Homeschooling

Wow, when I think about how long we've been homeschooling...it's already been 15 years. Two sons are out of the house and doing well. One has recently returned from four years in the Navy and is currently enrolled in college and the other is just enrolling in college. My husband and I still have two younger boys at home. Homeschooling has so changed since I first started out. In the beginning, I went by all the teacher's manual, did everything they said to do and more, if I could! We did "school" from sun up to sun down. I remember one day we spent 8 hours on "spelling," trying to learn "the list". It was horrible. I'm sure it was a nightmare for my son. Who now as an adult will still call me on the phone and ask me how to spell a word (you know, privately -- because he just wants to make sure he is doing it right. -- A quick side note: I wonder why he doesn't call me on the really big issues??)

My youngest child who is 11.5, really wants to go to school. We live near what some neighbors call a "good school". We may let him go! Every child is different, if I haven't learned that by now, after raising the others, I never will. He can decide if public school is for him. But by the time it gets here, maybe he will go to a private school. I'm sure I would feel better about that. I will let you know.

Some readers may know me by my books: Shoelace Books. I have decided to try and help others by starting this "blogging thing." I know it's late in the game, but, better late than never. My guys are not currently using my materials as they feel they have "out grown mom's books."

One is an avid reader -- the other, gets by. I've always dreamed of having another "reader" in the family and finally, my last child -- he loves to read. Oh, way a minute -- my "Navy" son -- he reads now, too. He takes online classes that require much reading.

So don't despair, mothers, just do what you do and know that God handles the rest. My oldest son "hated" school and is now going to school and of course, wishes he had done so long ago.

Know that each child, each person, must choose his own path to walk so he can learn his own lessons. If you try to force which path they walk, -- when they leave your nest, they will go build their own and it won't look like yours.