How Much Is Too Much?

Yes, I would say that your kids are silently wishing that you would stop putting so much on them. I home school my children and I have found that they learn more if I don't push things on them. some days we may only do a couple of hours of work and others we will do 6 hours as they are studying something that we can talk about longer and in more detail as they seem so interested.

Yikes! You sound a little more like a college professor to me than a mom homeschooling your kids but then again perhaps my methods would be way too relaxed for you. I homeschooled my ds for about 4 years before he decided he wanted to go to highschool. He had been a VERY struggling reader in the fourth grade reading at something in the area of second grade level. There were more problems mostly with tracking and getting his work at school and homework done. Anyhow my ds returned public school for the ninth grade and entered right into all the honors courses offered for his grade and has been doing very well ever since. So imho he make remarkable progress homeschooling. However, he never would have put up (yes I realize VERY different kid) with doing all the work you have lined up for each day. Part of his homeschooling career, he completed computer lessons on each subject required that took him a very short time each day and then for the rest of the day he read books of his choice or watched educational dvds I would buy for him. We did all the field trips we could and also participate in some homeschool group activities. I am now homeschooling my 8 year old dd. We just started 2 weeks ago. No way she would sit through the program you laid out either. She is only in the third grade though. I buy all the educational software, books, (just today bought a science kit on electricity for $7.99 at Ollie's) and dvds that I can afford. You would be amazed at what the child is learning while she is having fun. She does do traditional type schoolwork also but she seems to learn the most when she thinks it is fun not just more work. Just curious as to how often you do the health and safety lessons. I don't think this is one area you have to stress over if you have to postpone activities for. Health and safety is in my opinion easy to incorporate in daily conversation, field trips, hand outs and etc. I know that you have to feel comfortable with what you are doing. If how things are is how you like it, perhaps you could add just a bit of variation now and again and see how your children respond. Go with what works for you and your kids. Every families situation is different. If you can be a bit flexible, I think you may find that your kids will be refreshed and learn more than ever. There are many ways to get the same material into those brilliant minds. Guess how my formerly reluctant learner spent his Saturday today? He got up at 5 am and was on the school bus at 6 am to go to an academic meet that lasted from 8 am to 4 pm. These meets consists of multiple tests, esssay writing, speech giving, and an interview. Not my idea of fun and but apparently a great time for him now. There is a big difference between learning because you find it fun and interesting and learning because someone is making you. Best wishes. You sound VERY dedicated to your children and I am sure you can find a happy solution for your family. Your children are fortunate to have a caring and involved parent like yourself.

I agree with Oreo there....while it sounds wonderful what you're doing, and you're giving your kids a well rounded curriculum of studies...it does sound a bit much...I think you should slack off just a tad, that way they'll remember more at a slower pace