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Hands-On Activities for Ancient Egypt

We have been studying Ancient Egypt for a few weeks now, and I am thoroughly enjoying it!  Ancient Egypt is pretty fascinating when you think about the pyramid building, mummies, pharaoh’s, etc.  If you’re looking for books to explore Ancient Egypt check out this post.

In the past, we haven’t been as hands-on with history, as I primarily rely on using living books for teaching history.   However, there are so many hands-on activities that go along with Ancient Egypt, that we used books AND hands-on activities to learn more about what was life was like for Egyptians of old.

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MUMMIFIED APPLE EXPERIMENT

Our FAVORITE activity was the Mummified Apples.

Materials:

10 apple slices (from 2 apples)

baking soda, salt, sugar, vinegar

Gauze

Plastic cups

We prepared each  apple slice differently.  We wrapped 5 apples with gauze and the other 5 were left uncovered.  Then each set of two (gauze and no gauze) was covered with a different ingredient- baking soda, salt, sugar, vinegar – in a plastic cup, with the exception of the control apples which were left as is.

Getting everything ready:

Mummified Apple Experiment
Materials: 10 labeled cups, 2 apples, salt, baking soda, vinegar, sugar, gauze

Apples covered with baking soda, sugar, salt:

Mummified Apple Experiment

Apples in vinegar:

Mummified Apple Experiment

Control apples:

Mummified Apple Experiment

We made our predictions of which preservatives would work the best:

Mummified Apple Experiment

Then we put the apples in a warm, dark spot for the next week!

Mummified Apple Experiment

One week later, we “unearthed” our mummies and investigated the apples.  These were our results!

Mummified Apple Experiment

We found that the apples covered in salt fared the best!

Hieroglyphics

We didn’t spend a lot of time on this activity but it was still interesting and gave us a feel for the Egyptian’s method of writing.  We used this stamping kit, to write our names in hieroglyphics. I had also printed out a hieroglyphic alphabet I found on the internet, though the two did not match up exactly.  This frustrated the kids a bit but I explained it’s similar to different dialects in our language.

Ancient Egypt Activities

Salt Dough Map

I’ve been a homeschool mom for 6 years and this was our first salt-dough map! It was easier than I expected and tons of fun. We’ll be doing this again.

First I printed out an outline map of Ancient Egypt, along with a detailed map of Ancient Egypt (You can find both maps on my Ancient History Pinterest board here.)

I drew a (not so great) sketch of Ancient Egypt into a pizza box from our recycling bin.  It didn’t have to be a perfect sketch because it was going to get covered up with dough and paint anyway!

To make our salt dough we mixed together:

2 cups flour, 1 cup of salt,  1 cup of water, 1 tbsp oil
Then we began molding onto the map.

Salt Dough Map Ancient Egypt

 

Since parts of Egypt are more mountainous, we used Google Earth to explore the contour of the land and molded the map accordingly:

Salt Dough Map Ancient Egypt

After letting it dry and set for about a week, the kids painted the rivers and mountains and labeled the main places with toothpick markers.

Salt Dough Map Ancient Egypt

We loved doing this and it helped solidify a lot of the Ancient Egypt locations in the kids’ minds.

My favorite moment was when Joe exclaimed, “Wait… that’s where Sinai is!?”

Last but not least…

Toothpick and Marshmallow Pyramids

For this one, I bought a bag of mini marshmallows and a pack of toothpicks, and just let the kids go.  All three kids really got into this activity!

Toothpick and Marshmallow Pyramids

Are you studying Ancient Egypt?  Any activities I didn’t mention here?  Please comment with links or ideas below!

 

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4 Things I Would Do Differently My First Year of Homeschooling

I’m in my 6th year of homeschooling.  I started when my daughter was in Kindergarten. That first year I wanted to keep things as simple as possible, so I bought an all-in-one boxed curriculum.  This did not work the best for my oldest child and you can read a little about that here where I talk about how we became outside-the-box learners.

I had very few homeschool mentors in those early years, not to mention hardly any homeschool friends.  I was not homeschooled (13 years of public school here!)  And I did not have a ton of direction.  And having the background of being a classroom teacher, I very much thought of homeschooling as doing school at home.

