Thursday, January 20, 2011

more than just teaching.











There are times when I feel like a failure at homeschooling.

Sometimes it's because I've been so busy with the littlest ones that I haven't corrected a few lessons.

Sometimes it's because I hear about other home schoolers and all their outside activities.

Yes, my oldest 4 are learning and excelling in their academics, but there are times when I wonder if I am doing a good job being their teacher.

I think about how I should be doing more of this or that.

Then I get discouraged.

But often, as evening approaches, I'll find myself sitting and watching them build things, invent scenarios, do art work and I realize how wonderful and creative my children are. That's when I remember why I home school.

Because it's my privilege and God's sweet gift to me-- that I can directly influence and give to my children all that they need in knowledge, love, and discipline in order to grow into the children of God that they should be.

And that brings me peace and contentment. Happiness is knowing that I am in God's will.

10 comments:

Kate @ Bliss and That said...

Exactly. Perfectly put. Being my first year of homeschooling, I think I'm doing everything wrong or not good enough. It's the regular mommy guilt multiplied into teacher guilt too!! :) I too, though, watch my children play together as best friends with their huge imaginations, hear more and more "yes, Ma'ams", and hear their sweet prayers and know it's all good. That is so much more important to me than any advanced academics. Good job, Mama!! You're an inspiration... :)

Kate @ Bliss and That said...

P.S. We almost got that same sword/shield set from Vision Forum for the kids for Christmas, but decided to wait another year or so!!! :)

*Katy* said...

I have worked at a daycare, babysat for over 10 years now and worked in our church nursery for almost 13 years. Having an imaginative child is by far more important than having one who excels at schoolwork. The ones with imaginations are always more fun to play with and seem happier :)

Marla Grace said...

Beautiful!I have all these same feelings!You put it to words beautifully!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I can so relate. I always second guess, but then God will prompt me to stop and take a look around and I know I am doing what He has led me to do and that my children are healthy, loved, and happy.

That is what counts to me.

Kim said...

I bought that same sword and shield set for two of my boys for Christmas this year! (it was a major Vision Forum Christmas here)

Homegrown Tribe said...

beautifully put and so true

thanks for sharing!

brittany

Jerelene said...

Those are the cutest pictures!! How beautifully you put that...that God is giving you the gift of being able to teach them. What lucky little cupcakes they are!! Your pictures of the kids playing and loving on each other are precious!!!
Blessings, Jerelene

Martie said...

What a cute, happy blog! It's great to see another big family! :O)

Martie

thechattymommy said...

I think you are doing a great job!
We have the same shield and sword- the boys both got them for Christmas from Vision Forum.
I love them. We also have the same scooby doo pajamas your son has. We got them in some hand-me-downs!!!
My little guy couldn't believe you guys have the same stuff we have- as we blog hop together!