Learning to slow down and asking for help from your kids.

In November 2008, I was schedule for surgery on my right foot to remove a bunion that was causing pain and problems.    Honestly, I was wondering why I had to go through this with 4 kids aged 7 and under (including a little one under 1 year old).   But it turned out that it wasn’t this bad.   As I write this, I still have 3 weeks in a cast – weeks where I can’t drive obviously so I am trying to make the best of the situation…   During this time I have the chance to slow down – literally.   And I have the opportunity to ask my kids to get more involved in the day to day life in the home.    I must honestly say that I am blessed to have these kids.   The older ones are helping a lot with their younger brother and sister as well as helping in the house.    Can you believe that my 2^nd grader helped with the laundry thanks to a product I have reviewed recently?   Yes you read that right – Alexandre has done laundry!   I plan to use to new skill in the future as it will permit me to prepare something else while he loads the washer.   Picking up time is done with less whining and crying too!   How did I do it?   Not sure but the rule now is if you are done with it, you pick it up.    It removes lot of things on the floor and permits me to walk without worrying if I will slip on some toy…   Another plus of having Alexandre at home is that he can help me to bring his baby sister downstairs.   You see it’s a little bit tricky for me to go down the stairs and I need to keep a hand on the railing.   Since Jasmine is not able to go down the stairs by herself, well I need help.   Homeschooling has slowed a bit during the week following the surgery but its back on track since then.    Homeschooling had permitted me to have some help when I needed it.   Homeschooling also trained my oldest to household duties which he wouldn’t have learned at school.   Homeschooling permits my kids to grow close to each other and me to get to know them.    The other day, I was sitting on the sofa and enjoying their laugh and play while resting my foot.   Oh the joy of hearing them having fun together.   Homeschooling has allowed us to be close and to explore together life with its ups and downs.   Events happen sometimes and the fact that we homeschool permits us to be flexible.   

Oh and if you are wondering… YES I can’t wait to be able to drive so I can get out a bit more!   But for now, I am enjoying the rest and peace of being at home… and even without the cast on, I will have to continue to slow down a bit since there is another 6 weeks without impact activity that will follow.