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Question:

After several years of discussing homeschooling, we have finally come to the decision to homeschool our 3 year old for preschool until he is ready for kindergarten in 2 years. I feel so blessed to finally be on the same page with my husband on this issue! Our 4 year old is currently enrolled in the first year of preschool at our parish school, and we are trying to decide whether to send him back for the 2nd year of preschool or homeschool him as well. Our concerns are that bringing him home for only a year will make transitioning back to school for kindergarten difficult, and that he will miss his friends. We are also concerned that our older son, who is in Kindergarten this year, will feel left out because he isn't homeschooling. We homeschooled over the summer, to try out the lifestyle and see how the boys adjusted. We had our struggles, it was definitely a learning experience! About 2 months ago, we began homeschooling our younger two boys (in preschool) in a more deliberate way, and they are both flourishing. (We homeschool our 4 year old on the days he doesn't go to school.) Our plan is to homeschool this summer again, and then decide whether or not to send our middle son back to preschool or keep him in homeschool. Do you have any advice for us in this time of discernment? Thank you so much!

Answer:

Dear Mom,

What a sweet mommy you are. I sense in you a mommy that loves her little boys and is willing to do what is necessary to make their learning experiences wonderfully full and holy. This is the heart of homeschooling to be sure. Let's go one step further and let me ask you some questions that may or may not help you discern but it is something that I have struggled with myself and perhaps it will be of a help to you.

When you were a new mommy and just beginning to breastfeed your babies I am sure that you heard the advice about switching from plastic nipples to breast to pacifiers etc. Many pediatricians and moms who know breastfeeding and LeLeche League moms, feel that this causes a great deal of confusion for the infant making the nursing attachment difficult. There is also the very real issue of milk supply. If a mom uses the supplements too frequently then the possibility that her milk supply will not be sufficient is very real.

Now think along the lines of homeschooling. For children, especially little ones, the transitions are difficult. They prefer to have a routine and know what to expect. This is understandable considering their vulnerability in the world. We know that they look to their parents as the stable force in their lives and as such they are eager to be able to work through each day knowing that the ones who care for them understand how they feel. When children are secure in this area then and only then are they able to flourish and experiment, learn and question and seek.

We at CHC feel very strongly that all children learn. All children learn. It is fundamental that a child learn in order to yearn for God. Education that does not have the desire to seek God to the fullest is education, no matter advanced or 'modern', that lacks the ability to truly teach a child. A child is made to wonder and be in awe of the world. This is in God's plan. When Jesus told the disciples that they must 'become as little children' this is what we believe He was speaking about. I am a child of God. I am in awe each morning when I awake at the generous mercy and love of the Lord.

The summer is nearly upon us. This is a wonderful time to take time to discern and pray about the path that your little family will take. You are such a sweet spirit and in that I sense that you are aware that you are a child of God. You are His precious daughter, who is desirous of pleasing Him and following His path for you. Jesus will not fail to guide you. Spend time allowing the Lord to surround you quietly with His embrace. Rest in that embrace. Believe me all will settle in your heart and you will truly know the path to take.

When I was first beginning the journey into homeschooling a wise more experienced mom gave me some wonderful advice. She could sense that I was confused at times because I was wanting to do the 'right thing'. She gently pulled me aside and asked me this question, "Rita, would spending an entire school year with you, playing, learning and exploring be bad?" Her point was of course that I am their mommy and as such I am the one the Lord has entrusted with their care. When I finally decided to homeschool it was a turning point in that I never looked back. I could see that taking each day as it came was the way to approach this lovely lifestyle of homeschooling.

Remember that for children their play is their work and as such is never wasted. Children never waste a day, each new day is filled with learning experiences. Seek the companionship of other homeschooling moms in your area. Spend time with them and listen to their stories and comments. Sort through the information and see how you feel.

I think that your children have in you a mommy that is a true blessing. You are loving and you are eager to know the will of the Lord. Praise God for those children.

Let us offer up our prayers this morning for all those families that find they are pushed to the limit because of financial concerns which have the potential to rob them of their security and means to provide adequately for their children. Let us ask the Lord to surround them at this moment and inspire and empower them to move according to His will and trust in His care. Amen.

Sending out a prayer,

Rita Munn