I think having a few people that can help and come alongside you during those first few years is CRUCIAL and is part of the reason I’m passionate about my blog and hopefully providing encouragement to moms, especially moms out there homeschooling their outside-the-box kids.

I know it’s not good to dwell in the past, but I do often think about what I would do differently if I could turn back time.  So if you’re new to homeschooling (especially if you’re homeschooling a kindergartener or 1st grader) or just need some encouragement that homeschooling DOES not need to look like school at home, read on!

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4 things I would do differently my first year of homeschooling

1) I would skip the language arts curriculum- and just read aloud to them! 

Turn your child on to the beauty of great stories!  Read, read, and then read some more!  Two books that have great read-aloud suggestions are Honey For A Child’s Heart and Books Children Love.

2) I would rest in the fact that homeschooling can be FUN and doesn’t have to be painful feel like school. 

My first year I tried to do “circle time”- morning time with the weather and days of the week, number of days of school, etc..  My daughter despised circle time but I felt like I needed to do it because that was what kids did at school.  Oh, how I wish I could go back and ditch the circle time.

If your child has an interest, it is ok to go along with that interest, and go deep with it!  Get tons of books on whatever topic they’re interested in!  Play games, take nature walks, bake together…  enjoy each other!

3) I would have focused on hand-strength and letter formation in other mediums (sand, salt, shaving cream, play dough, etc.) over actual handwriting…

ESPECIALLY for my son with fine motor issues, and I would’ve waited until AT LEAST age 6 to get out the handwriting workbooks!    If kids are interested in handwriting, then that’s different, let them write!  

First Year of Homeschooling

 

I also would’ve gotten Thinking Putty (great for building hand strength, which is necessary for fine motor skills) for my kids to play with during read-aloud.

We have about ten cans now (they get some each year for Christmas and birthdays!), and just today they enjoyed playing with their thinking putty during our read-aloud time.  My daughter specifically chose her Super Scarab Putty to go along with our story which is set in Ancient Egypt!

4) I would’ve ditched the math curriculum and DEFINITELY would have ditched the timed tests!

IT IS NOT NECESSARY FOR A 6 OR 7-YEAR-OLD TO DO TIMED MATH TESTS!  Oh, the tears that didn’t need to be shed…  Makes this mama’s heart break.   Now if you have a kid who loves timed tests, go for it!  But if you don’t, know there are plenty of other ways to learn the facts.

 

If I could go back to kindergarten and 1st grade for my oldest child, I would play lots of number games that focus on the facts and number sense.  Most kids these days do not have a good foundation with their facts, which means everything math-related is going to be more difficult.

This book has great ideas for math games:

Hopefully, my loss can be your gain.  Homeschooling does not need to be a difficult thing.  It can, and SHOULD be enjoyable.

First Year of Homeschooling

 

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Vision Therapy: 12 Week Update

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Dyspraxia or Vision Issues?

We took the plunge and began Vision Therapy for Joe, our 8-year-old, in the fall.  It had been recommended by both a neuropsychologist who did an extensive evaluation on him and it was also recommended by his occupational therapist.   He has had difficulty catching and kicking a ball for his whole life (and other activities that require coordination).  These difficulties certainly go hand in hand with his dyspraxia.  But we have often wondered, how much of his dyspraxia is related to his vision?

We held off for a while due to the likelihood of insurance not covering it (that proved to be TRUE, though the evaluations are covered).  We spent big bucks on Brain Balance when Joe was four, and it’s honestly just hard to continue to pay for things that are not covered by insurance.   Though when they truly help, it IS worth it!

Exam Results

Following his very first evaluation done by The Vision Therapy Center, it was determined he has Convergence Insufficiency, a very common diagnosis.   They gave us a script to get glasses with a prism and made from a special material.  These glasses almost immediately helped with his ability to catch a ball – pretty amazing to witness!

After that initial first exam and one other exam they did, they gave us the results.  Joe had deficiencies in his visual processing related to FOCUSING, TEAMING, and TRACKING.   He also has some retained primitive reflexes, which they work to integrate as part of his therapy plan.

We do about 20 minutes of exercises at home 5  days a week and go the center for therapy once a week.  He will finish in summer after 36 weeks of therapy.

