Dear Mom,

Let us begin this morning with rejoicing and praise during this glorious season of Easter renewal. I pray that you and your family are having a wonderful Easter and will continue to feel the glory of all that the Lord has promised as we move through these 50 days of Easter celebration and prepare to celebrate Pentecost.

Your little boy is indeed blest to have a mommy who is putting his needs and concerns first. It has been my observation that no matter the circumstances with which we are faced, whether that be a situation such as your own or the opposite (a family where there are many children), if we, as parents, will just take the time to examine the issues from our child's point of view we not only find solutions through the Lord's help but we find a certain and unmistakable peace.

I would imagine that at this point in your little boy's life you are probably his best and favorite playmate. He prefers your company to the company of others. However I would also imagine that you are beginning to see that he is exploring and moving beyond the comfort of mom. Perhaps you see him approaching children at the playground or in restaurants. This is entirely normal and is a testimony to your parenting. He feels confident and assured that other children will be fun to play with. A nearly four year old child is approaching the age when he is not only ready for playmates but this is to be encouraged.

However the classroom setting is not always the best place for this interaction nor is it the only place for this interaction. Many parents feel that they would prefer more control over this situation. This is understandable and certainly within the boundaries of normal parenting. You are not isolating your son from the world when you choose to homeschool. Remember that though homeschooling becomes a lifestyle it is an approved and acceptable method of educating a child.

If through prayer and a willingness to know the will of the Lord, you feel at peace with homeschooling and find that it is a good fit for you and your son, then going forward into the experience will be not only positive, it will be enriching as well. As challenges are presented through the Lord's desire to help you and your son grow in this experience, then you will have the tools and resources to meet each new challenges.

Homeschooling has reached a level of acceptance in that it is part of the mainstream and considered a worthy method of educating. There are resources for homeschooling communities to form co-operative schools and playdates, etc. Once you embark upon this lifestyle you are going to see so many opportunities for your son to have friendships and companionships that are meaningful and enjoyable. In the same respect you too will form friendships based upon a common goal and love of homeschooling. You will find many kindred spirits with whom you can share your journey.

Jesus, we love You and give You all the glory. We praise You and thank You for the gift of Heaven. Please allow that we are given the graces necessary to go out into the world and proclaim Your name and Your glory to all that we meet. Let our witness be an example that draws all to You. Amen.

Sending out a prayer,

Rita Munn