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thankful for the hard road that leads to homeschooling
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We have made the choice to "bring our children home" to educate them next fall. While I'm excited, inspired, and flooded with all emotions wonderful over the thought of teaching them to count and read, to think analytically and creatively, to enjoy the classics, and master the subjects they most enjoy, I'm sick to my stomach each time I think of the initial struggle we'll have learning to "do school" together. My boys, you see, while tender and compassionate, expressive, loving, and creative... are also, all three of them, strong-willed fighters to the core.
I, on the other hand, am not a fighter. I spoke of the emotional and physical struggle of raising three strong willed sons here (and on many other posts to be sure. ) But now I'm embarking on a journey that requires being with ALL OF THEM - ALL THE TIME.
Eeee-Gag!
A few months back, when I first sensed the need to homeschool my middle-born, I spoke to a friend who home schools her three sons. She asked me why I wasn't thinking of bringing my first-born home as well, and I quickly blurted out the truth: "He's such a fighter, I guess I'm hoping that giving him other authority figures at school will teach him how to honor his elders." Leanne responded thoughtfully, but directly, "so you're sending your child to school to learn to honor you?"
Once again the words came fast, furious, and L O U D.
"YES!"
And then I laughed, cathartically, to have heard the truth come rolling up and out of my heart.
That was the first major turning point in my homeschool journey: Recognizing that my children were given to my husband and me, to train them and teach them. The first commandment with a promise is given to children and parents alike: "Honor your father and your mother as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be long and that it may go well with you." (Deuteronomy 5:16).
The command isn't for the young to learn to honor others in authority, and therefore their parents as a convenient by-factor. The job of training and leading children is mine - is ours. Had my children been compliant, easy learners, prone to honor and not to fight at every turn, I can't imagine ever making this choice to bring them home. It is the hard that has led us here. And so for the hard I must be grateful. And for the challenge set before me I must endure with Thanksgiving, Long-suffering, Faith and Joy.
We have only two more days of "school" before the boys are done with preschool, Kinder, and 2nd at their local Private School. And my shelves are already lined with the literature and music that is to accompany our learning in the Fall. Like I said, I am so very excited, inspired, and happy happy happy at the thought of what we are getting ourselves into. Yes, there will be challenging days, maybe even challenging moments EVERY DAY.... but there will be The Story of the World, and our set of four 10' long timelines to fill out throughout the year, not to mention such marvelous literature as D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths, and Homer's Great Epics, rewritten for Children. And that is just the beginning.
Everyday I feel joy at the prospect of learning right along with my guys. Everyday I am also reminded of the most challenging part of this charge, to train them to honor and obey... that their days may be long that that it may go well with them.
Wrapping up Spring,
Jumping into the Summer,
And ever so eager for the Fall.
Welcome to those visiting today from Women Living Well
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9 Comments
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Liz
2:33 PM on June 6, 2012
How funny because that would be my reaction to my first coming home. Are you doing the classical Ed?
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Mary Beth
3:01 PM on June 6, 2012
I'm toying with the idea of homeschooling, but the all day every day is what scares me. 
You are right though. God gave US our children to raise and teach.
Thanks for being honest!
Mary Beth
newlifesteward.com
You are right though. God gave US our children to raise and teach.
Thanks for being honest!
Mary Beth
newlifesteward.com
Reply
Jill
4:58 PM on June 6, 2012
Welcome to the homeschool journey!
I homeschool 5 boys and I'm still living!
Reach out when times get tough, there is so much support out there!
I look forward to connecting with you!
I homeschool 5 boys and I'm still living!
Reach out when times get tough, there is so much support out there!
I look forward to connecting with you!
We just finished our first year of homeschooling. It was a lot of fun, challening, frustrating at times, but totally worth it. There is a learning curve that required me to be patient with them and they with me. I am grateful for the opportunity to homeschool. Happy for you! Enjoy the journey!
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Wendy
7:28 PM on June 6, 2012
What a sweet note of encouragement! Thank you so much. I hope to connect with you again and hear from you some more about homeschooling your five guys. Blessings
Jill says...
Welcome to the homeschool journey!
I homeschool 5 boys and I'm still living!
Reach out when times get tough, there is so much support out there!
I look forward to connecting with you!
Reply
Wendy
7:31 PM on June 6, 2012
Thanks Christina for affirming the fun and the challenge we're in for. I've always loved your title and will continue to look to you as you walk these steps before me!
Wen
Wen
[email protected] says...
We just finished our first year of homeschooling. It was a lot of fun, challening, frustrating at times, but totally worth it. There is a learning curve that required me to be patient with them and they with me. I am grateful for the opportunity to homeschool. Happy for you! Enjoy the journey!
Reply
Wendy
7:37 PM on June 6, 2012
Ha! Yes! You get it!
And yes, we'll be going Classical. Both with a Classical Charter to help stay on track as well as a Classical Conversations group I am super excited about.
Here's to the future! Ours and yours,
Wen
And yes, we'll be going Classical. Both with a Classical Charter to help stay on track as well as a Classical Conversations group I am super excited about.
Here's to the future! Ours and yours,
Wen
Liz says...
How funny because that would be my reaction to my first coming home. Are you doing the classical Ed?
Reply
Lauren Holmes
9:46 PM on June 6, 2012
Good luck with your homeschooling journey. I'm sure you'll do well. It sounds like your love for learning and walk with God will help you as your pour into your boys. Blessings! Lauren, lholmes79.wordpress.com
It sounds like your love for learning and walk with God will help you as your pour into your boys. Blessings! Lauren, lholmes79.wordpress.com
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Miranda
1:31 PM on June 8, 2012
Best of luck! I think that regardless of our ways of schooling, the basics have got to be taught at home.
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