It's not just about academics! The extras...

It's that time of the year again, where I look at the schedule and wonder if I've overdone it. Only to be convinced by the kid, one more time, that we should add yet one more activity. 'Tis the life of a mom of a very extroverted only child!

I always find it amazing when people that know us worry about socialization and whether or not the kid has enough contact with children. They clearly either don't pay attention to the severe lack of "home" in our homeschooling, or aren't paying my gas bill! This year will be no exception, in fact, it may just blow last year out of the water. Between starting the new job (where the kid will often go to work with me) and his wide range of interests, I'd be better off in a little motorhome where we could just haul our home around with us!

In addition to his core academics, the kid has four hours a week of fencing lessons in a town 20 minutes away each direction. He has his regular elective classes at our charter school, which include musical theater, guitar and Spanish, as well as Math Olympiad and Lego Robotics and of course, Minecraft Club. He's recently begged for improvisational comedy classes, which are on the weekend. Add in his fencing tournaments that are always out of town and our local homeschooling group activities and that motorhome is sounding even better. Did I mention that he's also asking to raise a guide dog puppy? The motorhome needs a little potty spot that is mobile as well.

When I look at the list above, I think I must be completely insane. I've seen him at home this summer when there's little required and I've realized all the activity makes him buzz with happiness. It's not about avoiding boredom, or parental pushing, or even about keeping him out of my hair. He likes to be a "do-er" not a "think-er". He craves that constant motion from activity to activity and it drives him to be more productive and happier in the long run. I'm coming to terms with the idea that this is our reality until he can drive himself. Yet another reason we are a two-Prius family!

We are quite lucky to be able to homeschool because if you tacked on middle school homework and projects, he'd never be able to do even half of it. I'm still not sure how I am going to do it all, but at least I know that my son will be a happy, well-rounded and creative guy who isn't afraid to try new experiences.

Now, off to make a list of crockpot recipes so we can eat something over the next year!