He is an extrovert who loves people. He is open and caring to all kids, which has been tough because some kids are just down right mean. He plays with kids of all ages and doesn't mind playing the prince with his girl friends as long as he can have a light saber and slay something.
He is innocent, because we believe children should enjoy childhood. He really can't get way some kids are mean to him. He is Texas loud and enjoys life.
But I worry does he need to be around children all day? What would be the benefits? He could not downshift to do age level school work. I know because he has told me last week "Mom okay I got verb and nouns...way are you waiting let's do some adjectives and essays." He like most boys doesn't have the social skills to be grade skipped in a traditional class room. Boys tend to find the tender heart, youngest, innocent and small in size boy to pick on.
In public school he would have to sit still and learn. His energy level is to high for that at his age. He just doesn't fit the program. My husband didn't fit the program either and spent so much time in the office he knew how to answer the phones.
A great private school with a small class that moves and learn would be great. But who has twenty grand a year for private school?
Most importantly AGAIN I have prayed and God said this is our journey. Right now he plays with roughly 20 kids everyday. His lessons are individualized and at his pace. He is full of joy and thriving. Sure he would love to play all day, what seven year doesn't? He is strong willed and determined but knows how to work with a group.
In the last year he has had classes in:
-Castle Building (learning about communities)
-Emergency Responders (safety classes with visit from firemen and police officers)
-shop classes (he knows how to hammer )
-cooking from the food pyramid
-newspaper writing (the final was a newsletter)
-Masters of Art
-science co-op (experiments & lessons on the planets, simple machines,light & weather)
-Puppet Class (writing a script and performing)
-Free classes from the Smithsonian on flight
-A tour of the Capital with passes into both the Senate and House Chambers
-The Smithsonian Natural History and Air and Space events
-Free concerts
So as I write this my panic attack is wearing down. I can breathe, God has provided faithfully. I again need to work on trust and real faith. Which is not unique to having one child or ten.
Also I am becoming slightly frantic about planning next year and stressing about finances. I think it all coming to a weak point which is my confidence about homeschooling an only child. Fear is a cancer that can eat at you and take over all your sane thoughts an actions. Maybe this which my memory verse should be:
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
13 For I am the LORD, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
Renae wrote an excellent article on "The Faith It Takes to Homeschool".
7 comments:
I know, I know, I know! I'm calming down from the "She'll be in 7th grade next year, have I done enough?" panic attack.
Fear is a cancer, praise God for the cure of faith.
LOVE that verse. :)
Thanks for your heartfelt post. It doesn't matter if you're mother to 1 or several children, we all need to find our help and inspiration from the Lord for our child/ren's needs. We need to seek Him, remain in His presence and find His rest. He is so faithful.
I enquire of the Lord what fills my child's love tank? Then I ask the Lord to show me how to facillitate that love language.
Hello...I'm inspired by your rowing of FIAR. Thank you for sharing. I have a question and I'm not sure if I should ask you here or not. It is just about where you got one of your resources. I'm new to FIAR with my two little ones. I wish that I would have discovered it with my son who is not a teen. May the Lord continue to guide you. Blessings, Care
=) Bless you. I enjoyed reading your post and I'll be happy to tell you that you are doing fine.
You are so right about what your son could potentially experience in public and private schools. That's exactly what my son did experience at that tender age, which lead us into homeschooling.
Peace and Laughter!
Good to know that things are calming down for you. God really does provide exactly what we need (and for our kids!) See...it isn't so bad after all :-)
Oh, and btw, I am adding you to my blogroll (on my fairly new blog) right about now. Liking your site...keep it up.
I found you through FIAR. We're planning to start in the fall. But what I came to say is that you are not alone. I'm homeschooling an only child and other parent I've gotten to know through blogging is homeschooling an only child. Some people told me it can't be done but it can! In fact, there are many benefits of homeschooling an only. You are doing a fantastic job surrounding him with so many people and activities! It's also important to learn to be alone as well.
Post a Comment