A friend recently forwarded this link to Letter from an Imperfect Homeschooler and I am sooo glad she did. I plan to read and reread this regularly!!!
The other day I actually snatched a book out of Peanuts hand. I had lost my patience – why – because he was taking forever, because I was frustrated and tired and my daughter was whining, WHO KNOWS! For that matter, who cares. I immediately knew I had messed up and scooped up my crying son and apologized – we sat on the couch and I just held him. We both needed it. Unfortunately, I am not always able to get a grip so quickly. There are times I just have to walk away and get some space. The important thing is that I communicate with my children while it is happening and/or after it happens. I am human, imperfect, make mistakes, need space, get tired, angry, etc. My kids need to know that. I have an old friend who is always telling her children that she will mess up, but she still loves them. I could use alittle more of this humility. Caring for children is not for the faint of heart and requires daily courage. Let’s be honest. One of the things that draws me to homeschooling is the slower pace it provides, the chance to really BE with my kids, the opportunity to turn our daily interactions into opportunities for growth – for me and for them. At least right now, this interpersonal education is one of the most significant lessons I can offer them. Here is too the journey, the messy, messy journey…..
