Greetings! How is everyone?? This weekend I attended my very first homeschooling conference in Lincoln, Nebraska. So fun. I want to get some thoughts down before I forget. Also, fair warning.... I am feeling very pro homeschooling right now... and I am going to list the reasons why. This way... when I want to send my dear children away for 8 hours a day... I can refer to the list. Also... your public school choice is A ok with me. But since this is a blog about my life, basically for my mom to see what I am up to... I'm just going to write about my choices. So don't feel judged! I don't care! Ok. Enough of that.
What I learned from the conference
1. I love wholesome families, with wholesome children. Let's just start by addressing the jumper denium skirt issue. Yes, there were a few. I myself wore a skirt. But the majority of the moms and dads were normal looking. Stop it! I'm not even joking. I bet you couldn't even pick them out of a crowd. When I dropped my kids off at the kids conference.... there were scores and scores of well behaved, well loved children. Honestly, the kids just looked well cared for. I like being a part of that. They were neat, clean, and happy looking. That is what I want for my kids. The conference was put on by teens or young adults. All neat, happy, attentive, with eye contact. My kids loved their leaders. And they really got into it. The theme was WW2, they were all dressed up, the rooms were all decorated. I love a job well done. I'm not sure that always gets done these days, people skate by with the least they can do, while this was just done with a lot of effort.
2. Homeschooling is a lifestyle. I have been starting to think this. HS is more than just how you teach math and reading, its about a creating a loving family, that serves the Lord together. There were so many homemaking and character classes. Yes, math classes were there too. But I loved going and learning how to school, do laundry, and get supper on all at the same time. These ladies pointed out that its a way of life, and everyone helps. I like that. All working together. I have really seen that this year and its importance can not be underestimated. My kids have worked with their dad, learning all about his career as a rancher and farmer. This just seems so healthy and right to me! Why not learn from the people who care about your future the most? It gives us so much more time to focus on what is really important. Time together, learning how to work hard, and grow in the Lord.
3. "Don't feed the princess" This was said in one of the character classes and it really stuck with me. We are not to the feed the princess in our little girl, as this can create a self centered, bossy, girl who always wants the attention. We are to teach our girls to be servants and to not be afraid to get their hands dirty serving others. This was so very convicting to me. I love treating my girl like a girl. But if I feed her appetite for lots of attention, constantly telling her how cute she is.... this may not turn out well. Girls who are kind hearted and sweet are the types of girls I want for my sons, not girls who think the world revolves around them and need served constantly. FB has recently been eye opening for me... yes... I love to see pics of people and their kids. Lots of them. But these teens who are posting "selfies" all the time? No. However... can I still call Pais.... Princess Pai? I hope so. Because that's not going away anytime soon.
Other random things I need included on my list of what I am loving right now....
Picking curriculum- this is perhaps the most fun aspect. I love books. I love shopping. Combining the two.... be still my heart.
Scheduling freedom- The ability to not have to get up early every day.... heavenly. And my kids can play outside on nice days and do school on snow days.
Teaching to each child.- One of my kids is wiggly. I have been able to do lots of reading out loud while letting him play legos or jump on the tramp..... this has been perfect for him. One child has discovered he loves history.... actually... its both their fav topics. We have read some great stuff on history.
That's it for now. Wanted to share. Stay tuned for the post "why I hate homeschooling" probably to be written on the next Monday morning when everyone is whining and complaining. :)
