K is for Kid

Thank you for visiting my homeschool blog. I've been blogging through the alphabet. You can read more of my homeschool A to Z posts here. Feel free to leave a comment. I'd love to hear what you have to say.

K is for Kid

One big challenge of having a small scholar is convince IntelliGent there is more to life than learning letters and numbers. He loves to learn, but I know he also needs time to just be a little boy. He needs to run and play. He needs to climb and throw balls. I try to encourage those activities by taking him to the park or letting him play in the back yard. We also do movement activities during our school time.

While camping in Michigan, IntelliGent got to be a kid. He didn't insist on school (though he asked about it a few times). Instead he ran around, played ball, and watched his cousins. He was a happy carefree child. If I didn't know better, I would have thought he was a normal 2 year old. It did my heart good to see him so happy being a boy.

Running through bubbles

Rolling balls down the hill

Learning to catch

Playing putt-putt golf

I've noticed, since returning from our camping trip, IntelliGent is far more confident in his physical abilities. That confidence shows up in other areas as well - most noticeably in his potty training efforts.

IntelliGent is a wonderful gift. I am learning to balance his need for learning with his need to play. I often have to remind myself though he's in kindergarten, he is only two.

D is for Diapers

Over the next few weeks I'm blogging through the alphabet. You can read more AtoZ posts by clicking here.

D is for Diapers

When IntelliGent was six months old, Dr. Dad and I took a big step and decided to start cloth diapering. He's been wearing the same diapers for the last two years. There are many reasons why we chose cloth.

IntelliGent's first cloth diaper

Saving Money

I'll admit, while not adding to land fills is a good thing, environmental concerns were not our number one reason for switching to cloth. We wanted to save money. Disposable diapers are so expensive. I was appalled at how quickly IntelliGent when through a big box. It seemed that we were buying diapers and wipes every week.

At first, I thought diapers were just a necessary evil, but then I took an honest look at our alternatives. Sure, setting up a diaper stash is a lot of money up front, but it is cheaper in the long run.

No Pins

A sample of our stash

When I was pregnant with IntelliGent I clearly remember my disparaging comments about how I would never use cloth diapers. I didn't want to deal with the mess. Reality check. Even with disposables I was dealing with the mess. There is nothing romantic about baby poo.

Thinking about cloth diapering always conjured images of stabbing my child with a pin. Not any more. Our cloth diapers have not pins, just a row of snaps to aid in sizing. Honestly, its as easy as putting on a disposable diaper. IntelliGent loves listening for all six snaps as I secure the diaper at his waist. Looking back, I wonder why I held such a prejudice against cloth. I was simply uninformed.

Baby Legs and Cloth Diapers

Cute Factor

One of the best things about cloth diapers is the colorful patters and solids available. These diapers aren't just something you hide under a child's pants, but often they become part of the outfit. My favorite accessory to go with cloth diapers are baby legs. These cute leggings add to already adorable outfits and make diaper changes a breeze.

I have never regretted my decision to go with cloth diapers, but after two years it is time to move on to a new phase. Yesterday, we took the first steps in breaking IntelliGent's dependence on diapers. Potty training is in full swing, and I am happy to announce it has been going very well.

Will I miss seeing that little bum in diapers? Yes, because they are so cute. Will I miss cleaning poo out of cloth diapers? Not at all.

Now the big question is, will he be day time potty trained before he starts K5?