One of the reasons we have chosen to homeschool our children is to be able to monitor the people who have an influence on them.Some might say we are sheltering our children…yes, we are.Too much?Maybe.Some may agree, some may not.Mike and I know we are responsible only to the Lord for how we raise them.Just as I hide myself under the shadow of the Lord for his protection, our children are under the shadow of our wings for our protection.
Having our children’s friends in our home allows us to monitor what is taking place, as well as address any situations that may come up.This prevents attitudes from having time to take root.Once manifested, they can immediately be dealt with.I also want to know what sorts of kids they are choosing as friends.We discuss the attributes of a good friend and why it is important to choose wisely.Aligning ourselves with the wrong friends can have devastating consequences.
Today Austin had a friend over from church.They have spent the afternoon on the computer, playing football and wrestling…typical boy things!What fun they had.Throughout the afternoon, I overheard different comments or words used that we don’t use in our home.Nothing horrible, just not up to our standards.I listened, waiting to see if I needed to step in.Each time Austin responded appropriately, gently reminding his friend that we don’t say those things.How it warmed my heart to see him making right choices even in the face of peer pressure.Even though this boy is two years older than Austin, he didn’t hesitate to speak the truth in love.Yeah!
Yes, some may say the choice to homeschool is a choice to over protect.To see our boys standing strong in what they know to be right reinforces in my mind that we are doing the right thing.They are learning and growing safely under the shadow of our wings.
One of my favorite comments from a speaker at my very first homeschool convention eight or nine years ago was something like, "When people criticize me for being overprotective of my children I say, 'Thank you, I try!'" LOL! (((((HUGS))))) sandi
You are doing an amazing job Angela! I am so proud of Austin for you :-) You are not over protecting your chidlren by homeschooling. You are doing what the Lord has called your family to do! Anyone who would make judgements about this is not judging your decision but the Lord's decision for your family! Keep up the awesome work. I love and admire you so much!
Hi ........just bloghopping from my sister in law Rachelle's
I think one can never be too careful, especially when it comes to their kids friends, as they can have such an impact.
I wish I'd had what it takes to homeschool... I still may someday if our current situation doesn't work out.
Merry Christmas!
You said that so beautifully. When Emily was a baby I heard a homeschooling mother say that she wasn't trying to hide her children from the world, she was equipping them with the right tools to live in it under God. That was what first got me thinking about homeschooling. I would much rather immerse my children in truth and have them recognize wrong when they come to it than vice versa. :-)
I loved the way you put this! I hear the "overprotection" comment so much. In my heart I always answer, "Yes, that's the point...to protect. I'd much rather overprotect than underprotect." You explained this much better than I could have. Way to go, Austin! (and Mom/Dad for such good training).
OHHH I enjoyed this post very much...hehe when people tell me I am overprotecting my boys, I just give them the DUH look and tell them IF I DONT who will?? There will be time enough as adults to face the big bad world, IF I do my job as mom and pour Jesus into them daily, when that time comes I wont have to fear or tremble...My prayer over my boys is that they will be Mighy men of God and mighty men of Valour....(Like King David's men in the Bible)
The daily, sometimes hourly, musings of a homeschooling mom of four surviving on prayer, friendship and lots of Starbucks. Some days my cup runs over and some days it all spills out the cracks...and I wouldn't have it any other way.
