation like this? This is not a proven causal relationship, but possibly could be. Lets do some statistical analysis on this, ok? Nah, not really, just kidding!:p:rolleyes:;)

[Amy in NH]

I don't notice more doubts, but I definitely have a cyclical change in my desired level of interaction with the outside world. For instance, if I have phone calls to make (especially tricky ones), I'll put them off when auntie is visiting because I just don't feel like dealing with others, but I'll tackle them with confidence at other times of the month.

[Lady Katherine]

No, for me it was always right at the beginning of a school year. Once I followed a fork in the road, it got easier. But it happened every year.

[percytruffle]

My monthly hormone fluctuations do affect my confidence in my ability to homeschool (or mother, or be a good wife, or...). Also, each year at the end of January or beginning of February I just want to be done (for good!). I attribute that to lack of sunlight and SAD. Now that I know it's coming I can ward it off or at least recognize it when it arrives. I've heard others say the same thing about this time of the year. Come spring everyone is re-energized. :D

[Anne in Hawaii]

Yes, I think there's a correlation, but I also battle those doubts in late Feb/early March. I seem to hit a wall there every year, so I'm trying to be proactive and slow down a little during that time. Also knowing that the doubts come -- and go! -- helps me to not freak out. And if I'm in a period of insomnia, I definitely struggle with doubts. But just being aware of those triggers helps a lot.

[RhondaM.]

YES! Most certainly. But only in the last few years...when hormonally, things have got rather...err...rough.

I literally have noticed at least one to two weeks out of every month where I feel that we can conquer everything. No doubts at all during that week. Those weeks I want to do latin, logic, Classical Writing, Great Books...ALL of it!

Then I have a week of wanting to school a la Charlotte Mason. Bring on Brave writer and tea times and oral narrations. Just real books and cozy learning...I'm ready to toss CW and everything else through the window that week. During that week I worry about relationships and the love of learning we might be loosing through a classical education.

And then the week of wavering over everything...nothing works...nothing ..maybe I shouldn't be schooling at all...

And finally...when for three or four days I'm in the deepest darkest pits of hell...unschooling is the only thing that can work...meaning, whatever educational material they can get while playing Zelda is way cool.

Ok ...it isn't actually quite that bad...but almost.
I really really need to get the hormone monster under control. Until then...just call me Sybil...the woman of multiple curriculums/styles disorder.

[percytruffle]

This is just the most hysterical post! You sure gave me a good laugh this afternoon. The best part of all is that I can relate; it's "dead on"!