BellaOnline Forums Education Gifted Education day off from explaining the universe in detail?

got a ? for you...

though i do NOT hold it against either of my kids, they are very consuming. my oldest very passionately pursues his interests. knowledge and projects of his require a lot of guidance, aid, and transportation. my youngest is DEFINITELY growing into these tendencies as well. we have become homeschoolers to meet those needs and let them satisfy and explore their curiosities.

i, before my first of 2 pg sons, could independently pursue some of my own interests and work. I managed 2 office locations while I got a degree in biochemistry (because I loved doing it and had thorough intentions of actually using it. :)) my sons are far more exhausting than that!

do you ever find yourselves thoroughly in need of not living in your children's intellectual shadows? i need a break from explaining the universe - or researching the references that i can get to explain it!

any advice? your personal, temporary escapes?

I did not realize just how intense my son was until a year ago when he spent 5 days away from home with my MIL. It was then that I realize just how intensely he causes me to think, ponder and explain. It was if my brain got to lounge around at the poolside sipping ginger ale for five days. LOL

When I'm in overload, I explain to my son that I enjoy discussing his interests and answering his questions, but my brain needs to rest just as my body does. I give him a period of time when I just need to be alone in my thoughts and then we'll get back to discussing his interests. I also try to get out for "me" time. Even if it's just 30 minutes. My son is 7 and socially mature so this works for us.

Intense kids can be physically and mentally exhausting. I have to force myself to take time for myself now and then, and when I do, I find I am a far more patient and calm parent. I don't worry about my brain turning to mush, as I exercise it regularly with books and writing, as well as discussions with gifted friends. But I do suffer from burnout now and then, and it is hard on the whole family when I get to that point.

I encourage all parents to build some "me" time into each day, if only for a cup of tea, a bubble bath, or a half hour with a good book and no interruptions.

It's okay to tell the kids that you need some down time. They are likely to understand it, at least in theory. They probably enjoy some time thinking about things of their own, too... just never thought that MOM would!

And take heart -- when they get older, if they are like my ds, they get easier!

oh yeah, the younger one is 2 years old
still got "me" time suggestions?

i love the mental image of the brain and the ginger ale!

Well, when my ds was 2, he napped....

Otherwise, maybe finding a compatible mother/child pair that you can swap off with now and then.