Jan. 15, 2008 - The Decision To Homeshcool
I am between sizes right now. My smaller size is too small and the bigger size is too big. Sometimes because of this dilemma I dream of sewing my own clothes. I think of all the things I would need to buy for my new hobby. My husband would probably laugh at me because he knows how obsessive I can be about things only to leave it by the wayside once I have accomplished the craft. I think that is why he questioned me for a year before I dived into homeschooling with all my heart. I remember him asking me if I was only considering homeschooling because my friends were homeschooling, too? He knows how much I like to fit in rather than be an outsider, and so he questioned my motives constantly.
It was at this point that I sat down with God, Bible in hand, and I prayed. I asked God many questions. What do you want me to do? How will I do this? Bible verse after Bible verse God promised to be with me every step of the way. After that I made a committment to my girls that I would not only dive into homeschooling with passion but to also stick with it until they graduate from High School.
I began homeschooling when my oldest entered 4th grade. She went to a Christian school from 1st grade through 3rd grade, and she did very well. However, the homework in 3rd grade was more than our family could bear. She plugged away at her homework until bedtime Monday through Friday, except Wednesday. Many nights we struggled to finish all that was required. In 3rd grade I also found out that she had a vision learning disability and ADD. I finally understood why she was unable to complete her work in school and had to bring everything home. She could not concentrate. There I was having an idea in my mind to homeschool and God letting me know loud and clear that my daughter needed me.
Homeschooling has come with its rewards and its struggles. The reward that I like most is knowing my daughter's strengths and weaknesses. I understand her now and can help her learn according to her learning style. I have also had the joy of seeing her love for the arts blossom. She loves to draw, paint, play her guitar, and write. Her biggest struggle has been accepting my authority. My biggest struggle has been accepting her ability to learn on her own without my hovering over her. I would say that we have done a good job meeting in the middle. Or better yet, God has been steadfast in his love for us and helping us to love one another.
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Jan. 10, 2008 - Potty Training
Today has been interesting. My three year old is in the process of potty training and also understands she is her own person. Somehow the two together are not going well. She does really well for several days then decides she does not want to sit on the potty at all. We have stickers and candy rewards, but they are not enough to encourage her to continue on her little journey to becoming a "big girl." She is so full of joy most of the time, dancing and singing. Today she was not happy. She cried and yelled and was beside herself. She had to spend much of her day in time out. I was so taken aback by her behavior, I even took her temperature. She is fine and she is three. I will just relish the joyful days and pray for her on grouchy days.
My twelve year old was not pleased with her sisters behavior today, either. I was proud of her though when she told her little sister, "we all have those days." A glimpse of understanding. Then she looked at me and said, "how long do you think she will be like this?" I stifled a laugh, completely understanding her question. I said, "we will just have to be patient and I will continue to discipline." My patience ran out several hours later and sent the little one to her room for a nap.
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