My day off yesterday was fantastic. I made some serious headway on a personal project I've been kicking around. But while the holiday was the catalyst for my progress, I've spent time on this project regularly for the past couple of weeks. My momentum has been building.
This drive to be productive in my free time isn't new. Granted, I've spent my fair share of time watching movies, playing computer games and hanging out with friends--often doing one of the former with the latter <smile>.
Still, much of my free time is dedicated to creating. Many hours of my childhood were soaked up writing stories and poetry, recording music and audio dramas, shooting movies, fiddling with computer games/code, or taking apart the electronics my parents had deemed beyond repair.
I'm only "bored" when I'm too fried to do something creative, or when I find my efforts are blocked (for example: when I wanted to light a box on fire but my mom didn't think I should).
One of the great things about homeschooling is all the time it frees up for students. Since we don't have to sit at a desk for a prescribed number of hours each day, our free time need not be filled with lethargy. Instead, chunks of the day become opportunities to hone skills and produce things that help others. We don't have to be bored because we still have the emotional and mental energy we need to engage in an interest.
Paint
What do your children do with their free time? Are they frequently bored? If so, there are plenty of Electives that may spark their interest...
How about you? Are you able to find time in your busy day? Do you have the energy to pursue hobbies? If so, what are they?
~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Empty Nester
[…] Other favorite memories? Having time. Having so much free time that I could hone my skills and be creative. […]
[…] bewildering, but this homeschooling thing is fantastic. ...a bit like cosplay: Fringe, but freeing; creative and compassionate; a chance to "be yourself" while also aspiring to be […]
[…] relaxed and dependable schedule. But I always found time to create. Homeschooling--with all the free time it gave me--was a perfect setup for establishing this […]
[...] "Containment" is not one of your goals. Paul Graham states that "Officially the purpose of schools is to teach kids. In fact their primary purpose is to keep kids locked up in one place for a big chunk of the day so adults can get things done." The primary purpose of homeschooling is to educate our kids. After we'd done some of that each day, my parents let me run free. [...]
Connie, that is a great point about hobbies and relaxation. Very good stuff. And, as a film guy myself, I'm always glad to know of good people going into the visual arts <smile>.
"Free" time: Time when no other pressing matters require you to be doing something other. ...how's that, Mrs. C? <smile> And, yes, with some hobbies/activities (especially things like sports/events) you don't really have free time... because you've filled it up with something. Good point.
~Luke
Define "free." That will keep you busy for a while. Bwa ha ha haaaa.
Emperor is now at a point where his "hobby" is now his "specialty." Sometimes it's hard to know where the "free time" and work end... Though he also likes to spend some time playing video games and the like as well. He is always busy. :)
I liked reading Connie's post because every child is so different! That's really neat.
Hi Luke,
Don't know if you remember but you prayed for our family when my husband lost his job in audio/video production in OH. I really appreciated that :) Well, we're on the other side of a move to OK and he's once again in the college classroom (Oklahoma Baptist University). Life is hard but God is good!
We are a creative bunch of 6. My eldest daughter (22) is working toward directing film. Next oldest child, a 19 year old son, plays a mean drum set. My 14 year old daughter designs and creates jewelry and plays classical piano. My 12 year old son is a graphite artist.
I find that there's nothing like a little bit of creativity to relieve tension. For me it's scrapbooking, card making, crochet, knitting. I find that the tension builds to a point and then I just gotta do something like arrange flowers :) Even something small helps!
Great question :)