Decisions

I've been thinking about what to do with this blog. I want to have a place where I share decisions and how I came to them. I also want a space to explore helping children (or others) make decisions. I like the idea of learning more and sharing more about how decisions are made, how the brain works, and what factors go into decision making. It intrigues me and I struggle with it. I need to learn how to make decisions that I can feel confident with and stick to when it comes down to crunch time.
Most of what I'm researching and making decisions about right now are how we learn and how I can help my children learn. So, that might be the topic that is most consistent. Maybe. I haven't decided yet.

Winter Celebrations

I just talked with the kids about a winter project for us to do. Now let's see if we can really make it happen. More details to come as things unfold.

Just A Thought

The thought just came to me - 'You were meant to be something more.'.

Life has been hard lately - I feel like I'm being pushed to places I don't want to go. I haven't felt up for it. I feel inadequate and overwhelmed. This thought came while I was thinking about something completely different than the 'where do I go from here?' question I have been asking myself lately.

The thought reminded me that I have choices to make - but, that Heavenly Father will be with me as I do so. I will somehow be able to rise above what I am now and become more. I got the impression that He wants me to be more and will help me do just that.

Kids' Opinion of Homeschool

Just this past week - one of the boys told his sister that she needed to change her behavior or she would 'have' to go to public school and sit at a desk all day.

We saw a friend from the charter school we used to be a part of today. She asked how homeschool was going. I answered that I loved it, while a couple of the kids chimed in that they liked it and it was 'going good'.

I mentioned the possibility of getting a job and asked the kids what they thought about it. The first line of questions was about school and that they'd have to go back to public school. They even said that they liked being homeschooled better and that they liked having me be their teacher.

I'm grateful my kids like what we're doing and feel good about it. It was great today to have a chance to hike and be out in nature with some other homeschool families. I'm sure a couple of people that saw us wondered why 'those kids' weren't in school. I'm also glad that homeschool is getting more acceptable.

Organized Learning

One of the things I wanted to address on this blog is how we attempt to stay organized around here. Or, maybe I will just share about the lack of organization around here. We have both - depending on the day. Although, I typically feel like I'm more on the 'not so organized' end of the spectrum. It just might be because I think I'm on the 'spectrum' and have issues with executive functioning.
I want to share more about what we're doing and some of the learning opportunities our kids have these days. It's been fun to enjoy adventures together.

Be Real

This is something that came in an email newsletter that I get from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. It's support/ideas for homeschoolers. One thing we try to do as homeschoolers is live with the idea that we do lots of things different than most people we know. We also are not doing what the 'norm' was a few decades ago. I'm glad there are more homeschoolers than there used to be. Sometimes we realize people aren't familiar with what we do. So, this made me chuckle.

The Familyman     

Todd Wilson, Familyman Ministries    

As long as there are homeschoolers, there will be non-supportive family members. If you're fortunate enough to have supportive family members, you need to thank them. Thank them for believing in you and in homeschooling. Thank them for keeping quiet when they could be critical. Thank them for the encouragement in what you believe.

Now if you're like most of us, who have a few non-supportive family members in the closet, then let me say, "You're not alone." We've all had (or have) relatives who say critical, hurtful, discouraging comments. To give them the benefit of the doubt, I really believe they don't mean all that much by it. They are just "status quo" people. They like normal, they lived normal, and they don't know what to do with non-normal ... so they say dumb things.

I think the temptation is to get defensive, quote successful homeschool statistics, or get argumentative. I think that's the wrong approach. Instead, let your children do the talking ... not literally, but let their homeschooled behavior/character speak for your efforts.

Homeschooling and being at home has positive effects on your children. Your non-supportive family members will see it, and they will come around. I've seen it in my family. We had some who were skeptical ... and then they watched our kids grow up and you know what? They say nice things to us now because they see the difference.

So again, to recap:

1. Don't be surprised; you're not alone.
2. Don't get defensive.
3. Let your children do the talking.

Oh yeah, and although you might think you need to have it all together ... don't pretend to above all.

Be real,

Todd

Today

Today we did some learning items, danced to music, and have enjoyed a little bit of down time. Oh, and made cookies.
I loved the part where the kids were in the front room enjoying some music. I could hear them from the kitchen. (Anyone who has been in our home knows that I could have heard it from anywhere in the house...because our house is just a bit 'space challenged'.) It was fun to hear them enjoying the music and the moment. I remember thinking that we didn't have a formal lesson on music today - but, how great it was that the take away for today as far as music is concerned is the opportunity to enjoy it, sing it, act it out...whatever. All of that while making memories with your siblings. I was grateful to have the kids home. If they were all in different classrooms (and on different campuses) - they wouldn't have been able to have that experience or make that memory. I had a gratitude in my heart for kids who have memories with each other, despite the age differences. There are times I know that they would not 'hang out' with each other even if they all were home because it wouldn't be 'cool' to do so. I know someday I will miss those moments - but, I am grateful the opportunities for memories have been there. It made me want to be present as much as possible in my kids' lives. Today, 'music is a good thing' was reinforced.