[Tea] Disrupt the Schedule

Welcome to "Tea with Julie," a weekly missive by me, Julie Bogart. My wish is to give you food for thought over a cup of tea to enhance your life as an educator, parent, and awesome adult. Glad you're here. Pinkies up!
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Cincinnati, January 7, 2023

Hi Friend,

When asked what kids remember most fondly about their childhoods, not once in human history has a child recalled the careful and successful adherence to a schedule.

I know some of you are literally in love with your planners and gel pens. And you may look back at your 30s recalling the joy of planning everyone’s days within an inch of their lives.

But your kids… not so much! They’re going to remember the one day you blew up the schedule…and let them build Minecraft worlds with their sibling for an entire day.

How do I know?

Because when I asked Noah what his favorite childhood memory was, he told me playing Bolo, a tank computer game, with his brother Jacob for an entire day when he was 10.

So yeah.

What’s that one thing they want to do with unfettered access? Without interruption or limits?

Go forth and disrupt the schedule once in a while and create some truly memorable memories.

It’s okay. You can go back to your routine after the chaos (read: fun) is over.

It’s not going anywhere.

And that's it. That's the WHOLE tip. Do not read more tips, do not accumulate more activities. Give your kids access to what they love and then give yourself credit for doing it!

Also: if you are new with me here, welcome!

My book The Brave Learner: Finding Every Day Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life is a great read to get started with your year.

The Brave Learner

Warmly,

P.S. Catch up on all the “Tea with Julie” emails here!