As a mother, I've cried a lot of tears this year. Ever since we had our first child, we have sought to have one parent home as much as we could afford to. Like every parent, we want to spend time with our children, teach them Biblical morals and values, and do everything within our ability to ensure they grow up to be young adults who will please God.
As a result, I've had a number of part time jobs: Cashier, School bus driver, Home daycare provider, Before and After school care giver, youth worker etc. Each of these positions suited us for a time, and as the demands of our family changed, so did my work situation.
Accepting my latest role as Before and After School Coordinator allowed us to enroll our children at John Knox Christian School. I love the school and both my husband and I want desperately to give our children a Christ-centered education. It was perfect... for a time.
After two years of struggling in school, it was discovered that our son Andrew had many learning disabilities. He struggles in every subject (except gym and art) and requires much hands-on help with homework and parental cheerleading in order to get through his assignments. As a family, we don't arrive home until 6:15pm or so. Then there's dinner to make, lunches to pack, stories to be read and bedtime by 8:30pm. That's not a whole lot of time for homework help or even face time with each of our four children.
Though our children are receiving amazing love and spiritual reinforcement at school, we have begun to see that it's no replacement for love and spiritual guidance demonstrated at home. Don't get me wrong, we are living out our faith at home... the problem is that we're only home together as a family for two and a half waking hours each day, and most of those are rushed! We've just found that this is not enough time to teach, guide and love our children the way we feel God wants us to. Also, on a more selfish note, I really miss my children!
As I talk to other moms about these thoughts, I realize that almost every mother struggles with this balance to some degree. Each person I spoke to confessed facing these very same emotions and desires regarding their family. We all want our children to do well, to know God and to experience as much love and joy as possible! Yet, in this sinful world, there are no simple solutions to this common dilemma. So, Peter and I prayed. We prayed and we prayed.
God has spoken to us through our tears and sleepless nights, and with His guidance we've decided to homeschool our children this coming year. We have always considered homeschooling an option, but never actually followed through on it due to fear... (how in the world are we going to homeschool four children??!!). But this time my fears are subsiding. Both Peter and I feel peace that this is the direction God wants to lead our family, and that He will provide the needed strength and patience. We also see huge benefits to learning side by side as a family (I sense a road trip in our future!).
So, for the fifth time since being a parent, my working situation will change again. Though fearful of what we don't know, we are excited about this new adventure in our lives. We're happy to be making steps to resolve the issue of balance that causes so much stress for our family. We pray that God will bless our family as we spend many hours together learning about Him and His world, and we look forward to many more hours spent at the homestead.
Janet, you are an amazing mother! And I know you'll be an incredible teacher to your children as well. You are an inspiration!!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Thanks Krista, I miss you so much. It seems so hard to get together regularly, but I hope you know I'm still here for you anytime and you are always in my thoughts! Love you.
DeleteMy mom home schooled my 2 younger siblings and I and it is one of the things I am most grateful for and have the best memories from.
ReplyDeleteI was very much like Andrew. When my mom started homeschooling me in grade 4, she was shocked at all the things I didn't know that most kids my age knew already.
My parents decision to home school was the best decision they could have ever made.I was able to catch up and learned how to work independently. By grade 8 I was doing grade 10 work. I know my mom felt a lot of pressure to make sure we were learning enough but I think she did an amazing job and so will you :) You'll never regret it and neither will your children. Good luck!