I have often wondered if I am being a bad homeschooling mom because we do not participate in any of the above. I keep thinking that the kids need to be in sports or a co-op. I am wondering if they are 'socializing' with other kids enough.

Than I think that they go to Sunday School for two hours and AWANA for another two hours. That's four hours of being with children their own age. Is it enough, I still ask myself. At least when we were in California they had their grandparents & cousins.

My kids do not have a best friend or hang out with the neighborhood kids (not that we see any kids around here ) 

The more I ponder this and take it to the Lord wondering if my kiddos are going to be normal. God again comforts me in my time of doubt. He has let me know that they do not need any of the above. He has shown me that my Sweets and I are all they need at this time. We are to be their only influence right now.

I am so glad because I don't have to worry about my kids asking if they could go to so & so's house. I don't have to worry about others influencing. My kids don't have to deal with peer pressure. Because even around other Christians there still is clicks, peer pressure and value differences.

We are not running around town dropping kids off here and there. Our life is exactly what I want it to be right now. The kids and I are home 5 days a week. We have a schedule. We don't have a hectic week. We do go to AWANA and getting them ready takes a lot of energy. I can't imagine doing this during the day or more than our AWANA night.

My heart is telling me that keeping them home is what is right for our family. I don't know how to explain it but as our family continues to draw near to Him it seems so right.

I also keep thinking about how not so long ago people farmed. Their children where with them all day. They were kept busy helping run the farm, they worked and didn't have to be entertained. I say that because a lot of things we put our children in our for their glory. I don't mean to offend anyone. What I'm expressing here is for 'my' family. I have a deep desire for my children to put their time & energy into something that will further the kingdom of God. I know they are young right now and these activities would be lots of fun for them, but I don't want them to think that that fun is about self. I want fun to be helping an elderly neighbor rake her leaves or go down town and pass out some lunches.

Lately I feel like our family has been at a stand-still. Not to long ago the Lord has shown me that it's because he is ready for us to take the next step with the kids in serving others. They have wonderful loving hearts and are very selfless compared to how I was at their age, but I have noticed that we have not been growing in this are. I have read tons of missionary books to my children, books on other children around the world and teaching about how thankful we should be for what we have. Now I think the Lord is showing us to go out and serve.

If we were too busy with co-ops, music & sports right now our Saturdays would be full and leaving us too busy to take the next step that God want us as a family to take.

I'm still seeking Him in this area because I'm not sure what we are to do but I know God will show us.

Blessings,

Linda<><

Email me at Homeschooling6[At]hotmail[Dot]com.