Dear Mom, Absolutely. I think that considering your relationship with this little fellow and the joy with which you obviously take in caring for him you would find homeschooling to be a natural progression. Of course there are the concerns with regard to custody rights and the legal hoops that are bound to surface unique to your situation. I have known many moms in your position and they consider the choice to homeschool no different than any other choice that they must make with regard to their spouse's children from a previous marriage. It sounds as though you are the primary caregiver and that you consider this little boy as much your own child in the way you care for him and are concerned for his well being. This is a holy witness and one that I am sure brings you much peace. Not having intimate knowledge of your relationship with the mother of this child I can not advise you accurately about the steps that you and your husband should take with regard to speaking with her. It would seem that if your husband has full custody then he is the one in charge of the primary care. If you have a working relationship with the mother then perhaps she should be made aware of your plans so as not to catch her off guard and compound a potential challenge. Pray about your choice and speak openly and with no guile when talking to this little boy's mom. Imagine her feelings and try to be compassionate as is warranted under the circumstances. Certainly the feelings and emotional health of the child is our first priority. Children thrive best when they are in relationships that are open and loving making discussions and questions easy to ask. A child's concerns should be at the heart of adult situations. Let us pray together a Hail Mary for all the children that will find themselves in the middle of very adult concerns. Lord, we ask that those surrounding the children react peacefully and with compassion as they work to sort through challenges. Allow that each adult has the patience and time to regard a child's feelings with tender care and a quiet resolve to do what is best for the child. Sending out a prayer, Rita Munn |
