We Are Persevering With Homeschooling

It seems we have finally gotten into a good school routine here, and we are starting to accomplish some of the goals that were planned out for this year. I am so thankful for that because - I won't lie - we had a very rough start to our school year this year and, I gotta tell ya, there have been times when part of me really wanted to quit.

Homeschooling my 14-year-old son is not easy! Its not the teaching part that is hard; I can usually handle that - and, if there is something I don't know the answer to, then we look it up (thanks, in part, to Google). The hard part has been his attitude about schoolwork.  He is not a fan of school - never has been. I'm guessing its because school is hard for him due to his learning difficulties. I understand that. But, I have always been a positive thinker and I have a difficult time with "complainers." He is the type of person who doesn't hold back his negative thoughts, so I OFTEN hear his complaints and feelings about his schoolwork. It irks me to no end; and, I guess maybe I take it too personally at times. I spend countless hours trying to find the curriculum that best fits his personality, and best fits his learning style (as well as my teaching style), and then I get excited about how great our year is going to be and how much we are going to learn. Then, my efforts are met with complaints about the curriculum, or about the work that needs to get done. I want him to have the same kind of excitement about learning as I do, but he doesn't. So, it is frustrating, and it is hard.

On our hardest days, I have prayed, "Why can’t he see how much I am doing for him! Will he ever appreciate me for it? Will he ever learn to do his work without complaining and just do it because its what he is supposed to do? How can I motivate this kid to love learning?"

And, then, the Lord reminds me that, yes, it is hard; but I need to persevere. It will be worth it in the end.

James 1:2-4 - Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)

So, no.... I’m not going to quit just because its hard. One thing I have always tried to teach my kids is that we don't give up "just because its hard." So, that applies to me as well.

But, I want to be clear about something... I would never say it is wrong to enroll a child into an organized brick and mortar school. I would never say every child should be homeschooled. Every family and every situation is different, and not every schooling option is the best fit for every child. But, for me and MY family, homeschooling is what we have chosen to do. It is what my husband and I feel is best for OUR family. So, I know I, personally, need to keep going. With God's help, I am bound and determined to get this kid through High School.

JJ is just being funny here. He knows he has frustrated me, and he is making "light" of it. LOL. He is a good kid, and is trying to do better. I love him dearly and wouldn't trade him for anything.