Improvements We’ve Seen

We are happy with the results so far.  These are some of the positive things we’ve seen, along with the improved ball catching:

Reading faster  (Joe was already reading well, he is just able to read faster now!)

Fewer headaches

Interest in puzzles (in the past he was not interested in doing them)

Slightly better short-term memory – we notice this in his ability to complete tasks.

Improved handwriting.  There was lots of room for improvement here, as academically, this is Joe’s weakest area.  However, the improvement is noticeable which is quite exciting for us, and more importantly, for Joe!  See the captions for the dates of when these handwriting samples were taken.  The biggest improvement is his ability to write smaller, which is seen especially on the last sample from today (though you may not be able to tell from the picture!)

Vision Therapy
9-26-18
Vision Therapy
11-26-18
Vision Therapy
1-4-19

 

Handwriting Aids

We have also started using this slant board per the advice of the optometrists at the center, to reduce fatigue when handwriting.

And while we’re talking about handwriting, these pencil grips are amazing.  Joe just got them for Christmas and tried them out and whoa!  So comfortable and easy to use. I have a poor pencil grip myself and these felt very natural to use.

ETA: Here is a post with results after 36 weeks of vision therapy were completed.

If you’re curious or want to know more about vision therapy, in general, I highly recommend the group on Facebook “Vision Therapy Parents Unite”.  Or if you just want to learn more about Vision Therapy you can check out this website.

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Taking the “Overwhelm” Out of Decluttering

Christmas is over.  The New Year is here.  And the “stuff” is now everywhere.  New toys, old toys.  New science kits, old science kits.  Boxes of new crafty items, boxes of old crafty items.   You get the idea.  STUFF EVERYWHERE.

I generally take some time BEFORE Christmas to pare down on the stuff, but just didn’t get around to it this year.

Decluttering overwhelms me.

Sometimes to the point where I…  Just.  Can’t.  Move.

It’s perfectionism.  I know I won’t be able to get all the decluttering done in the time I want to or to the extent I want to.  Or I think I’ll get rid of something and regret doing so or that I won’t get rid of something that I should.  And so, I just do nothing…..

Unfortunately, that extra stuff also overwhelms me.  (I’m easily overwhelmed, can you tell?!)  I also find that when there’s too much stuff around the kids play with less of it.  And when I get rid of the clutter they are free to play with what’s there.  They are overwhelmed by the clutter too but don’t verbalize it.

I have found that the best antidote to this state of ‘overwhelm’ is ACTION.  And when I get stuck in this rut of feeling frozen and don’t know where to start I use my tried and true trick…..

The 15 Minute Timer

I may not be able to organize my house in the next day, or week, or let’s be honest…month (c’mon I have busy kids!)  But I CAN set my timer for 15 minutes and do what I can.

Anybody can do 15 minutes of decluttering.  You don’t have to work fast, just do SOMETHING.  And it’s not like you’re committing to a day, or even an hour of de-cluttering.  It’s ONLY 15 minutes!

Often that 15 minutes will turn into hours of de-cluttering for me.  But even if it doesn’t I will still have STARTED and broken out of my “frozen with overwhelm”  funk.

Now to what I consider the hard part, the decision-making part, of decluttering.

DECISIONS: To Keep or NOT to Keep

I find this “decision” part of decluttering AGONIZING, and I really think this is what keeps me from doing it more often.  For each item I have to make a decision: Should it stay or go?

I created this chart to help with this process:

Getting Started on Decluttering

 

Having moved twice in the last 7 years has wisened me up a bit on knowing what to keep and what to donate.  During our last move, when I was packing up boxes, I realized I had been holding onto a few things for WAY too long.  So THE QUESTION I ask myself when deciding what to keep is: If I were to move tomorrow, would this item make the cut?  If YES, then great, it can stay put.  If not, then you have options…

The FIVE Categories I Use When Decluttering My House

I find it more empowering, and that I get more done when I have multiple categories when decluttering.

