Generation Misdiagnosed

I was recently reading an article that nearly made my blood boil.  Researchers are now saying that there are nearly 1 million children in the United States that are misdiagnosed with ADHD.  Boy, did I see that coming.  In the early nineties, when I was teaching in school this was so common.  Although our school was a proponent of natural rememdies, I had many children who were treated with ADHD drugs.  Many of them were truly discipline problems even WITH their medication.  Often I could not tell a difference between their behavior on the drugs or off the drugs. (which by the way, leads teachers to suggest higher doses and on and on)  But now, a decade later we are trying to rein in a horse that has run free for way too long. What damage has already been done to the previous generations that are now trying to function as adults?

The other article that I read stated that often the issues associated with ADHD can be resolved with play, "green" time, and excercise.  The studies cited in this article mentioned that children were tested with no play time - with play time indoors - and with  playtime outside.  Which do you think responded better?  I can only imagine that you would answer - play out of doors.  It is so true - children are created to discover, to learn through play, if we take that from them - WE are the ones causing these issues.  Here's the kicker - guess what teachers in schools do to children who are misbehaving?  They take away their playtime - the time they need outside to release their energy - to discover - and to play.  You see, a vicious circle ensues.  Misbehavior, no play time, more misbehavior, teacher diagnoses child as ADHD, child put on medication, misbehavior...  What did we do 100 years ago when there wasn't ADHD?

Just go play outside...

Busy, Busy, Busy

Wow...isn't it amazing how exhausted you get when you are constantly going?  This past week has been very crazy... well, crazy good!  We had a youth meeting at church, and then our Bible conference  - along with a family in the church moving across the country, and another moving in. Every day was alot of going, and working... and we are truly exhausted. The children actually slept 11 hours last night. That spoke volumes to me.  They were (with all their amazing energy) as tired as I was!

Through our exhaustion, weakness, and business - God was still so good to meet with us. I can truly say as so many others have before, "a river was running through my soul." We serve an awesome God, that is so good, so loving, and so just.  I deserved nothing - yet he picked me up out of my sin - set my feet upon "the Rock" - and no, He didn't just leave me there - He continues to care for me, love me, and make me more like Him.

So tired... but so blessed!

Carnival of Homeschooling on Homeschoolbuzz

This week's carnival of homeschooling has a lot of great posts. I appreciate these "collections" of helpful and inspiring posts about homeschooling.  Take a minute and read a few... it just may give you a great idea, or inspire you in some way!

Homeschool Blog Carnival

Thoughts from Archibald Alexander 1772-1851

I have been reading an article written over a hundred years ago entitled "Thoughts for Young People." Yes, some of it is outdated, but some of it is ever so relevant... for today... and for me...


Here's a snipet...

Permit me to suggest the following brief rules for the government of the tongue. Avoid talking too much: "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin" (Pr. 10:19). If you have nothing to communicate that can be useful, be silent. Think before you speak ...Especially, be cautious about uttering anything in the form of a promise without consideration. Be conscientiously regardful of truth...Never speak what will be likely to excite bad feelings of any kind in the minds of others. Be ready on all suitable occasions to give utterance to good sentiments, expecially such as may be useful to the young. Listen respectfully to the opinions of others, but never fail to give your testimony - modestly but firmly - against error. "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt...Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers" (Col 4:6; Eph 4:29).

Playing... Is it Learning?

I wonder sometimes if we really understand how to educate.  Isn't it funny how a comment here, or an action there can get you thinking about something so off the wall?  I am beginning to believe that playing for children or enjoyment for adults is connected to learning.  What motivates?  I am sure our desires account for much of it. Do we desire to do something that will make us miserable? Of course not.  Just thinking out loud...

On the "educated" side of things, I have read many studies that connect play and learning.  It is a documented fact that children learn through play. God created them that way.  So, when I sit down to educate my children, do I make allowances for that? Sad to say, sometimes I don't.   I am not saying that all day everyday should just be fun and games, but why can't something fun be the method used to bring the instruction.  Jesus used parables.  An enjoyable means to get across a message.

Each day in our homeschool provides new questions and situations... I think that learning would be a whole lot easier if it were a bit more fun.  How can I help make it that way? Still working on that question, but I have some ideas in the making.  I'll get back to you on this one...

By the way... the photos were taken by my daughter "playing" with the camera... hmmm....

Getting back on the horse...

Wow... life can tend to get pretty difficult at times. Well, at least where I live. Yet, I love where God has put me, I love my children, I love working with the young people at church, I love tutoring, I love being a Pastor's wife... but at times it isn't easy to walk in all those shoes. 

Recently - things have been getting to me... so since this year's GACS convention was at Myrtle Beach, my husband (yes, the one who never organizes family outings) decided he was going to take me there. After I got over the initial shock of his spontaneous decision, I was amazed...

Grateful...

... and excited!

We went this past weekend, and it was truly wonderful. I couldn't help but feeling like we were on a second honeymoon - he was so sweet. (wait...not that he isn't sweet normally - but just more so...) I definitely came back with an armload of precious memories, a hermit crab ( I can't believe I actually bought one of those things - from one of those horrible beach stores...), and a desire to get back to my crazy life.

So... why did I cry all day yesterday? I really couldn't figure it out, even while I was crying - I knew that I needed to get a grip. God has been way to good to me - for me to get in the ditch like that.  After begging God to give me the strength that I needed to get up and go about what He has given me to do - I finally got through it. 

"Why have I found grace in thy eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me?" Ruth 2:10

Ok... it's days like that that make me feel sorry for the men who have to try to figure us out... especially when we can't even figure our own selves out.  - Looking forward to a brighter day, and greater things through my precious Lord...