Learning Something New

One of the things about being the mother of an unschooled child is that I apparently have to provide opportunities for Starling to explore her interests.  I have always wanted her to ride because I think it is so classy so I signed her up for riding lessons.  She complained a lot on the way over and was not as cooperative as I hoped about wearing pants to ride in.  I think I will buy her some cute lil’ jodhpurs for her to wear next week.  Anywhoo, we got to the stable and I was eyeing up some of the other moms and they were all very well dressed so I just know I will fit right in!  Röbert may need to up his jewelry buying game though.

The riding instructors brought out some horses and tried to put Starling on a brown one.  Of course she was not at all interested in riding a common brown horse.  She was very clear with the riding instructor that she needed one “as black as coal”, like Black Beauty, or a pure white princess horse.  Finally they rounded up a white one for her.  She took a bunch of selfies with it but then they wanted her to brush it or something and saddle it up herself.  I marched right over and let them know in no uncertain terms that my daughter is NOT a common laborer.  I also very politely asked when she could start jumping her horse over fences and they acted like I was nuts.  Have they never seen horse riding on television!?

She had the prettiest dress at the stables! And the horse was definitely the nicest one, even if it didn’t have a unicorn horn.

The other mamas were very sweet and I can see that I have found a new set of friends.  So excited!

Amazing Discovery

I stopped by the Wozinski’s yesterday to discuss sharing our homeschooling duties.  Boy, they sure aren’t very friendly all of a sudden!  I guess just because their girls aren’t pretty enough to hang with Starling, they are blaming her for all of their troubles.  Woo boy, look inside yourselves, girls, because that is where the problem is.  And judging by their rude mom, I can guess why they might not be super popular!

At first I was all excited that if they were the ones blaming Starling for “bullying” them, then problem solved, I can send her right back to school.  But do I really want her in an environment that tells her that her behavior is wrong?  Just because she is so beautiful? I am not sure.

I was looking up ways to homeschool her online that wouldn’t cost ME too much time and I made an amazing discovery.  Have you ever heard of unschooling?  It is incredible.  So basically you don’t have to do a thing and because children are so naturally smart and curious they end up teaching themselves!  I couldn’t believe my eyes.  I would have Merlin do it too, but he can be a lil’ much with all of his, “What is this article about Mommy?” or “Do you know what a supernova is?”.  He exhausts me because, I don’t know and no and excuse me, I am reading my Us Weekly right now.

So we started today and Starling watched Judge Mathis, People’s Court, another court show with a cute hispanic looking judge, and 2 episodes of Cheaters.  I think she might be a lawyer someday!

She is also teaching herself to dance. I think unschooling may just work out for us!

I am not sure if I can do this though.  I kept forgetting that she was home and ended up running out for important meetings (a spa appointment, a meeting with a friend who is selling this incredible eyelash treatment, Pilates, and my acupuncturist) but every time I got home she was still watching these very educational court shows.  I am so proud of her!