I'm graduating my first from Homeschooling and heres how it went...

First of all, there are so many things I would do differently and did do differently with my two youngest.  When I first started homeschooling Tate and Kynlee I felt like I had something to prove to OTHER people.  I had to show them we WOULD BE successful!  We had to prove to them we were ACTUALLY homeschooling.  The standards of public school still fresh in my head were what I was trying to live up to, and I failed my kids miserably with that mentality.  I pushed them too hard to read at an early age, forced them to know their numbers and math even when they weren't ready, and picked some of the toughest curriculum just so I could say we were academically thriving.  And there were tears.  So many tears.  I learned I could teach 25 kids in my class and not get as worked up as I did with 2 of my own.  My expectations of them were so high and honestly unfair. 

That being said I'm also a very laid back personality. I did question "why" a lot in my teaching.  We never truly did a ton of "book" science or history.  My kids are immersed in science all around them and loved watching Octonauts and Wild Kratts, where they still retain most of the information that they learned:)  On top of that they have a dad who loves nature, butchering, dissecting and learning.  So Ryan took over most of science in the real world and I'm grateful I didn't push that harder than I did.  Fast forward a few years to when I started working more and I felt like I needed a little more accountability.  We joined CC (Classical Conversations) and the kids got a great education in reading and writing where IEW was used, as well as filling in the art/science/history gap we may have had.  I felt good about giving them community and a well rounded education.  As well as knowing CC is highly esteemed in the homeschooling realm so it felt good that no one questioned what we were doing as long as I could say we were a part of it. 

After 6 years of CC and my oldest 2 getting into the highschool levels, I realized it was no longer a fit for them.  Their skills and interests were growing and I could see it, but CC was stifling those and didn't allow any extra time to explore their passions.  It is a rigorous program that is amazing to prepare you with a higher level learning and great for college bound kids, but it can be a huge burnout for kids who want to explore other opportunites.  I listened to a podcast by Andrew Pudewa, the creator of the IEW writing program we used, and he said as the kids get older, their funnel for exploring their passions and interests should get bigger, not smaller.  He had 5 boys I believe and he said that the more freedom they gave their kids in the highschool level, the more successful they were.  His 2 youngest kids are the most successful and had the most opportunity to explore their own interests and desires.  We have it so backwards in most cases.  The older kids get more bogged down with so much school work to "prepare" them, but honestly most of what they learn they do just to pass the test and move on to the next level.  Retention is barely there (I remember nothing from chemistry or geometry and really didn't even 1 month after taking the class) Instead, opening the funnel up gives them a love for learning.  They learn at their own desire and then take ownership over what they are doing.  It creates a love for learning and ignites in them a passion and guides them into what they want to maybe do!  Because when kids graduate at 18 and we ask them what they want to do, the reality is most kids have no idea.  They haven't had time to explore that or figure it out.  So you then spend your next few years hopefully figuring that out, but already a bit behind. 

We didn't stop school altogether and let Tate just do what he wanted, but I was able to view him building a house with Ryan or rebuilding his truck as his education.  While he was in CC he had to get his book work done before or after he was done helping dad.  With my new mindset I viewed him helping his dad his classroom for the day.  And he did end up learning so many life skills that will benefit him and save him money his whole life.  Much more than a biology class or trigonometry.  He learned how to wire, plumb, run HVAC.  He learned mechanics, concrete and landscaping.  He learned to build, side and roof a house, figure out angles and trim.  But most importantly, he figured out a love for learning.  If there was a problem with his car or jet ski, he learned he can fix it.  He can accomplish whatever he puts his mind to.  And that mentality is priceless.  He also learned what he loves to do and what he doesn't.  He found working with his hands, creating, and seeing a finished product is so rewarding. (HMMMMM.....wonder where he gets that from:)

This last semester I had Tate read a book that really changed his outlook on the future.  It took the pressure off of the big picture and really just allowed him to lean into each day, being obedient to the Lord, making decisions that honor him and just DOING something. It was a short and easy read and one that Tate really enjoyed.  It honestly changed the perspective of his future and gave him peace. I strongly encourage you to read it with your highschooler.  It's called, "Just Do Something" by Kevin DeYoung.

So all those years I was trying to prove to other people that we were doing enough was a waste.  All those years wondering if I was doing enough, are finally settled.  I was.  We did.  We created a child who loves to learn, who isn't afraid of hard work, who can communicate clearly and effectively and who loves the Lord with his whole heart, which I believe is also attributed to being able to disciple him every day and staying the biggest influence in his life.  I have no doubt in my mind he will be able to provide for his family, keep his wife at home, and use the skills and talents God gave him to live a quiet life, work with his hands, and gain the respect of others. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12. 

I couldn't ask for any more.

 I'm so grateful we took that leap of faith to homeschool our family 12 years ago.  The time we gained with our kids, the family bond it created, and the discipleship it allowed was all worth it. 

CONGRATS TATE!

We are here to cheer you on in this next phase of life!