Apr. 1, 2008
• Home Education Week: My Greatest Challenge
Posted in
Home Education
April Fool’s!: Tuesday, April 1
And we have likely all felt the fool in one way or another. Share your greatest challenge. Or one of those terrible, horrible no good, very bad days where the only thing there is to do seems to involve moving to Australia.
My biggest challenges always hinge on my expectations, so I would say that my biggest homeschooling challenge is my expectations. I plan a really fun day, expecting that my children will jump right in and everything will go as planned, and nothing turns out the way I had hoped. I plan several weeks of really fun math activities and living math books, expecting that everyone will love it and math will be fun forever; but it doesn't work out as planned, we don't get to math at all, or it doesn't change math attitudes in all of my children. I plan a great winter nature outing, expecting everyone to be thrilled to get out of the house, but some of my children complain the entire time. It could be curriculum-related, a planned fun day, keeping up with housework...you name it.
With expectation comes the possibility of disappointment. With disappointment comes the possibility of unfair criticism. Don't get me wrong: I'm not saying that I should condone complaining or other sinful attitudes. However, I also have to be very careful not to let my expectations drag me into a sinful attitude, which I do far too often. It's okay to be flexible and not worry if things don't go as planned. Sometimes another plan is better. Sometimes I just can't please everyone. :-) And sometimes God uses circumstances to expose my own sin or sin in my children's lives that He wants to address.
So, my own expectations probably challenge me more than anything in our homeschooling adventure. However, I thank God that He uses my failures to prune and refine me, and that my children know (without a doubt) that I am nowhere near perfect, but that He is perfect and forgiving.
~Andrea
Apr. 1, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by
PosterGirl
I can thoroughly relate to you in this. I do the same thing myself and have to step back and re-remind myself of the possible reasons you mentioned. I am given to be a perfectionist in other areas, and I was amazed when it also reared its ugly head even in my homeschooling and relationships. I think being aware of what I'm thinking and why can help me get past those hurdles. And being with other hs moms who are also walking on these same paths is also helpful. I am so glad you shared your very wise insights- you really articulated things I think so many hs moms can relate to.
God bless,
Kim
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Apr. 1, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by
lahbluebonnet
Years ago I learned from Christian author Dr. Larry Crabb the difference between desires and goals. But I always forget that during the school day. sigh
Blessings,
Laurie
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Apr. 1, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by
AcceptanceWithJoy
I have been working on having appropriate goals for my child for years. Every once in awhile I realize how close she is to moving out and we step it up... and she gets stressed and starts to shut down... I realize I am messing up big time... I apologize and we get back to normal.
Those times are balanced by the times I think, "She is old enough to do this on her own." I don't set any goals and then I get mad because her room looks like a disaster and she is a week behind on her lessons.
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Apr. 1, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by
Ellen
I totally know what you mean about expectations. I've almost quit homeschooling, because I expected it would go smoothly and everyone would be happy to learn.
http://ellenfunlearning.blogspot.com/
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Apr. 1, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by
Anonymous
"My expectations..." Yeah, that about sums up my problems as well. Actually, that is why I wanted to have one topic that had something to do with challenges. I think one of the most difficult hurdles for many new homeschoolers is realizing that everyone has bad days...it isn't just them, no matter how "together" the people they know seem.
Dana
http://principleddiscovery.com
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Apr. 2, 2008 - http"//maccarthaigh.blogsot.com
Posted by
Anonymous
I have also joined in the Home school Week although I live in Ireland! I like what you say and am in agreement, especially about God refining us through our experiences!
God bless and keep up the good work.
Ruth
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Apr. 2, 2008 - What a great post!
Posted by
AussieinAmerica
You are right on the money here! I have been noticing this too. Thanks for the reminder to check my expectations. Good stuff.
Stacy
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