These are the FIVE categories I use:

  1. DONATE
  2. TRASH/RECYCLE
  3. SELL
  4. KEEP
  5. KEEP (box up and put in attic or basement) 

Regarding Category 5: This option isn’t the best, but if you struggle with indecision (ahem, points to self) or have a child that is STRESSED OUT at the idea of donating something, it’s a good intermediate step!  When we have boxed stuff up and put it away in the basement or attic, the items are generally not missed.  This has been a lifesaver for us in helping our creative child’s room not turn into a place of complete mayhem!  It just took us forever to figure out.  So let me save you some pain if you have a creative, sensitive child who can’t bear to say goodbye to anything.  Try category number 5!

Final Thoughts on Clutter

I find that if my surroundings are cluttered, my brain is more likely to be as well.  And when my surroundings are less cluttered my brain is less so too.  And when you’re a mom, especially if you’re a homeschool mom, you need all the extra brain space you can get! 😉

I hope you find these tips helpful in getting off to a more organized year!

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Happy New Year!

I haven’t posted in a while…  I honestly was frozen with a bit of holiday overwhelm!  Also, I really wanted to focus on enjoying the season with my family.  Since I’m still a relatively new blogger, I haven’t found my rhythm yet, and so, each entry I write gets posted immediately.  I don’t schedule my posts…. yet.  I’m hoping I will get there in 2019!  I have lots of ideas of things to write about, I just need to get organized!

Our Christmas was good and busy.  I’d love to say we all stayed healthy, but I, unfortunately, got hit with a stomach bug as did my middle son, and my husband had a bout of conjunctivitis in his eye.  Fun times!  Thankfully that all happened between Christmas and New Year’s.  So we are starting 2019 on a good foot!

Many years ago, for one particular new year,  I made tons of goals.  I had about 8 different categories, with many goals in each category.  Over-zealous maybe!?!  I was good for about a week, but that’s about all I could sustain.

I don’t usually set New Year’s goals anymore, or if I do they are very mild goals, and nothing extreme.  I DO think goal-setting is a great practice and important.  I just don’t do it at New Years.

HOWEVER, I do have one goal or THEME for myself this year, and that is that I would know and understand God’s love for me in a greater way.  And that my family would too! Obviously, not super measurable, but I’m ok with that.

I hope your year is off to a great start!   We don’t NEED a new year for new beginnings BUT a new year is just one of those times that automatically warrants it.  Blessings to you in 2019!

 

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Implementing the Jesse Tree Using ‘Unwrapping the Greatest Gift’

How to Implement the Jesse Tree (Ornament list included below!)

I’m In our home we strive to make Christmas what it was intended to be about – JESUS!  Over the years, we’ve done various things to make that happen including many different books and activities. Our favorite Advent read-alouds are these.  THIS POST is dedicated to the Jesse Tree and how to implement it.

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Jesse Tree Ornaments
What is the Jesse Tree?

I first heard about the Jesse Tree 5 years ago but it seemed OVERWHELMING to implement.  After all, I’m not a crafty person (there are 25 ornaments to make!).

The idea behind the Jesse Tree is exploring the lineage of Jesus Christ, starting from the very beginning with Adam and Eve.  It emphasizes God’s plan of salvation.  There is a scripture reading and coordinating ornament for each day of December up until December 25, Christmas Day!

Jesse Tree ornament exchange

I attended a Jesse Tree ornament exchange this past February coordinated by some women from my church.  Each person had to bring 25 of whatever ornament they chose to make.  And then we swapped so everyone went home with one of each ornament.   I made 25 of David’s crown, using gold pipe cleaners.

And SO, this is the first year, we are doing the Jesse Tree.  We are doing it in conjunction with Ann Voskamp’s book “Unwrapping the Greatest Gift”.   We are almost halfway through and each day my 4-year-old asks “Are we doing the “Desse” Tree today?”   So precious!  It has really enhanced our Advent celebration and I personally am enjoying it very much.Jesse Tree Ornament List

“Unwrapping the Greatest Gift” by Ann Voskamp

As I said, we are using “Unwrapping the Greatest Gift” by Ann Voskamp for our daily readings to go along with the ornaments.  Her book includes the scripture passage for each day as well as her thoughts on each passage.  It reminds me of the Jesus Storybook Bible if you are familiar with that.  I love that the book (and really, scripture) shows how the people who were part of Jesus’s direct lineage had messy and FAR from perfect lives, and yet God used them.   Also, the message of God’s love and forgiveness through Christ is weaved throughout the book.

