I read with great interest an article
in USA Today entitled "Hidden Virtues In Home Schooling Spur Growth". The
author, William R. Mattox, Jr. joked about asking Barbara Mandrell to release
a new song called "I Was Home Schooling When Home Schooling Wasn't Cool".
I had to laugh as I read that he has been home schooling all of seven years.
I wonder what kind of an old-timer that makes me...?
Some of the points of his article got me thinking about our humble home school
beginnings eleven years ago. Of course, we dealt with the first question
on everyone's mind..."What about socialization?" I laugh about it now, because
we almost never hear that one any more. Probably because with home educated
students in the US numbering around one million, most people's kids have
contact with home schoolers through a ball team, scout troupe, club, cheerleading
squad, band, co-op, dance class, or youth group.
The general attitude toward home education has changed dramatically over
the past eleven years. We no longer hear the frequent questions like, "Why
aren't your kids in school?" or "Are you ALL sick?" I have always taught
my children to be polite when presented with such questions, though. The
last thing I want is for my three-year-old to say something like, "How come
you bein' nosy?" I explain to them that most people are just truly curious,
and as time passes and folks get more used to it, they won't need to ask.
I figure if we are doing what we feel called to do, we have nothing to hide
and nothing to boast.
OUR TEACHING HOME
The Father has blessed me with many things,
And one of the dearest to me
Is the gift of helping His children
To be all that God wants them to be.
Our family may seem a bit different
When compared to the norms of today,
But in looking at Jesus's example,
I believe that it should be that way.
Our children are really just children,
Not unlike many others you know,
With laughter and tears, good times and bad,
Just living and learning to grow.
Their schoolroom is often our kitchen,
And we don't own a big yellow bus.
There are no goodbyes every morning at eight
For our home brings the teaching to us.
Indeed, our Lord has commanded
That we teach His children His way,
And so we are striving to impress upon them
His statutes and precepts each day.
For I want what they learn to stay with them
Wherever they one day might roam.
That's why, my friend, you will find me
Teaching my children at home.
I have friends wo have made other choices
For the very same reasons I've shared.
And the love that they feel for their children
Is truly no less when compared.
For the task of parents is choosing
The way that is best for their own,
And it surely will be our devotion
Shining through when our children are grown.
About the Author:
Beverly
Lisa Easterling is a 34-year-old mother of five. She and her husband, Steve, have been married 18 years and have been homeschooling for 11 years. She also owns an at home business called HeartWords. She writes poetry and prose for all occasions.
She has done birthday, dedication, memorial, anniversary, encouragement, and other types using specific personal information. "It's something I love to do, and it has been an enjoyable venture."
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