One of the beauties of homeschooling is the ability of the parent-teacher to weave together life and lessons. For some, creating that integration and balance comes naturally. For others, like myself, it is a constant work in progress.
But many of us, at one time or another, face huge waves of life that overwhelm our lessons.
Maybe it is a cross-country move, extended out-of-town visitors, caring for an elderly parent, home remodeling, early pregnancy nausea and fatigue, the birth of a baby, or an illness in the family.
We can use these waves as opportunities to embrace life (and all of its challenges) as a family and show our children that learning can happen anywhere and under any circumstances.
Don’t be afraid to let your children see and experience the waves of change within the context of a supportive family. I believe this will help develop their coping and problem-solving skills, give them a healthy understanding that life is not one long stretch of straight highway, and build strong family relationships.
There are several ways of shifting the balance to reflect our educational priorities, even when life seems to be up to our chins.
I'm over at Simple Homeschool, today. Head on over to read the rest.
Love this post so much! Isn't this the beauty of homeschooling? Our family has had a few difficult years, a family member ill, a new baby, and very little travel. It has grown my children so much, and in good ways. I think before I made this choice to homeschool three years ago, I would've felt bad or guilty allowing the kids to experience the hardships, but now I realize that these struggles we get through is what is going to make them strong and be able to hold when the storms come. Its brought our little family so much closer. I am thankful for homeschooling every day, even though we do have tough days, it is so worth it!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Heidi for sharing this-we've been struggling lately with school stuff. It's been tough going, you've provided some much needed perspective-and it couldn't have come at a better time. Life is the lesson-love that so much!
ReplyDeleteHeidi, Beautiful, thoughtful post and so apropos as I head into my final chemo treatment on May 7th! Much of what you noted, is what we have been doing :) Thanks for keeping it real and removing some of the guilt, as we travel together (our family, your family, others)on this adventurous journey of homeschooling! Blessings to you! Heard that you will get to meet Elaine :) Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteLove, Connie in Tualatin