Recently, Sara picked up a book at the library called "Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe" by Todd Wilson. I have always enjoyed the brilliant cartoons offered by Todd Wilson and his insights regarding homeschooling, especially as a Christian father. This little bundle of encouragement reminds us that part of why we educate our children at home is because we want to help them become who God wants them to be, not to be just like everyone else.
One of the key concepts of the book is that Satan is the father of all lies. God never lies to us, nor leads us astray. However, society (often Christian society more than others) seem to portray a need to have our children excel at everything. While we strive to equip our children to be everything God designed and desires them to be, we also accept that they will not excel in everything. We often get caught up in this mindset of "keeping up with the Joneses " (I have to think there is a typo there somewhere, LOL) and this is not what God wants. In fact, one of the greatest strengths of educating our children at home is that we stick to the fundamentals of reading and writing, basic practical math skills, and Bible. Beyond those basics, we of course obey the laws of our state in our instruction, but recognize the non-essentials for what they are..... not essential. Many of these things might be great, productive, enjoyable, and more. Others may be time wasters, unproductive, or worse. Those decisions are made by the parents, more specifically fathers (to whom God gave responsibility and authority) to be made. We have no business sticking our nose in someone else's business to impose our goals on them or to disapprove of what they choose for their own children to pursue. Some like sports, others like music, neither is essential but left to the parents to decide.
One of the key concepts of the book is that Satan is the father of all lies. God never lies to us, nor leads us astray. However, society (often Christian society more than others) seem to portray a need to have our children excel at everything. While we strive to equip our children to be everything God designed and desires them to be, we also accept that they will not excel in everything. We often get caught up in this mindset of "keeping up with the Joneses " (I have to think there is a typo there somewhere, LOL) and this is not what God wants. In fact, one of the greatest strengths of educating our children at home is that we stick to the fundamentals of reading and writing, basic practical math skills, and Bible. Beyond those basics, we of course obey the laws of our state in our instruction, but recognize the non-essentials for what they are..... not essential. Many of these things might be great, productive, enjoyable, and more. Others may be time wasters, unproductive, or worse. Those decisions are made by the parents, more specifically fathers (to whom God gave responsibility and authority) to be made. We have no business sticking our nose in someone else's business to impose our goals on them or to disapprove of what they choose for their own children to pursue. Some like sports, others like music, neither is essential but left to the parents to decide.
Nathaniel (16 years) is not strong in history nor plays on any sports teams, but he wanted to play guitar. He taught himself guitar and is getting better every day. He is not yet proficient, but working hard on learning new skills and fine tuning those he has. He is pursuing A+ certification (name of course, not grade point) for computer repair, all on his own, and doing well with it.
Virginia (9 years) loves to read and excels in language arts. She (along with her mother) taught her younger sister to read, and loves to cook and show hospitality. She is not great at science, and has little interest in science, so we often use her love for cooking to teach basic science along with her exploring of God's creation. Virginia is, well, Virginia. A unique child of God and we believe is becoming the young lady God wants her to be.
Naomi (5 1/2 years) is a ball of energy, reads at a 4th grade level... she does so often while hanging upside down and using her feet as if they were hands. She is our energizer monkey so to speak, a challenge in discipline, and loves to read. Did I mention she loves to read? Well, Naomi loves to read anyway!
I could go on about our kids, the good and the bad. They aren't perfect, we aren't perfect. You aren't perfect and neither are your kids. We are all in this together, with various talents and skills, and hopefully all seeking to become all God wants us to be, for His glory!
I could go on about our kids, the good and the bad. They aren't perfect, we aren't perfect. You aren't perfect and neither are your kids. We are all in this together, with various talents and skills, and hopefully all seeking to become all God wants us to be, for His glory!
So often, we as parents are inclined to tell all our kids do well but not talk about their struggles. While we don't wish to put them down or embarrass them, we also run the risk of seeming prideful or putting a face out to the public as if we have it all together. Our kids disobey, they lie at times, they get selfish. As parents, we blow up from time to time and say things we ought not. We do wish to do better, be more effective, and to be examples of Christ living in us for our children to see and follow. We often fail and have to ask forgiveness from God and even from the children at times when we sin. We are learning, some days faster than others, and sometimes it seems like we are standing still or even regressing. If we keep our eyes on Christ and our goals are to be like Him, we are headed the right direction.
I feel like Mr. Wilson does a good job in this short book of sharing some of these things and so much more. The truths contained in this book are not a how-to for homeschooling, they are merely a reminder that God never calls us to be the exact same as others, but to obey the things God commands and seek to honor Him in all we do. I don't think God cares whether my kid plays the violin, excels at science, or reads at age 3 nearly as much as He cares that they love Him and give their lives to His service.
