Super Mom
Hi Judy,
So glad to have found your website! I'm mother of two, 7 months and 3 years, and am contemplating homeschooling but don't have a clue where to start. Every mom I run in to is asking me if my son is enrolled in preschool and seem shocked that he's not. This has made me wonder whether there's something I'm supposed to be doing now for him that I'm not already doing. This led me on my search on the web to find some info and others who might feel as I do about possibly homeschooling.
Anyway, I'm clueless about how or when to get started but it doesn't make sense to me to send him out of the home at three for what I consider glorified daycare -- but yet I still wonder if I'm doing enough at home now or if I'm capable of homeschooling.
Your website has already been an inspiration to me. You do seem like “Super Mom” though, when I just struggle to keep up with laundry, get meals together, and on an extra good day get a shower for myself! How do you do it?
If you have a speaking schedule I would like to know of this.
Thank you,
S. M. - via. email
Hello S, M.,
I enjoyed reading your email. It is typical of the many other emails and calls that I receive regularly. There’s an interesting phrase found in the Bible, "and it came to pass…" I often quote it to myself and others as proof that the situations we find ourselves in don’t continue forever. The place you are in now, will not last forever, it will pass, I promise you. Cherish these times, every minute of where you are now. Childhood goes by so fast, I know, I’m the mother of four children, 23 to six years old, my oldest daughter is married and a new mommy—I’m a grandmother! I just shake my head and wonder, how did that happen so fast?
Right now is the time in your life for you to concentrate on your children and being the best mother you can be. If God is calling you to homeschool, He will give you the wisdom and strength to do it His way.
I don’t consider myself “super mom.” God didn't give me the ministry of AHE until my children were older (13, 11, 6) and homeschooling was a well established part of our home. Please don't compare your situation and mine, as yours is different and will only continue to change as your children grow up. God has blessed me with a very supportive husband, organizational skills, a love for learning and writing, and a passion for teaching my children. Then He wrapped it all up and put it the form of the ministry of The Adventist Home Educator, where I am blessed by sharing with fellow homeschooling moms!
You mentioned preschool and like you say it can be glorified babysitting, but many times, it also involves pushing little children into learning for which they are not ready. I’m concerned for the little children who are being pushed to learn languages, how to read, music, etc. before they are ready. To say nothing of the separation from parents and siblings, and potential neglect and abuse in day care situations.
You can easily teach your preschooler at home without a lot of fuss and bother. Continue reading on the AHE website—www.adventisthomeducator.org—especially the article Creating a Learning Home. Be careful with your son, boys mature at a later age than girls do, don't push him into early academics and learn of the many ways you can "teach" without pushing workbooks. Spend lots of time reading stories together. Take nature walks and talk of what you find. Learn early phonics by telling him the sounds of the things in your home and that you observe on your walks. Teach early math facts in the kitchen—two apples, take away one, leaves one or two halves make a whole. Teach obedience and respect for parents and siblings. Work together on household chores—it may take longer initially, but you will be rewarded with a great helper before long. Most of all, teach your child to develop a relationship with Jesus by reading the Bible stories, learning memory verses and singing songs.
The Smithsonian Institute did a study called The Childhood Pattern of Genius. They found three things that were especially attributed to intelligence… 1) Responsive parents willing to take time to respond to their questions. 2) Little time with peers, and 3) Freedom to explore and learn on their own. In other words, at home with mom who cares a whole lot more than a busy teacher, away from the influences of other children at a preschool, and time to learn and explore their environment (not constantly busy running to play dates, gymnastics, music lessons, park days, etc.).
The Homeschool Primer (listed under resources) will give you a great overview and introduction to homeschooling. After you've read that, get The Adventist Home Educator Handbook which will give details on teaching, resources available and everything you need to know to be successful. You will also want to learn how to use Learning Projects as the core of your children's education. Get started understanding Learning Projects now and you will be richly rewarded with an easy way to teach both of your children together. There are projects for preschoolers through high schoolers so you will use this book for many years.
Yes, you are capable of educating your children at home. (Read You are Qualified on the AHE website.) In fact, you are doing it right now, when you teach your children obedience, to love Jesus, manners, potty training, etc… Homeschooling is just a natural extension of what you are already doing. Right now, as a mother of young children you wonder and you are filled with questions and that is normal. Begin by studying as you've already begun, pray for guidance and trust your instincts as a mother. Develop a relationship with the One who has all the answers to our questions. Claim Proverbs 3:5-6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”
~ Judy - A Super Mom only through God’s strength!
©2003 ~ Judy Shewmake