School starts here tomorrow. Not just here in our home, but in the public school system too. Tomorrow would be the day Aspen started Kindergarten if she was attending public school. I find I have mixed feelings about that.
I am comfortable with my decision to teach her at home. This has been the plan since she was just a baby and my desire since before she was ever even born. In my heart I know it is the right thing for her. We started our Kindergarten in June. Academically she is right where she should be in some areas and miles ahead in others. I know homeschooling is the right thing for her.
A recent rash of comments to the contrary from several people has thrown me for a bit of a loop. A few weeks ago Kelly, my oldest daughter, went on a whole tangent about how she thought public school would be good for Aspen. This, from the child who hated school with a passion and dropped out, went back, and dropped out again. A few weeks ago my MIL made a few comments to my husband about were we sure we didn't want to let her attend public school, as though we were taking away something good from her. I know my MIL feels that way, but I thought we had established that it was our choice, this is what we were doing and the matter was closed to discussion. Even my hubby, who has been supportive and even praised me as a home school mom to his coworkers, has made a few comments lately about whether we should put her in school. I realize this is a big decision and that the fact that we're now doing it officially is probably a little bit intimidating, and that's probably the reason for his sudden uncertainty. Still, it was a bit unsettling.
I find that other people's negativity can really impact my confidence in homeschooling if I let it. I'm sure this is a common thing home school moms run into. I've learned that I can't count on the support of others to keep me going and inspired. I have to fall back on my faith in God and the knowledge that this is what He wants me to do for my children. I believe that with all my heart. I know that the only way to truly raise my girls to know Christ the way I want them to is to teach them at home and lead them by example. I also know, that when I am feeling low, and every one's negative input threatens to derail me, I have only to look to the Lord and He will give me all that I need to accomplish this task He's set before me.
2 Corinthians 9:8 says it all: "God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work"
What do you do to regain your footing, when the opinions of others make you question your parenting choices?
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1 comments:
It is so hard to have others plant seeds of doubt. I have recently experienced that with a hard decision I made about my work-day/child-care arrangements. BUT, you just HAVE to go with your mama-instincts. I know that God gives us a special ability to know what is right for OUR kids. We know them more intimately than anyone.
You know Aspen's strengths and needs. You know what situation will be the best for you and her and your family.
Be confident in your decision that was made after much prayer and contemplation. You do have to consider Hubby's opinion but he is more susceptible to the seeds of doubt by his parents. So if you think deep down he is content and in agreement with the homeschooling... TRUST YOURSELF!
You are one of the most-loving and prayerful mamas I know. You make decisions for your family not based on whim or selfish desire but totally on what you feel is God's leading and in the best interest of your family. This is just one more example.
I, personally, can't wait to hear how your year goes. I would LOVE to do this with Lucas but I am not sure I am cut-out for it.
Stay strong! Seek wisdom and encouragement from like-minded people. Ask God to confirm the truth in your heart.
Much love to you!
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