One thing I can rightly be accused of is talking about my kids too much. There is just something about their accomplishments that makes my heart swell up and skip a beat. Don't get me wrong, there are times I want to leave my cart, run down the next aisle and exclaim, "Who's kids are those!" (I could get away with it too because all my kids look just like their dad and very little like me). But I think that's what makes their accomplishments so sweet. As their parent, I know their struggles and watch their progress and so to see something defeated or mastered brings me such joy.
Yesterday was one of those special days when one sentence out of my son's mouth made me gulp down my enlarging heart. Andy gave the kids special permission to stay up late and read (or look at pictures for Abby) if they sat quietly in their beds. Ethan took a flashlight and grabbed a book Andy had been reading to him at night. They were about halfway through it. The house was quiet except for Abby's occasional stroll out to the living room with things she had to do before she could sleep (I bet you didn't know 4 year olds are unable to sleep unless they pee three times, drink water and get tucked-in again if their covers get messed up). Finally, it was 10:00 PM. A little, sleepy-eyed boy comes out to us with a flashlight and book in hand. "Mom and Dad, I finished this book."
There it is! Did you miss it? What's the big deal you ask? Let me explain. You see, Ethan has been reading for a little while now. He has been reading level books for beginning readers. Last night he took the next step on his own and finished a chapter book. It was Magic Tree House: Revolutionary War on Wednesday. Maybe not a big deal to the observer but to his Mama who's been working with him for the last year on reading, immeasurable pride.
From the overflow of my heart...
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Let Them Scrape Their Knees
One of my favorite childhood pictures was standing outside a friends house, arms linked with my buddy, Shelly. We were probably three or four. We were holding umbrellas even though it didn't appear to be raining and both of us sported some awesome band-aids on our knees. Band-aids are like badges of honor for kids. It's their war stories.
Today my kids were riding their bikes outside. Ethan had the bright idea of tying some rope from his bike to his sisters. Having super-mother psychic powers, I could foresee crying kids with scrapes and bruises. I told them I thought the idea may not be the greatest and gave them my best words of warning. They were so excited about the idea they begged me to allow it. And you know what, I did. I saw no possibility of serious injury or death.
Guess what? Ethan turned too fast and Abby fell. Not a grand fall, just off her trike. I held back the native mommy, "I told you so" response and comforted Abby. She got over it and got back on her bike... with the rope still attached. They made some adjustments to the rope and bikes and went at it again. They did learn an important lesson: where you tie the rope makes a difference.
This one is a hard one for me. I struggle with being a helicopter parent- wanting to hover over my kids every move. But Hello Kitty and Spider-Man band-aids deserve a chance to be used. The popsicles in my ice box are getting freezer burn and the Cars and Princess ice packs look brand new.
It could be argued Abby's fall was preventative. Perhaps some would call it neglectful. I call it teaching kids to tie a rope.
Today my kids were riding their bikes outside. Ethan had the bright idea of tying some rope from his bike to his sisters. Having super-mother psychic powers, I could foresee crying kids with scrapes and bruises. I told them I thought the idea may not be the greatest and gave them my best words of warning. They were so excited about the idea they begged me to allow it. And you know what, I did. I saw no possibility of serious injury or death.
Guess what? Ethan turned too fast and Abby fell. Not a grand fall, just off her trike. I held back the native mommy, "I told you so" response and comforted Abby. She got over it and got back on her bike... with the rope still attached. They made some adjustments to the rope and bikes and went at it again. They did learn an important lesson: where you tie the rope makes a difference.
This one is a hard one for me. I struggle with being a helicopter parent- wanting to hover over my kids every move. But Hello Kitty and Spider-Man band-aids deserve a chance to be used. The popsicles in my ice box are getting freezer burn and the Cars and Princess ice packs look brand new.
It could be argued Abby's fall was preventative. Perhaps some would call it neglectful. I call it teaching kids to tie a rope.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Why Homeschool?
Because I am better than you and my kids are smarter than yours... Just kidding.
Let me start a few years back before we had children. I was a teacher and I absolutely loved it. I had great students (my fifth graders are graduating from high school!), I loved planning lessons and I couldn't wait to have kids who would one day be a part of the same educational system. I didn't know whether we would place our children in public or private but I did know one thing for sure: We would NEVER homeschool.
Homeschool kids were weird. They lacked social skills, hygiene and a structured environment. I based this on my knowledge of approximately two children. My kids were going to be normal. They were going to be raised like my husband and I. We went to public school our whole lives and were relatively unscathed.
