One of the unintended side effects of homeschooling our kids is that they are all learning disabled. On the playground, that is.
“Push me, Mama! Push me!” 5 year old Juliette begged from the playground swings the other day.
A gang of playground mommies turned on me, their eyebrows arched in surprise. “Doesn’t she know how to pump?” they asked. Well, shocking though it may be, no she doesn’t. Still more embarrassing is the fact that her older brother Ambrose doesn’t either. Without the benefit of daily exposure to playground equipment, it seems my children come up a bit short among the sandbox set. As a matter of fact, it was only last fall that my oldest learned the art of swinging solo.
But in our defense, I must point out that we homeschooling types have other life skills. Kateri can single-handedly round up and wing-clip an entire flock of flapping chickens. Eamon can cook breakfast for a family of nine. Ambrose can soothe a fussy baby. Juliette can fold and put away a load of laundry.
I am a practical mother. I say, so what if they’re a little “delayed” on the swings?