Lessons I Learned from Homeschooling
Every child has a gift or two. Every child has a special need or two.
It’s not the method—it’s the time and the love.
It’s not the test scores—it’s the character.
It’s not a sprint—it’s a marathon.
Learning styles matter.
How to pick back up and start all over again.
Teenagers have so very much to offer.
To be open to new ways of doing, seeing, thinking.
That I am wrong much more than I’d like.
It is impossible to homeschool on my own strength.
You don’t have to be patient—just willing.
A sense of humor is your best defense.
The character flaws seen most often were mine.
If a curriculum isn’t working, dump it and move on.
Shiny new curriculum is seductive—be wise.
Written goals are a guidepost when you are floundering.
Chocolate makes a dreary task more enjoyable (for kids and moms).
The right music at the right time helps.
The right snack at the right time helps.
Yelling pretty much never helps.
Books allow us access to the world —past and present.
Setting the alarm and getting up does not make you a morning person.
Teens and toddlers need more sleep, more food, and more time than I ever realized.
God has a sense of humor.
Coffee belongs in the school budget.
Ditto chocolate.
I can’t do it all, on my own—so I cling to Philippians 4:13.
Training boys to be men calls for a man. (God bless my single and widowed friends!)
I don’t know nearly as much as I once thought.
I can’t teach them everything they need to know; however, I can show them how to find answers.
Every day is educational—whether for good or for bad.
Even when I make terrible mistakes, God has my back.
Simple things like games, car rides, inside jokes, and dinner time bind a family together in ways I could not have dreamt.
Just because siblings don’t get along when they are younger doesn’t preclude them from being close friends when they are grown.
If all else fails on any given day, try the following until something works:
Prayer. Coffee. Chocolate. Prayer. Recess. Prayer. Movies. Bed. Prayer.
And I leave you with this:
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:4‒7, NKJV)
How about you? What lessons did you learn from homeschooling this year?
– all photo credit: sprittibee
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Maggie is Bright Ideas Press's Founder and Creative Director. She is a wife, mom, grandmom, author, and speaker. Her favorite things are Jesus, playing with her granddaughters, reading, writing, traveling, encouraging moms, and drinking coffee. Find Maggie on Twitter @MaggieSHogan or on Google +.
Comments (9)
As one who has also completed my homeschooling journey, I couldn’t agree more with your beautifully articulated thoughts. Such truth! Such simplicity! I know you’ll bless many of our young homeschooling friends with your timely words.
Thanks Kim, your words made MY day.
Like you, I do so love those young moms. Wish I could hold their hands! But this will have to do.
Hugs, Maggie
Love, love, love!!!
So much wisdom (and a fair bit of humor) in these!! My favs?
If a curriculum isn’t working, dump it and move on.
Shiny new curriculum is seductive—be wise.
(To both of the above I would add…”Curriculum is simply a tool in the teacher’s hands. And it’s often not the right tool for the job.”)
Coffee belongs in the school budget.
(…because, coffee is ALWAYS the right tool for the job)
Prayer. Coffee. Chocolate. Prayer. Recess. Prayer. Movies. Bed. Prayer.
(Though I would add coffee in there a few extra times)
Linda, thank you for your kind words. Love your point about curriculum is a tool – so true!
I rarely leave comments anywhere, but just had to say this was great.
I’m a staunch homeschooling advocate and have been for 12 years, but even I occasionally doubt my path. Reading your words reinvigorates me tonight! 🙂
Oh thank you Lindsey! I think we ALL need an extra boost now and then. I love it when God provides just the right thing.
Blessings, Maggie
[…] This wonderful post by Maggie Hogan of Bright Ideas Press: Lessons I Learned from Homeschooling […]
Maggie, your list is a sampling of chapter titles for an upcoming book, yes? 🙂
What have I learned from homeschooling?
A box of books without a heart for learning is just cardboard, paper, and a return address label.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I have been homeschooling my kids the past few years. We have been taking a few weeks break for summer, but today, I was contemplating the coming year and how it to get it all done. With a 7, 5, 2, and newborn coming in the Fall, I know we have to stay on schedule and stay organized. I really appreciate these ideas and I will remember them on the days that I wonder what in the world am I doing!!!! I will especially remember the chocolate 🙂