It seems like just yesterday they were such cute babies…
And then they grow up.
Teens really get a bad rap. The teen years are so confusing. Especially right now! This is when they are supposed to be planning for the future but they are hearing all around them that the world is going to end!
It can be hard to envision a positive future, even for adults.
Have you ever taken a survey and tried to figure out what your “career” was? Years ago I was stopped in a mall for a survey (that used to be a thing before the internet) and the closest thing they could categorize me as on their list was a “housewife”. WOW! Did they regret that! They sure got an earful. My husband called me that word one time and sincerely regretted it. I did not marry an inanimate object. And a house has never been the focus of my career.
I have the ULTIMATE career.
When I first started homeschooling most homeschoolers I met were planning on sending their kids to high school when the time came. They couldn’t see themselves teaching at that level.
Today many people feel the same way.
You Need to Think Outside the Box for Homeschooling
“School-at-home” is not really homeschool. At least not what homeschool could be. The pandemic forced the whole world into distance learning, and many thought that that was what homeschooling is all about.
They couldn’t be more wrong.
I was bullied in school. I know that influenced my decision to homeschool.
The first time was when I was in first grade.
Our home backed up to the school so I walked through the fields to an opening between two houses that allowed me to easily get to my house. It was a really short walk and I had three younger siblings at home so it made sense that I walk home. Until they came after me.
I have to admit, COVID has done a number on my book consumption. You wouldn’t think it would. I’m home more so I should have more time for that, right?
But no.
My schedule pre-COVID included a lot of driving for my job so I would listen to books in the car. I could easily go through several books a month. It was great! Audible loved me! Now I sit home in front of my computer. I have a lot more paperwork and I have to make sure I get out of my chair on a regular basis. My car trips recently have been to the chiropractor. Sitting too much in front of a computer screen evidently is not good for your back. Or neck. Or shoulders.
Things are opening up again thank goodness but I’m probably not going to be back to my old driving schedule. I miss books. I’ve got to develop different habits.
Over the years, I’ve heard so many people say they are uncomfortable teaching older kids – both parents and teachers! The subject matter is more intimidating, and let’s face it, we didn’t like chemistry or algebra when we took them in high school. How are we going to be able to teach them?
But if you give up because of those reasons, you are missing out. First of all, let me assure you that you don’t have to relearn chemistry or algebra – unless you want to. You can find someone else to teach it. And your kids need you.
What kind of story are you stuck in? The kind you want to read about? A real page-turner (in a good way)? Or is it a little bit boring and predictable? Is the protagonist (you) living up to their full potential? Or are they living someone else’s life by getting caught up in video games and TV shows?
It takes some work and planning to realize your genius and write the story you want to live. A genius paradigm is easy to talk about but not always easy to implement.
It’s worth it, though.
I was recently asked by a mom how I did it when all five of my boys were home. How did I teach all of them at their different levels? All the different subjects? And then grade everything too? I’ve had other parents ask how I do it all now, working full time and homeschooling only one kid.
I didn’t, and I don’t.
We all want to be a superhero to our kids. We are the cook, taxi driver, event coordinator, education facilitator, and chief bather and bottle washer, among many other things. And just like in the comic books and movies, sometimes the superhero fails. Sometimes they need help.