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Home > Support > Homeschooling > I know that my husband leans toward sending the children to school...
 
 
Question: This isn't a question but a need to hear another point of view. I have a daughter who is almost 5, and a son who is 2.5 years, and expecting a baby in April. I am blessed. Currently, I am homeschooling my 4.5 year old daughter for preschool, doing simple things during the day, going out on adventures to the library, children's museum, and the like, adding math, dot-to-dots, and letter sounds. She enjoys going to the Catholic co-op group we attend on Fridays, and her father hears that she 'likes going to school'. She has gym, art, and music with about 8 other kids, and I'm there in the building with her. I've purchased bits from CHC for Pre-K and we have finished them, so I've taken the next step and ordered (not yet received) CHC Pre-K/Kinder materials for math and the phonics for reading, as well as the lesson plans. People have told me on numerous occasions that she is mature for her age, and I attribute that to the fact that she has been with me nearly her whole life. We play with other kids, have swim lessons...etc. Here is the part where I need encouragement: I know that my husband leans toward sending the children to school, talking about when their attitude is going to change, etc... things that one might expect with a child that attends school and is affected by the social aspect, but I really don't know where exactly he stands with it. (I think it's changing and prayer would be the answer why.) I have been praying a Rosary daily for 30 days for my husband, and have for the past 3 months been doing a 30-day novena asking the Holy Souls in Purgatory to help before I even begin to talk to my husband about homeschooling. I know that it has to come from God, not from me, but waiting on God is not a strong point for me. :o) (Is it for anyone??) It is hard to come to grips that homeschooling my kids may not be God's will for us, but that it is something I really desire. BUT, I have also realized that I may never have to talk to him about homeschooling, and that he may come to that decision on his own. Any suggestions for someone who is hanging tight?
Answer:

Dear Mom,

What a holy witness of simple purity and the desire to know the will of the Lord. I want you to know that I received such a blessing just reading your letter and I want to encourage you along the way as you grow in faith and in the understanding of the Lord's will for your lovely family.

Do you remember when you began your journey with natural childbirth and breastfeeding? Rarely do we begin such important journeys with our ideas set in stone. In other words we know that we must be flexible and allow that there may be minor changes in the way we feel, etc. When I worked in Labor and Delivery it was my observation that those moms who labored with the idea that if they needed something to take the edge off their pain they would take it. Rarely did they take medication. For you see humans do much better when we are not backed into a corner. Homeschooling is in many ways the same sort of journey.

We must allow ourselves to grow into the notion of homeschooling and in so doing we give the Holy Spirit the room necessary to empower and inspire us to make the necessary changes etc. that might ensure our success with homeschooling. Homeschooling is not all or nothing and it is not the hallmark of good parenting. It is indeed a calling and a journey that must be given the room to grow and change.

I would suggest that you allow your husband the time to think about this journey from the time frame that the Lord is using to move his heart. It could be that, given the space to think about the idea of homeschooling, your dear husband will gain a new perspective and better appreciate the worth of homeschooling. I do not think that it is necessary at this time to 'back your dear husband into a corner' and insist that he come on board 100% with the idea of homeschooling. It is important to understand that homeschooling is a lifestyle and as such it is a deeper commitment than many parents are aware of. This is not a negative aspect but instead another good reason to allow your husband the time to make the adjustment.

Your prayer life is indeed a source of peace and blessing. Try to incorporate your husband and little ones into the habit of family prayer in the evening. It is such a quiet time of renewal at the end of a busy day.

Thank you for your letter. Please pray for me and all the moms who are facing challenges that parenting presents daily.

Lord, we ask that You guard and protect our dear sister in Christ as she joyfully and prayerfully rests in Your will for her and her family. Lord, we ask that you open hearts and minds to the message of Your empowerment and the great joy found in Your will. Amen.

Sending out a prayer,

Rita Munn

   
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