Voskamp’s book is not the only way to implement the Jesse Tree.  However, since it was the book our ornament exchange was based on, I am using it.  And I really like it – it has vivid illustrations, questions, and activities at the end of each chapter, and can be appreciated by both young AND old.    Also, if you’re a person who appreciates aesthetics it is a beautiful hardcover book with a ribbon to keep your place.  Perfect for the coffee table if you like that type of thing.

If you are considering doing the Jesse Tree and using Voskamp’s book, I have a printable to help you know which ornament goes with each day.  I created it for myself and realized it might be helpful to others!  I have the title of each chapter, the scripture reading, and suggestions for ornaments to go along with the chapter.

Here is the printable: Jesse Tree Ornament List

As for creating ornaments, Voskamp has (color) printable ornaments on her website or you can make your own or coordinate an exchange!   OR just go to Pinterest!  😉

**It is obviously a little late in the game to do the Jesse Tree this year.  I wrote this post since we’re loving it and thought it might help others know how to implement it.  I also want to point out, you don’t need the ornaments to do the book.**  

WHATEVER traditions you have, I hope you find rest in the hope of Christ this Christmas!

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Christmas/Advent Themed Activity Pack

Christmas Printable Worksheets

Christmas Printable Worksheets

I love Christmas!  I love puzzles and codes!  And I really enjoy creating worksheets!

Soooo…. I’ve been working on a Christmas Activity Pack, and I’m excited to finally post it here!  I use Canva software for free, so I’m a bit limited in what I can do, but I do hope that these puzzles will be a fun addition for your kiddos this holiday season.  It is designed for intermediate grades (3rd-6th).

Included in the pack is:

  • ‘Making Christmas Cookies’ Madlib
  • Advent Themed Wordsearch
  • Christmas Scramble
  • Solve the Snowman Riddles
  • ‘CHRISTMAS TREE’

Have fun puzzling, and please share with anyone who might enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

Click here ——–> Christmas Activity Pack

Check out my other Christmas posts:
Advent Familiy Read-AloudsJesse Tree OrnamentsIntrovert Holidays

 

 

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The Introvert’s 10 Point Guide for Surviving (and THRIVING) During the Holidays

It’s that time of year again!  And I love love LOVE this time of year!  Twinkle lights everywhere, Christmas music notes floating through the air, increased generosity and charity towards others, and a sense of wonder and awe for the REASON we celebrate.

However, as an adult, and a MOM, I  also feel the STRESS of the holidays.  More places to be, presents to buy, more things on the to-do list, EXPECTATIONS, and the list goes on…  And if I’m not careful, that STRESS, can extinguish the JOY of the season.

For most people, these “extras” may add a little stress, but for an introvert, who needs time alone or in small groups of people to recharge, it is ESSENTIAL that we put parameters in place in order for us to get through the holidays without going crazy!

And for those of us who are parents to introverted, sensitive children, it is important that WE help guide them in putting parameters in place, so THEY can also enjoy the season!

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Without further ado, here is THE Introvert’s 10 Point Guide For Surviving (and Thriving) During the Holidays:

1. SCHEDULE margin.

There are endless activities and opportunities during the few weeks leading up to Christmas.  Don’t book every single day with activities.  Schedule days to just be at home.

2. RETREAT when necessary.

Give yourself permission to retreat at a get together if it gets to be too much.  It’s amazing how a few minutes in quiet can recharge your spirit.  Even if it’s just spending a few extra minutes in the bathroom in silence, LOL.  I’m not speaking from experience, of course! 😉

3. Get enough SLEEP.

As an introvert, I know how important it is to get those GOLDEN moments of silence at the end of the day.  THEY. ARE. PRICELESS.   And sometimes I stay up WAY too late because of this!  Set an alarm on your phone if you need to, to remind you to get to bed at a reasonable hour.  Some people need 9 hours, others can get by with 5 hours.  Do your best to get the sleep YOU need.

4. Sweets in MODERATION.

Okay so maybe this is a good tip for everyone, not just introverts!  Enjoy the treats, but don’t go crazy!  Sugar suppresses the immune system.  But of course, this is the time to enjoy a few extra treats.  So enjoy…. BUT, without going overboard!

