Homeschooling Anyway

I love most birds. In fact, if I was given a list of all the birds in the world, there would be just a few I would have to scratch off — crows, starlings, and vultures — while leaving the rest. Unattractive and obnoxious as they are, I suppose the scavenging crows and vultures are needed, but I’ve yet to determine the usefulness of starlings.

But I will give starlings this: They’re very smart. A well-known story that tells how Mozart, during a visit to a pet store one day, was whistling a tune from one of his concertos. When he returned on a later date he heard a starling in a cage whistling his composition! He was so impressed that he decided to buy the bird and take it home.

My experience with starlings has not been so favorable, but that’s another story.

Speaking of birds (how’s that for a clumsy segue’?), I wanted to let you know about a fun live-streaming video you can watch with your kids. If you’ve got them doing a unit study or a report on owls, this will fit in perfectly.

Carlos Royal is a home owner who decided to install a camera in his owl box. A barn owl named Molly flew in, laid her eggs, and now the little family is growing. The video is streamed live on UStream, and you can watch it here.

Read the story of Carlos’ owl box here.

There was already a bit of drama this morning when some crows tried to get to the owlets, but the babies are fine. Check out the video stream when you get a chance, but be warned — watching it can be addicting.

“We must view young people not as empty bottles to be filled, but as candles to be lit.” Robert H. Shaffer

For me, the next few months are going to be a time of great introspection. Why? Because the month of March will be bringing with it two big milestones: my oldest son’s 18th birthday and my 40th.

How I’ll feel about my 40th birthday is another subject (and blog post) entirely, but what’s really been feeling like a cold wake-up call is the looming event of my child entering adulthood.

It’s raised many questions for me, with these among them:

Have I done enough to show Christ to my children? (Sadly, I don’t think I have.)

Will I still be able to influence his life for the better once he’s past childhood?

As the quote says above, did I see him as an empty bottle to be filled or as a candle to be lit? How does he think I saw him?

If asked about his childhood in the coming years, will his replies be positive or negative? Will he rise up and call me blessed, or hesitate?

These are all honest questions. As a fallible human being who’s made plenty of mistakes, I can’t help but ask them. But while I know I’ve messed up (often), and haven’t quite been the godly or even positive example I had hoped to be, I’m going to focus on the fact that I still have time with him, along with these things:

He’s a believer in Jesus, and has a true servant’s heart.

Though we as a family have had our share of trials, there’s been a lot of quality time spent together over these past almost-18 years.

I know that none of my kids will ever doubt that I love them.

He loves his mama. I know this because of the many impromptu hugs he gives me. I’m guessing that’s a good sign.

We’ve had many goofy, laugh-out-loud moments. I treasure those.

If you’re like me, facing the end of your child’s “minor” years, join me in focusing on the positive and good things, not the mistakes you’ve made — perceived or otherwise.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. I Peter 4:8

How true that is!

©2010 Sally Dinius
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Homeschooling without support is like trying to climb a mountain by yourself. (Washington State's beautiful Mt. Rainier)

Here in Washington State, a favorite peak of local climbers is our beautiful Mount Rainier. It’s gorgeous as it rises above other hills to glisten in the sun. Many people love to ski, board, or hike on its lower slopes, but braver souls dare to conquer the top by climbing. No wise climber, though, would attempt such a feat alone. Reaching for that pinnacle with a partner or group has saved the life of many an adventurer.

In the same way, homeschoolers need to group together to offer moral support and encouragement. Often, it’s the only way we make it to the top. It’s true: there is strength in numbers.

Whether you’re a veteran homeschooler, one who’s just starting out, or somewhere in between, it’s a good bet you’ve hit a bump in the road at least once or twice. And it could be that bump was more like a mountain staring you down.

What mountain are you facing today?

Is it a lack of motivation? We all encounter that at some point in the school year. For me, it tends to hit around fall, winter, spring, summer…you get it. I’ve learned that sometimes we need to look around, find what motivates us, then reach out and grab it.

It doesn’t always seek us out, does it?

And there are times when our lack of motivation is more than just a case of boredom and being tired of the same old, same old. I’ll examine the symptoms of depression–which is ever so much more than just a case of the blahs– in a few upcoming posts. I know all about it…I’ve been there.

Marital and financial stress can also take a toll on our home education endeavors, let alone our precious family relationships. Regarding homeschooling, do both parents agree that this is even the right path for your family? Do you argue about the materials being used (or what’s being spent on the materials)? Perhaps you’re a single parent, trying to be mom and dad, and hold down a job, all while purposing in your heart to not give up this educational choice you so strongly believe in.

We all know what else causes stress, though perhaps at a different level: the condition of our homes. It’s downright hard to teach your children in a messy house. I know, I know – the myriad of books and projects can make the homeschooling household look like every single room has been ransacked by a crazy mob, but there is a way to get organized and find peace…really.

And what if your child decides he no longer wants to be homeschooled? What if you decide you don’t want to teach anymore? Don’t give up yet! There are many options available if you want to keep your kids at home.

Any of the bumps I’ve mentioned can look like mountains when you’re up against them. And they sure can be mountains. But if you’ve run up against your own Mount Rainier, you’ve discovered what a mountain really is. Personal tragedy, such as the loss of a loved one, can be devastating…your own personal nightmare. Perhaps an illness like cancer has struck a family member, or you. And what about divorce? How do you go on?

These are some of the topics I’ll be covering here. I hope you’ll find that spark of encouragement — that reason to keep walking — that you’re looking for.

Homeschooling Anyway, once just a regular old, ho-hum website, is now a blog — a place where you can come to get support and encouragement, motivation and ideas, and–hopefully–a perspective you may not be getting anywhere else.

I hope that you’ll leave a comment so I can get to know you. This is something that was sorely lacking before Homeschooling Anyway became a blog–I didn’t know my readers!

Welcome, my friends…and stay tuned.

©2010 Sally Dinius
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