Pay kids

I was blessed to sit and visit with a group of about 12 homeschool parents this morning. It was so refreshing. There’s something magical about sitting and visiting over coffee and treats.

I was again reminded about perspective, but from a different, well, perspective this morning. Just a few days ago, I was teaching my boys that an acorn could be either a beautiful sign of autumn, or a safety hazard. This morning I was reminded that each and every family in a unique and amazing self-contained unit.

I do not, but what works for me may not work for you and vice versa.
The incredible truth is that it’s OK.
The important thing is that we settle into what works for our own families in the current season of life that we are walking through at this moment in time.

Here are some of the differences between the families I sat with this morning:

Chores. 
Some children never lift a finger around their home, some are paid to make their beds, some have a whole list of to do tasks to be completed.

Television.
Some families have art easels where a television would typically be found. Some kids earn “coupons” to buy TV time. Some families only watch on the weekends, some have no television boundaries.

Meals.
Some people eat out more than 4 times a week, some never eat anything unless it is prepared in their own kitchen. Some kids learn to cook when they are 5, and some of us have to wait until we are grown up to learn how to boil water.

Curriculum.
Some homeschoolers try to duplicate a traditional classroom atmosphere, even building mini school rooms to occupy 5 days a week where some kids are left to govern their own days and learn as they go. Some homeschoolers buy textbooks, worksheets, quizzes, and tests, while others use their local library as their curriculum.

School work.
Some kids complete an endless chain of worksheets and regurgitating questions while others are covered in dirt as they build their own catapults in their backyard.
We are all so uniquely and wonderfully made. No two homeschool families are alike. The important thing is that we take the time to discover who “we are” and then blossom with our kids. No one can really tell you how to homeschool your kids. You know what they need to work on (not any particular worksheet, but maybe learning to read or master their math facts). Take what makes you and your children unique and allow yourself to grow into the best you can be.

Definitely spend time with other homeschoolers, either in person or on-line, and get to that place where there is open sharing. Glean ideas, tips, projects and encouragement that you want to incorporate into your life and let go of the rest. Every year, things will change. That’s OK. Actually that’s the beauty of homeschool.