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Confessions of a Homeschool Dad
Jun. 21, 2006
Independence vs. Individualism
We were at the Homeschool Conference down in Houston a couple of weeks ago and had a great time! There is a ton to learn, more curriculum than you can shake a stick at (didn't buy any though - they really need to learn how to do "conference specials" there...), and about 3,000 people.
One thing that we noticed (maybe it's the sessions that we went to) is that there was a big push on, basically, getting your kids to do things on their own. And I'm the biggest proponent of "kids as a labor force", so this was great for me!
And yet, I found myself in disagreement with just about every speaker that I heard on one point: Independence vs. Individualism.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
I'm a huge advocate of training your kids to be independent. That is, taking the extra time to train them to do the things that need to be done in their lives and taking the extra time to make sure they do them right.
My philosphy is that, even if, for a whole year (assuming your child is a slow learner!) it takes you 5 times the amount of time to train your child to do something that it would take for you to do it, you still come out ahead (assuming that your child will be in your house for 5 more years...)
However, what most of these speakers seemed to be advocating was something different. It was "wash your own clothes", "make your own meals", etc. In other words, the child, while taking burden away from the mother (a good thing!), wouldn't be contributing to the family at all.
We assign tasks to our kids that help out the whole family. For instance, our oldest daughter (7 years old) washes all of the breakfast dishes and helps washing everyone's clothes. Another sets the table for everyone and helps to cook the whole meal (okay - sometimes!).
What do you think? Is it the right thing to do to have the child just look after themselves? Or is there something more to the family dynamic?
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Jun. 21, 2006 - Hmm very interesting...
Not sure I would want them to cook and fix all their meals?hmm? They have cereal in the morning and sandwich for lunch or hot dog or soup... However, I totally enjoy cooking so I cook dinner...
Usually from scratch... I know I am rare so I am told.. but I truly enjoy doing that..
My 12 year old daughter cleans kitchen for me..
I have taught my kids how to wash clothes, however I still prefer doing it...
Don't necessarily like want to have my blouses ruined‘K LOL
I think there is a balance as they grow on how much you want them to do or not do‘K.I actually pray daily for wisdom in all areas of my life as train my children both academically and spiritually‘K Ί
I don‘¦t always agree in a lot of ways people are doing home school either but then again.. As long as I am on track and I prepare my kids for college then oh well to each its own‘K Ί
Maybe it was a blessing I did not attend any of the seminars in the Orlando Home school Convention??? *** Suzie ***