Author: Mollie T. Cox

Friendship, Parenting

I Know You Already Know This

March 14th, 2021
Mollie T. Cox

Decades ago, I volunteered to substitute in a preschool Sunday School class in our new town. Not only were my three boys preschoolers, but I also had taught the three-year-old class at our former church. I chafed while the lead teacher showed me the lesson and spoke as if I were ignorant about both teaching and preschoolers. I admit my attitude towards her became poor.

Five years later, my sister-in-law prefaced a conversation with “I know you already know this.” The strong statements that followed were not perceived as a lecture but as Sherry’s desire to discuss information about which I was knowledgeable.

I don’t remember whether I knew the facts and opinions Sherry stated, but I know I did think what a respectful, disarming way to start specific conversations. I immediately recollected the Sunday School lecture about teaching preschoolers and how different it might have been if the information had been prefaced with “I know you already know this, but…”

We do need refreshers and reminders and exhortations about what we already know.  “I know you already know this” can be a respectful opening.

Thank you for being a reader of this blog about things “you already know.”

Memories, Parenting

Together As A Family

March 7th, 2021
Mollie T. Cox

Five of our family flew to Colorado Springs for my youngest son’s ordination as a pastor. That event was special enough, yet, the weekend was full of additional adventures.

Exploring Garden of the Gods, an awe-inspiring collection of rock formations.

Visiting the Air Force Academy, especially its architecturally beautiful chapel.

Driving through North Cheyenne Cannon—tight tunnels and a winding road so narrow that one car must stop or pull to the edge when encountering another car.

And much more: Watching the Preakness on the largest TV I had ever turned on—my mother-in-law’s favorite horse won; Catching snippets of Prince Harry’s wedding on the same incredible TV; Celebrating my mother-in-law’s 81st birthday.

On the drive home from the airport, I asked the son who had traveled with us to name his favorite event. His answer?  “Just being together as a family.”

It was a good reminder that while special activities can be valuable, just being together as a family is more so.

What is your favorite “Just being together as a family time?”

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

Psalm 133:1a ESV

Art, Homeschooling

Art: Play Name that Painting

February 28th, 2021
Mollie T. Cox

Do you need a short break from structured learning or want easy art appreciation? Naming works of art will accomplish both objectives.

I started this game to distract a five-year-old while her family wondered through the National Gallery of Art.

As a warm-up, I asked my restless charge to name an object in a nearby painting. After she said “girl” for Cassatt’s Girl with a Straw Hat. I praised her and asked, “What is she wearing?” followed by “What kind of hat?” Rachel was pleased when I read the title, and she realized that she could guess a painting’s name.

Choose well and your student will be successful. Consider Girl with a Watering Can by Renoir; The Mill by Rembrandt; Sunflowers by Van Gogh.

If you get “I don’t know?” explain that some artists also didn’t know. Their works are “Untitled.”

Extend the activity by asking your child to think of a different title or a subtitle.

Identifying a painting’s main idea extends to choosing topic sentences and recognizing themes in literature.

Tip: If you don’t live near an art museum, buy art calendars when they are discounted after Christmas and use them.

What games have you quickly invented ?

Homeschooling, Parenting

Mirarme, Look at Me

February 21st, 2021
Mollie T. Cox

I had just boarded a boat to cross the Strait of Gibraltar, when I heard a preschooler holler “Mirarme! Mirarme!”

Although I had taken five years of Spanish classes, these were the first Spanish words I had immediately understood after two weeks in Spain.

I turned and saw two nearby adults whom I assumed were the girl’s parents and the object of her commands, “Look at me. Look at me.”

The young child wasn’t doing anything exceptional, just frolicking on the deck, but she wanted her parents to see and undoubtedly applaud.

When a college friend interviewed me for her sociology essay, I relayed this story.

That is what I needed to know,” she said. “What is universal across cultures? Children wanting their parents’ attention.”

Kay’s observation has stuck with me forty-four years. Children never lose their desire for you to pay attention to them.

What can you do when you don’t know what to do? When parenting or homeschooling seems too hard? Look at them and give attention.

It is the easiest to do and the hardest to remember.

Heading for the airport to fly to Madrid. My high school Spanish Club spent four weeks traveling though Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

Who is calling “Look at me?” Perhaps silently?

Homeschooling

February is Hard

February 14th, 2021
Mollie T. Cox

I love winter—and not just the snow and glowing fireplaces and hibernating inside. The gift-giving holidays occur during winter, and I so love giving presents. I have more opportunities to drink hot chocolate. I can bake muffins and pies and not overheat the house. I can snuggle under blankets piled high and not overheat myself.

However, February was my hardest month to homeschool. When I told traditional teachers how I felt, they agreed. February was hard.

The excitement of new subjects has worn off like the edges of our new books. The end of the school year seems far away.

What did I do? Eventually, I learned to accept it. There was nothing wrong with me or my children or my school choices. It was a hard point in the journey that had to be traveled.

Second, I looked for a break in routine. Once, we spent the entire day reading about animals in winter after I kept yielding to “Another chapter, please.” We built models: castles, Viking towns, a Roman amphitheater and much more. We spent more time drawing. And no regrets.

How do you handle your hardest month?