Fast-forward about five years. Andy is in seminary and my best friend homeschools. I constantly joked with her about this and felt the need to give her my advice from years of teaching and schooling (It's amazing she kept me around). But slowly the wheels began to turn. Through one year of observing her children, I realized they weren't weirdo kids with no social skills. They were respectful, loving, God-fearing children. They sat down for book work at certain times of the day but most of their learning happened outside structured time. Her oldest knew more about science from his backyard and library books than any student I had ever had.
Now, I must pause for a second to explain that I am not saying I found/find homeschooling to be superior. I am simply stating I was shown that my own presuppositions were wrong. I started to think I could do this too. Not only could I do this, but I would be the best home schooling mom ever! In fact, with my knowledge and training, I could really do some good. Slowly, this arrogance faded as I realized my training actually put me at a disadvantage in some ways. I had to let go of certain expectations.
What I love about homeschooling is working at his pace. For example, Ethan does really well in reading/phonics. He is well above grade level. We work ahead in that area. Ethan struggles a bit more in math. I was trying to bulldoze through the lessons to get to a certain point before the end of the year and realized in the process, my son was beginning to hate math. We put the breaks on and started taking time with each lesson, spending weeks on it if need be.
So, here's the thing. Somehow, we as mothers have made this topic incredibly controversial. I want to state that I do not believe this is a sin issue. It's a personal decision that each family has to make as to what they feel is best for their entire family. We get too caught up in polarizing topics that have no biblical grounds. We're Christians, aren't we polarizing enough? We spend so much time arguing what is best for other people's children we neglect our own ministry to our family and stop showing people the love of Christ.
Ethan and Abby went to preschool this year. They loved it. They learned so many things that I hadn't thought of yet. They had a great teacher and they made great friends. I loved that they were there. I also homeschooled Ethan through Kindergarten this year. He was suppose to start this year but he was really close to the cut off and I wanted to wait. We started it at home and he did great. Next year we are homeschooling.
Will I continue to homeschool until kingdom come? I don't know. I do trust we will make the best decision based on the needs of our family.
Let me start a few years back before we had children. I was a teacher and I absolutely loved it. I had great students (my fifth graders are graduating from high school!), I loved planning lessons and I couldn't wait to have kids who would one day be a part of the same educational system. I didn't know whether we would place our children in public or private but I did know one thing for sure: We would NEVER homeschool.
Homeschool kids were weird. They lacked social skills, hygiene and a structured environment. I based this on my knowledge of approximately two children. My kids were going to be normal. They were going to be raised like my husband and I. We went to public school our whole lives and were relatively unscathed.
Fast-forward about five years. Andy is in seminary and my best friend homeschools. I constantly joked with her about this and felt the need to give her my advice from years of teaching and schooling (It's amazing she kept me around). But slowly the wheels began to turn. Through one year of observing her children, I realized they weren't weirdo kids with no social skills. They were respectful, loving, God-fearing children. They sat down for book work at certain times of the day but most of their learning happened outside structured time. Her oldest knew more about science from his backyard and library books than any student I had ever had.
Now, I must pause for a second to explain that I am not saying I found/find homeschooling to be superior. I am simply stating I was shown that my own presuppositions were wrong. I started to think I could do this too. Not only could I do this, but I would be the best home schooling mom ever! In fact, with my knowledge and training, I could really do some good. Slowly, this arrogance faded as I realized my training actually put me at a disadvantage in some ways. I had to let go of certain expectations.
What I love about homeschooling is working at his pace. For example, Ethan does really well in reading/phonics. He is well above grade level. We work ahead in that area. Ethan struggles a bit more in math. I was trying to bulldoze through the lessons to get to a certain point before the end of the year and realized in the process, my son was beginning to hate math. We put the breaks on and started taking time with each lesson, spending weeks on it if need be.
So, here's the thing. Somehow, we as mothers have made this topic incredibly controversial. I want to state that I do not believe this is a sin issue. It's a personal decision that each family has to make as to what they feel is best for their entire family. We get too caught up in polarizing topics that have no biblical grounds. We're Christians, aren't we polarizing enough? We spend so much time arguing what is best for other people's children we neglect our own ministry to our family and stop showing people the love of Christ.
Ethan and Abby went to preschool this year. They loved it. They learned so many things that I hadn't thought of yet. They had a great teacher and they made great friends. I loved that they were there. I also homeschooled Ethan through Kindergarten this year. He was suppose to start this year but he was really close to the cut off and I wanted to wait. We started it at home and he did great. Next year we are homeschooling.
Will I continue to homeschool until kingdom come? I don't know. I do trust we will make the best decision based on the needs of our family.
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