Mother of 14 continued

Question: Hi, Barbara, I'm mom to 6 children. 11-5 year old. My question is we don't have the children taking music lessons, dance, or sports. We are busy enough just getting school done and keeping the house decent.I do take them to AWANA on Wed., church on Sunday and we take a walk to the park. We don't really have groups or co-ops.We don't isolate our children but it does seem like we are the only ones that stay home. LOL.My question is do you stay home a lot or are your dc in play groups, sports etc. ?When the children are older I would like them to do some community service; helping older people with their lawns, helping in homeless shelters and such.Will dc be okay with out doing any co-ops and such? Strange question I know :) Anyway, just wondering what your thoughts are on this. I know there is probably no set answer ;)

Answer: We are only involved in church, and a homeschool group that meets twice a month. This is the first year we have been involved in a homeschool group. I was too busy keeping my own boat afloat before this year. :)

My now 22 year old took piano lessons when he was 15- 17. He paid for them himself.My kids go with me everywhere though. When I shop- they are there following along like ducks. They are quite social creatures and will talk to anyone. :) They help neighbors with haying and seasonal things when they are teens- Mow lawns, paint fences, things like that.

I personally think mom's wear themselves out running here and there. I always figured being a "Keeper at home" meant I had to be there. LOL! I have enough kids that they have lots of playmates. if I had an only child I might be more involved in other things- but not something all the time. Running, running, running makes for tired, cranky kids and moms.Three of my four homeschooled graduates went on to college. They settled in fine and were not "unsocialized". Made A's and friends. :) Hugs, Barbara