I love homeschooling my children.
It is hard work. Extremely hard work.
But the blessings that I receive from the time I am investing in my children are worth every bit of work and sacrifice that I am giving.
Just this week I have experienced joys in our homeschooling time that have encouraged me.
Last week we talked about earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes in science.
This week we experienced an earthquake and a hurricane is headed to the East coast, not terribly far from where we live.
As we stood in line at Chick-fil-a yesterday redeeming coupons for free ice dreams from the library we heard a rumbling noise and felt the ground move underneath our feet.
Everyone got still and looked around at each other with puzzled looks.
When the shaking stopped, the cashier and I locked eyes and I said, “I think that was just an earthquake.”
My daughter, remembering our science lesson on earthquakes and the damage they can cause immediately piped up with, “No, mommy, it wasn’t. Nothing fell off the wall.”
My suspicions were confirmed by my husband who called to check on us moments after.
As we sat at Chick-fil-a eating our ice creams, I was able to rehash our science lesson.
I love knowing exactly what my children are learning and being able to explain real events with them as they happen.
I have to also admit that during our science lesson, MC began to get worried about earthquakes and their devastation. She asked me then if we had earthquakes in Virginia. Not wanting her to be overly anxious, I answered, “oh, no…not in Virginia.”
Ha!
Both of my girls were quick to point out how wrong I was yesterday on our way home and I was able to teach my children that their mommy doesn’t know everything! Admitting you’re wrong to your children is a very humbling thing.
One of my girls struggles a little bit more than the other in her school work.
Learning doesn’t come as naturally to her. She has to really work at it.
I have prayed for her so much!
I have prayed for wisdom and patience in teaching her.
I have prayed against comparing my two girls.
And as He always does, God has heard and answered my prayers.
Today as we were having our math lesson, this sweet girl looked up at me and exclaimed, “You’re a great teacher, Mommy!”
At that simple remark, my heart swelled with pride and thankfulness. Those simple, sweet, sincere words were such an encouragement and affirmation to me.
Then she added, “I love homeschool. I just wish we could do homeschool even in college.”
And I thought, “Hold on here little one, you’re just in first grade!!”
I am so thankful for these moments that I have with my children.
Yes, homeschooling is hard.
It is a sacrifice.
It is work.
But it is also a huge blessing that brings such joy!
What joys have your experienced in your homeschool?
Post linked to: The Homespun Life
Luke Holzmann says
I agree: It is such a boon to be able to have those shared experiences as a family which you can relate back to the material you’re learning. And, yes, parents can be wrong. One such moment is the time went camping and asked if we needed to pack a bunch of rain gear. My mom said, “It never rains in Utah”… where it then rained every day for the next week [smile].
Keep up the great work! The fact that your children love learning–and love learning at home–is an excellent indication that things are going well.
~Luke
Monica says
Thank you, Luke! I credit Sonlight for being a part of the reason we love homeschooling so much! We have so enjoyed our time of reading and discussing the great literature selections we’ve received from Sonlight.
Linda says
A beautiful post. Homeschooling is a truly rewarding experience. We are starting 5th grade this year and we just can’t wait to dig into our new curriculum. I love that I am learning right along with her.
Erin Gaines says
Hey Monica. It’s been a long since I visited your site. Hope you are doing well! God bless you for homeschooling!… I really admire moms who take on such a task! I’ll check back in soon!
Sophia says
Hi Monica!
I really like your post sharing a story of your children. I honestly don’t experienced home schooling but the way you describe it on your post, I truly had a wonderful view of it. If I were to be asked and decide whether I’ll let them go to school I like them to be in home school because I like to impart everything I had learn to my lovely kids and at home I’m rest assured they are safe.
Jade says
I’m glad that your all fine after the incident. I envy you for extending your effort and have your time all by your children and always there for your children ready to give solution on everything they need. Your kids were so lucky for having you as they mother, mentor and best friend.
Sisterlisa says
Yes, you can homeschool college. Depending on the degree you want. 🙂 and I love being the one who can explain things to my children too. We went to the beach yesterday and saw dolphins and clams which turned into a nice lesson on life in the wild.