5. READ a Christmas novel.

Find a book or devotional you can read to reflect on the meaning of the season. This is one of MY goals for this year.  A good book forces me to relax and NOT be busy.  I’m looking for a new one to read this year, so if you know of any good Christmas novels/books, please leave a comment!  A few books that are compilations of stories that I own and enjoy are The Max Lucado Christmas Collection and A Treasury of Christmas Miracles by Karen Kingsbury.

6. Make memories at HOME.

You don’t need to leave your house to make special memories.  There are so many things you can do right at home!  Read aloud together.  We have a basket of Christmas books in our main living area.

Here are some of our favorites:

Jotham’s Journey (older kids)

The Crippled Lamb

Room for a Little One

I Spy Christmas: A Book of Picture Riddles

We’re also doing the Jesse Tree this year using this book.  Today, we did Day One, which was “The Stump”.   

Other activities you can do right at home: play games, bake together, watch Christmas movies together.

Here are Marc and the older two playing Ticket to Ride.  It’s been a favorite lately (as long as little brother is asleep!)

7. Find people to bless.

Sometimes when we get overwhelmed with the hoopla of the holidays, it can be life-giving to get outside of ourselves and bless those around us.   It is doesn’t have to be a major hoo-rah, it can be simple as taking a plate of homemade cookies over to a neighbor’s with an encouraging note.  Other ideas could be visiting a nursing home, purchasing a gift for a needy child, handing out McDonald’s gift cards or sandwiches to the homeless.   It is always more blessed to give than to receive.

8. CREATE a culture of “cozy and calm” in your home.

Light (or turn on) the fire, cue up your favorite Christmas Music (our favorites are listed here), and brew yourself a cup of tea…

9. Use Curbside pick up for groceries!

It’s the most wonderful time of year and the CRAZY BUSIEST time of year at stores!  Pay the extra fee for the convenience of curbside pick-up.  We are new to this, and it is amazing.  Some stores, like Wal-Mart, even do it for free!

10. SIMPLIFY

Consider simplifying “all the things”.  You know, areas like gift-giving, Christmas cards, Christmas baking, homemade gift making.  Just because your friend is doing “all the things” and loving it, doesn’t mean it will bring you the same joy.  If it brings you joy then that’s great.  BUT, if it’s causing you stress, consider doing less.

Blessings to you this season!  May it be one that is joy-giving rather than stress-inducing!

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Our ALL TIME Favorite Christmas Albums

Back in my college days, my roommate and I cued up the Christmas music in September.  Yes, you read that right, SEPTEMBER!  These days I wait until after Thanksgiving, and each year I add one or two albums to our repertoire.

There’s nothing I love more than cozying up with a mug of hot tea, turning the fireplace on, and playing some beautiful Christmas music.   Here are our favorite albums, in no particular order!

This post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost to you).

KID’S FAVORITE:

“Slugs & Bugs Christmas” by Slugs & Bugs

Silly, sweet and sometimes serious, Slugs and Bugs brings great joy to my kids. They will even play it when it is NOT Christmas time.

MY FAVORITES:

“Behold the Lamb of God” by Andrew Peterson

This album starts in Genesis and proceeds through the Bible to tell the story of God’s redemptive plan, through music.  I love how he took the “begats” in Matthew and made them into a whole song.

“Christmas” by Michael W. Smith

This album was put out in 1989, almost 30 years ago, so it’s an OLDY, but a GOODY.  This was Michael W. Smith’s first Christmas album and many would say his best!

I personally am not usually a Michael W. Smith fan (though I’ve always loved his Christmas albums).  However, we saw him in concert last year with Amy Grant, Jordan Smith, and a full orchestra, and WOWZERS, can he give a performance!

I love that this Christmas album is a combination of choral singing and orchestra.   It’s a classic GOOD album.  I probably play this album the most during the holidays.

“Sing! An Irish Christmas” by Keith & Kristyn Getty

Added this to the list in 2019.  My newest favorite Christmas album. Old songs and new songs alike.  “In the Bleak Midwinter” is my favorite and the kids love “Sleighride Medley”.  🙂

EVERYBODY LOVES:

“That’s Christmas to Me” and “PTXmas” by Pentatonix

These are both fun and upbeat albums that we all love.  Good for those moments when you’re looking for something to perk you up.  They have other Christmas albums, but these are the ones we have.

