The older children can occupy themselves but often there may be a question about whether their time could be better employed.I have written about activities for middle childhood before.
We have a structured timetable for the "academic" part of the day but learning is so much more than academics and as we believe in a conversational style of learning spending time with children is vital.
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Deuteronomy 6v5-7
I'm hoping to write a little over the next few weeks, about spending time with older children. These, older children, are vaguely defined, in my mind, as children from about eight to thirteen. This isn't about spending time with older teenagers or little ones. My child in this age group is eleven. In many ways this is written for my benefit to make myself work on activities for my child. It may not apply if your children run your farm or house but for anyone, like me, struggling with trying to improve on computer games, I hope this may have some ideas.
This isn't just about leisure activities. Some of the activities will be just for fun but others are learning important life skills leading to future independence. Other activities will be around helping others. Hopefully, many of these activities will lead to conversational time.
One of my dearest memories as an older child is of time spent talking and debating with my parents. Being taught how to apply Biblical principles to life and teasing out how that might actually apply. I would be delighted if I could make a bit of that sort of time for my own children.
Other posts in series:
Games
Menu planning
Car maintenance
Exploring bread making
Three more ideas
"One of my dearest memories as an older child is of time spent talking and debating with my parents. Being taught how to apply Biblical principles to life and teasing out how that might actually apply." I think that is the best time that we can spend with out children! I wish I could rewind and ask them questions like, "Is the Bible a book of good works or great grace?"
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking and reminding us that time is a gift and to spend it well.
Thank you, Petra. The more child rearing I do, the more I realise the inadequacy of all I do and how much I, and all of us, need God's grace.
ReplyDeleteI have two (almost three) in this age category. I will be looking for your posts about this!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your posts as I struggle with this and my children. Thanks for sharing. Visiting from WOW. Happy Wednesday! ☺
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw your blog title at Petra's link I was excited to stop by. At first I thought you were referring to grown children as mine are. I loved when the kids were young but I really love the interaction I have with our adult children. What a blessing it is to be with them and talk with them and learn from them and be encouraged by them. The list goes on and on.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading your thoughts in this post!
Kindly, Lorraine
Lorraine, I don't think I can write about grown children. My eldest is still a teenager. Your grown children sound a really blessing.
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