Dear Mom,

It is always a joy to read a letter that speaks from the heart about caring for and nurturing one's own children. It is peaceful in fact to read your explanations of your challenges and your concerns. Though your plate is full with your work outside the home and the demands of caring for a family with such small children I can sense that you are a woman of prayer and as such you are quietly resting in the Lord and His desires for your family. I get a sense that you enjoy your work as a speech therapist and find a certain fulfillment in this vocation which does not detract from your vocation of mothering.

Continue in your prayerful approach to the challenges of integrating a homeschool mindset to your lifestyle at this time. I would suggest that you see the curriculum (those that you may choose to use) as a type of reward for the hard work of public schooling. Perhaps this can be something that you can introduce one or two evenings a week. I would caution however not to approach the introduction in such a way as to allow that your son feels 'pushed' or pressured to complete assignments, etc. It may be that using only certain of the materials suggested for a particular grade year would be more appropriate in your situation. CHC divides the materials into those that are considered core (essential) and those that are non-core (good to use but not completely essential) and enrichment (wonderful to use as a means of adding variety and spark). Each of these classifications is worthy and contributes to the overall pleasure of the curriculum. However considering that your little boy will be spending time in formal classroom instruction it may be better in his situation to use non-core or enrichment materials as a way of adding fun and variety to his tutorial. It would seem repetitive or redundant to load him down with more math, more spelling, for example. However adding some fun books that supplement what he is already learning at school would be nice.

I would think that the best place to contribute to his education would be to begin now to include religious materials that are geared to his age group. Naturally these are listed in the core materials for each curriculum. If this is the only way that you can find to augment his schooling then this is certainly the best way. I would add that his instruction in religion should be consistent with regard to time and commitment.

Probably the best way to ensure that your family makes the eventual transition to homeschooling in a peaceful manner is to continue in your prayers. Stay connected to those persons who share your love of the faith and your interest in homeschooling. Your son would certainly find it enjoyable to meet children his age in the homeschooling community. Remember that when children play together the last thing that they discuss is 'school'. They just want to enjoy one another's company. Join in those activities of the Catholic homeschooling community when you are able (field trips, devotions, etc.).

Your family is truly blest to have in you a mommy that is thinking first of her own faith walk and how she can better do the Lord's will while trusting in His care every step of the way. Keep up the good work. You will be in my daily prayers as well.

Let us pray together a Hail Mary at this time for the intentions of all young families as they work to meet the demands of children, spouses, finances, housing, etc. Lord, we come to You with complete trust in Your Providential Love and desire to guide and direct our actions. Amen.

Sending out a prayer,

Rita Munn