I homeschool. This post is not meant for only homeschool families, it’s meant for every parent and child out there. This is definately a choice that felt right for our family and I wouldn’t change it for ANYTHING. The bond, the time and the love that I have shared with my family is irreplaceable.
There is a lot of homeschool stigma out there. I hear all the time, “aren’t you worried about socialization?” The answer to this question is simple. NO. 100% NO. Here is why. It is perfectly OK for us, their mom and dad, to be 100% responsible for teaching and to guiding our children to be responsible for their own actions: to make friends, to be kind to others, to behave around other people, and to always be respectful. Our babes are only 4 + 6! They are still learning and let me tell you….. they have A LOT to learn!. They are not perfect, just as I am not perfect. Nobody is perfect.
Yes, I can often be found, either in public or with people we know, stunned by an action or comment elicited by one of my own children. Embarrassed, shocked, sometimes my heart will even skip a beat! I also know in my heart that it’s just part of the learning puzzle that will help them grow into great people. After all, boundaries need to be created somewhere.
It’s important that we, as their parents, take the time to teach them how to behave respectfully around others so that they can build relationships outside of the family. I am responsible for teaching them manners, how to wait patiently in line, how to be quiet when other people talk, how to stick with a group and not get lost! Not a classroom. And I need them to LISTEN to me while I teach them these skills. Listening is the first skill on this list, one of the biggest road blocks we often face as parents. Wouldn’t it be great if kids were naturally great listeners and listened instead of interrupting to try and negotiate a better plan that better suits their needs?!
Below is a poster I am printing and framing for our school room. Every time I review this list, I come up with a DOZEN examples of how my kids have bombed most of these skills in one way or another and why we need to work on them daily. My kids have voices, they are loud and they are compassionate. I don’t want them to loose their fire, or be afraid of talking to others. If they see an opportunity to help someone I want them to not be afraid to step up and help.
It is our job as parents to create boundaries and guide our children to communicate with the world. This list will also help remind me to be more thoughtful and understanding of them when they do make mistakes during their journey of learning how to navigate the world.
