Under Pressure: Putting the Child Back In ChildhoodOf my three children, one is most definitely moving away from childhood, one is on the brink (sometimes a child, other times yearning to be older) and one is still very much a child! It is so easy to move children forward too quickly; our adult world consistently impinges on their needs and developments - and our own concerns and worries about 'keeping up' may lead us to push children (and ourselves) to the edge. This book reflects on modern life, education and the basic needs of children. I am re-reading it; as a result we are on a screen detox this week. The i-phones have been put away, the second lap top closed, the i-pod shut down and the TV covered. It's day two; the energy in the house is already so different. Books are being read, games are being played and it is much noisier (is that a good thing?) as the children talk and play and sing instead of being sucked into the vortex of cyber space. Loving it!
Nature's Playground: Activities, Crafts and Games to Encourage Children to get OutdoorsI am not that imaginative when it comes to being outside, but when I have been outside I feel rereshed and whole again (unless it's pissing down with rain - then I just feel wet.) Getting the children involved with wanting to be outside can be a challenge; this book is full of great ideas for children of all ages (and adults) that takes you through the seasons with simple ideas for enjoying nature and the outside. Our home ed plan is to tackle one activity a week!
The Life Organizer: A Woman's Guide to a Mindful Year
Last year was so involved in the campaign to save Independent Midwifery and so busy with births, that I feel I was constantly rushing (apart from our time out in the states) and not as mindful of myself as I would have liked. I purchased this book a couple of years ago, but last year it sat on my bedside table for 12 months without being opened. I plan to use it this year with intention, to centre myself, nurture myself and find time to follow some of my own dreams.
Which will you add to your bookshelf?
Sometimes it's the simple books that give you all the information you need: I don't have masses of money to have a beautifully stocked library - and neither do I feel the need for that when we have great public libraries. I do however like to have handy resources for the children to explore and the Usbourne beginners books are clear, small and affordable. We used this little book for our geography lesson (below), and if we need more detail we head off to the library for heavier titles.
How do you approach Geography as a home educating parent? Ummm, if like me, you stick some maps of the world up and hope that will work then this book is perfect for you! Each chapter as an element of geography (including maps, climates, time zones and so forth); the chapter starts with 'what you need to know' which I read to the children, followed by prompt questions to get you thinking and then a hands-on activity to support and explore the learning. I enjoyed our first 'lesson' last week on the Earth in space almost as much as the children did!
I am one of those people who find it hard to say 'NO'; for whatever reason I hear myself saying yes even when I am thinking "how am I going to do that?"! This book was a gift from a friend who saw that in me, and noticed that I was often overwhelmed and neglecting myself to my own detriment (I love good friends like that!). The book has a strong Christian ethos throughout (but don't let this put you off if you are not religious); I have (with the support of the book) been able to put effective boundaries into place that have had a hugely positive impact on my quality of life. And I no longer feel guilty when I need to say no! 
