Humor
Laundry 101
As my oldest is planning to go off to college next fall, we receive occasional emails from his college of choice. One of the recent emails talked about what he needed to bring. They had a note on the list: make sure your child knows how to do laundry!
And hence the difference between boys and girls - my daughter is 16 and has been doing her own laundry for about 2 years. Good thing since she changes outfits as least twice a day! My son is 18 and has started a total of 2 loads in the past few months and that is where his effort ends.
Sometimes homeschooling is about more than math, English, Latin, history, etc. Sometimes it's about life.
This is a gap year for him. He's taking 3 more subjects and working part-time. That right there is a life lesson. He is doing so well, they have him training new staff. He told me about his first trainee and said it was weird training someone older than he is. I asked ''how old?'' He said ''maybe 30.'' The next night he comes home and says, ''well, maybe he's 50 or 60.'' The next night he comes home and says his trainee told him how old he is - 70! Needless to say, I learned my son is not great at guessing ages!
That said, despite learning to work and keep up with schoolwork this year - and laundry - we are studying personal finance. Sometimes math just needs to be practical! On top of that, we are going to take a closer look at courtship and dating, something he has no interest in - yet. But my daughter does even if she isn't allowed.
The great thing is I can do these things with both kids at once. The sad thing is I already know my daughter will do better at all of it. Maybe that's boys for you, I'm not sure, but it's about the effort, not about perfection.
Any life skills learned now will help in the future so when you're planning your high school years, don't forget about practical things. They will pay off, maybe more than some of the other subjects we drag them through! And yes, sometimes they are kicking and screaming. My daughter is wanting to drop Latin and learn Brazilian Portuguese. I told her to write a persuasive essay on why I should allow it! | | myhalfpints |
| | Homeschool helps
Your Child is More Than Just Curriculum
Leaning into your child's bents and strengths is a great way to educate them. For a season, our son was very into Botany, so we planted a large garden, visited and got to know a few of our local nurseries, traded cuttings with elderly neighbors who enjoyed the company, read lots of living books on plants and nature, etc.
In this current season, he is into small engine repair. So he barters with others or buys used lawnmowers that need repair, fixes them, and turns around to sell them. With some of his earnings, he puts his money into his coin collection.
Curriculum has its place, but remember to get to know your children's strengths and lean into them, while being relational in Christ-like character and training! Happy Homeschooling! | | for_his_glory |
Other
Extracurricular Activities Count
Our son was able to join the JROTC Magnet Cadet Program at the leading college prep school in our state. No cost to join; uniforms provided at no cost. It ignited his interest in all things military and sparked his interest in the Naval Military Academy. Heard about the program from another homeschooling mom.
Only goes to show that keeping in contact with other homeschool moms is so important. That's how we get the word out about programs and activities -- all the things that enrich our homeschooling experience. | | paloloshopper |
Other
If you don't love it, change!
After 12 years of homeschooling it's easy to see that not one curriculum fits each child. What my daughter used my son isn't. He learns differently!
I change curriculum according to their learning styles and that is one of the true blessings and perks of homeschooling. If you don't love it, change it! | | prairiehomeschooler |
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