“A Family Christmas” by Piano Guys

If you’ve never heard of Piano Guys I encourage you to check them out.  Piano guys put out beautiful instrumental music that combines piano and cello.  I love their unique style and their music moves me…..

“Tis the Season” by Jordan Smith

We heard Jordan Smith perform last year and WHOA can he sing!   His rendition of “The Grinch” is reason enough to get this album.  His voice has a rich sweet tone and he’s a pure delight to listen to!

“Sing the Bible Family Christmas” by Slugs & Bugs

The newest addition to our Christmas Music repertoire, Sing the Bible Family Christmas is also put out by Slugs & Bugs.  It’s a little more serious than their first Christmas album.  It’s kind of like Andrew Peterson’s Behold the Lamb of God Album, but for kids.  It has a Charlie Brown Christmas vibe.

**Do you have a favorite Christmas album?   I’m on the lookout for some beautiful sacred choral Christmas music.  If you have an album you love, please let me know!**

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“Hey Mom?”: Musings from an introverted mom of a chatterbox

Recently I was driving my 8-year-old son to his vision therapy appointment.

Being that the therapy center is 35 minutes from our house, I usually make use of that car time by playing an audiobook.

It was just him and me in the car that day, and so I asked him, “What book do you want to listen to?”.  He responded with, “Can we just talk?”

I SIGHED QUIETLY to myself. 

“Sure, honey”.  I knew well what “talking” meant – bring on the questions!  The rest of the car ride was a Q&A session.  Normally me giving the answer, “Hmmm… I don’t know…”,  OR “We’ll have to get some books to look that up.”  I am now on the hunt for good books about the Titanic, because that is where this conversation Q&A marathon went….

I’m convinced my son’s brain is directly connected to his mouth…

And I’m thankful for how verbal he is.  See, he did not start to really talk until around the age of 3 1/2, and we were pretty concerned, so truly I am thankful that he talks… even if it overwhelms me at times.

Since I’m introverted and am recharged by time alone and in QUIET, his endless questions can feel like an ASSAULT to my (already suffering) “mom brain”.  And don’t get me wrong, I love this kid to PIECES!  He is one of a kind! But it doesn’t change the fact that the non-stop chatter feels like OVERLOAD.

Every time I hear “Hey Mom?”, my neck gets tense and I take a deep breath. Usually once “Hey Mom?” starts, it continues to a string of questioning for the next “X” amount of minutes.

His questions are a combination of genuine curiosity about the world around him (he’s my nature-smart kid) AND the fact that his brain is not totally organized (related to visual processing and auditory processing issues which we’re working on in occupational and vision therapy).  He processes almost EVERYTHING verbally.

When asked to “be patient” and hold his questions until I am done talking to someone else, he has a difficult time.  He is afraid he will forget his thought… and the fact of the matter is – he will!  So naturally, I give this kiddo some grace, even though I’m sure onlookers don’t always understand.

Tips For Other Moms of Chatterboxes

I don’t have it all figured out but here are some strategies that help me with my incessant talker:

  • When busy or just not in a position to be on the receiving end of a barrage of questions, give your kiddo an ear for a few minutes.  But let them know you will need to move on (to whatever you need to do) in a certain amount of time.
  • If the “Hey Mom?” is in regards to them wanting to SHOW you something they’ve made or they need you to DO something for them, and you’re currently in the middle of something, it’s ok to have them wait.
  •  If it’s information they seek, do whatever you can to get them reading!  Once he learned to read (at age 7), our son’s non-stop talking did ease up.  It got much better because he was no longer relying on me only for information intake(whether that was through conversation OR me reading to him).
  •  To help them learn how to work on their communication skills, try the communication game, which I described in this post under ‘Bravewriter’.  This game challenges them to use their words EFFECTIVELY.  They have to be selective and choosy about the words they use in order to do well in this game.

And now signing off as I enjoy some quiet moments by the fire… AKA “Brain re-charge” time. 🙂

 

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