And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
~Philippians 1:6
Throughout most of our homeschooling years I have felt ‘behind’. Not being in the school system nor of the school-at-home approach we have never believed that a child is ‘behind’ yet I put this on myself. I often felt that while others were doing ABC curriculum in Yr 8, we were starting it in Yr 9. I doubted myself and my ability and thought I was letting my children down. But I’ve learned that I didn’t let my children down.
They were learning valuable life skills. The less I do, the more they do. I don’t do anything for a child that he is able to do for himself. (Sure, there are extenuating circumstances but that’s not the point of this post.) It is empowering for a child to be able to do much for himself.
Even being left with no scheduled school work for a short time can be good. It allows the parent ascertain the maturity level of the child and the responsibility or ownership level of the child toward his lessons. Rather than see my character trait as a weakness or a flaw (which can enable the child to use it as an excuse for not getting on with things) I see it as an opportunity. The children have an opportunity to put into practice that which they have been taught!
It’s not possible nor reasonable to train or teach every child every thing they need to learn. I don’t need to do it all. Just as God is perfecting in me His work, so He is with the children. I am not perfecting them – He is. God has begun a good work in me and He will continue it until the Day of Christ.
Prayer
Lord, give me the grace and strength to accept that this verse applies to my children as well as to me.
Reflect
Do you doubt your ability to homeschool? Don’t worry… God will give you His grace and His strength when you ask for it and when you need it.
I battle the same feeling of being behind much more these days with children who are using Learning Support material because of their learning difficulties. In the early days I seemed able to just let everyone work at their own pace, which meant some would be above and some below “age level” (as per school)
Despite their limitations, I see my lads developing that sense of responsibility and striving to reach the accepted “standard”. Peer pressure? Perhaps? I hope they will not be disappointed in the long run but I am pleased at the maturity they have shown toward their set work during our times of crisis and disorganisation.
Hi Ruby,
You have older children as well. Have any of your older children been homeschooled? What do they think? My eldest daughter (married) doesn’t see my “character trait” as a negative. She saw it as an opportunity. I’m thankful for that. And as I tell my boys – it is your education. It’s what you make it.
That doesn’t absolve me of all responsibility but I think it does more to alleviate unnecessary stress that homeschool parents put upon themselves.
Thanks for popping in. You are always so encouraging 🙂
Hi Susan,
This is a lovely, encouraging, post. Thankyou.
“The less I do, the more they do.”
This is so very true. At times I feel guilty, like I am not doing enough with them/for them – but when I take an honest look at our days, and how my girls have grown and what they actually do do, I realise it is for the best. They take ownership of their own work and their own learning and we all learn some very valuable lessons in the meantime! 🙂
Thanks Amy. It’s actually a gem that I’ve learned is not only about children. I’ve experienced it in my own life with ill health and also with depression. The more my husband tries to help by taking responsibilities away from me, the more it actually hinders me in the long run. But maybe that’s for another post 😉
Thank you so much for this Susan. I NEEDED to read this. I have felt Him whispering this into my spirit of late. Great article! xo
HI Jo,
Sorry to have not responded earlier. I must have missed your comment notification. Thank for popping by. I love that you’re listening to Him whisper 🙂
Blessings,
Some good advice here from a veteran homeschooler for a much newer homeschooler like me:) Thank you!
HI Rosemary,
Thanks! How have you been?
Thank you so much Susan. Your message is so timely for me today 🙂
It’s not possible nor reasonable to train or teach every child every thing they need to learn. I don’t need to do it all. Just as God is perfecting in me His work, so He is with the children. I am not perfecting them – He is. God has begun a good work in me and He will continue it until the Day of Christ.
I have felt like I have failed because I have not accomplished my to do list. The above words of yours are spot on for me.
Thank you for sharing.
I’m glad you found some relevance in the message here Chareen. So often we learn these lessons but we don’t always see how they apply to our parenting role… or how they apply to our children. I’m glad you were in encouraged but also that you shared with me 🙂
Thanks Susan, I am well:) (sorry it took me a few days to reply)