Your personalities clash.
You’re going to regret it.
You’ll drive each other nuts.
Those were the thoughts that were holding me back from moving forward with homeschooling. I knew it was the best thing for my son, but I was afraid. This haunting thought–our relationship will be ruined– kept me from moving forward.
Our personalities are very different. He’s an emotionally driven person and I’m the complete opposite (for the most part). I love him and I respect him, but the thought of trying to teach him seemed overwhelming.
Well, after doing research–thinking and praying through my options, I dove in! I thought, “I’ll try it and if it doesn’t work, we’ll only do it for a year.” After the first week, I quickly realized how I was so wrong about it ruining our mother/son relationship. It was actually drawing us closer in ways I would not have imagined.
He was talking to me about all sorts of stuff throughout the day (this was not normal). I was soaking it in, cherishing every sentence, every thought, every word that he uttered to me. I will always look back to this time in our life with a smile. Though it has had its challenges, I wouldn’t trade the things I mention below for anything. We are still learning how to agree to disagree and how to respect our differences, but I have a feeling this will continue as we grow in our relationship. I’m also still in process, trying to figure out how to teach him concepts in a way that help his weak areas like auditory receptive skills and perceptive skills.
It isn’t just the epic stuff that makes my boys so extraordinary. It’s the little things. The small moments that maybe only you as a mother see — and quietly celebrate every day. I have three boys but today I want to celebrate with you my oldest son whom I’ve had the joy of homeschooling this school year.
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Ethan has taught me so much about life and getting back up when you fall down, even in the midst of fear. The picture above was taken after a strenuous 2 hour hike, down a volcanic crater. He was exhausted, but he hiked the whole thing.
He’s bright.
Kind.
Compassionate.
Courageous.
Determined.
Brave.
Smart.
Full of life.
His motto in his short life would be: “Nothing comes easy.” It started right in my womb. It took over 24 long hours of labor to see his little sweet face. From early on he has had to work hard for everything he has accomplished. However, love, compassion, kindness, wisdom and determination all come naturally to him.
Homeschooling Changed My Relationship with My Son
Our talks about insects, poop, his dreams, his fears, girls, God, his muscles getting bigger…every single one of those talks has been priceless and I will forever cherish.
Snuggling on the couch with a book or outside on a blanket together–my favorite! He read over 50 books this school year!
The surprise look of excitement he would give me when we did a science experiment absolutely made my day!
And I as I type this last sentence there are tears in my eyes. To daily watch him thrive, smile and feel confident instead of defeated and stupid (his words about himself)–has made it all worthwhile.
Here’s the letter he wrote me – totally made me cry.
Dear Momma:
I love you so much with all my heart, I beat. {We’ve said this to each other since he was little, my competitive middle child started this.)
Can I not do school today, please?
I just want to do two things today. You are my perfect teacher in the whole world. Can you and me spend time together at lunch time for Mother’s Day? You are a hard working teacher. Can I learn how to be an artist? Because I want to learn with you.
Your son,
Ethan (The picture below is us, it’s the first time I can honestly say–I look like a stick!)
Your kid, and every kid, is extraordinary. Celebrate your extraordinary kid!
I’m making a simple video for us as a “keepsake” of some of special moments over here. You can do it for any occasion, but I thought this is a wonderful way to celebrate the end of our first great year of homeschooling.
This is my video I made for my son: Our First Homeschool Year!
You should stop by and share your love, hope and pride for your extraordinary kid by creating a personalized video that captures what makes them one-of-a-kind.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own. A little bit more about our sponsor: Stanford Children’s Health is the largest Bay Area healthcare provider with an exclusive focus on children and expectant women.
Other family friendly post you’ll enjoy:
28 Things Your Family Needs To Hear You say
9 Must Do’s to Instill Creativity in Your Child
Printable Book Report Forms (Elementary)
Activities for Building Your Tweens Self Esteem
