Episode 199
Do you sometimes wonder what your kiddos will be like as young adults? They really do grow up! And today on the podcast, I want to share an update on my homeschooling journey which began almost three decades ago!
I want you to be able to imagine for yourself what life and parenting might be like for you somewhere down the road in the future. I also want to offer you some tips for today and reassurance for your vision of the future.
We started homeschooling officially back in 1996 and now my three kiddos are in their 20s and 30s!
Our homeschooling journey was amazing and unique, just as yours is and will be. Our oldest chose to go to school in eighth grade and went to our local public high school, and our other two homeschooled all the way through high school.
And if you’ve been around here for any time, you may know that I was a classroom teacher even before having kids. So I’ve taught in and experienced every possible educational setting from public and private school classrooms, to tutoring and homeschooling. That means I’ve been teaching for about 37 years!
To hear more, add Episode 1: Homeschooling is a Journey to your podcast queue.
Nowadays, all of our kiddos live out of town. Too far for this mama’s liking. But they are all adults, have jobs they love, and wonderful partners!
I savor the moments when our whole family is back together again at holidays, family events, and summer camping trips. And in between, on Zoom. Fun fact, when we have our family Zoom calls, we have to schedule for four different U.S. time zones! That’s right, we’re all pretty spread out geographically. But we find ways to stay connected and get together as often as we can.
Brian and I recently spent a long weekend with all the kiddos and their partners at a baby shower for our oldest. Yep, I’m going to be a grandmother!
Here’s a photo of our family from that recent visit.
Our oldest son and his wife are expecting a baby in a few months and this will be our first grandchild. Needless to say, I’m beyond excited!
I wish so much that I could convey to you, dear homeschooling parent, how all the years of the homeschooling journey have evolved into so much love and gratitude that my heart could almost burst!
In this episode, I want to share my thoughts from this side of the journey, thoughts I wish I had been able to truly embrace. As well as all the things I’m excited about for the future as the journey continues.
Listen in!
Embrace These Thoughts on YOUR Homeschooling Journey
Here’s my first message for you: our children really do grow up!
I’m reminded of the saying “The days are long but the years are short.” And it’s oh so true.
When I look back over our 25+ years of homeschooling, I think the only thing I’d change is to relax more and worry less.
I wish I’d really understood early on that it’s not about perfection, but all about connection.
I wish I could have been more lighthearted and confident, knowing it all works out just fine no matter what we choose to do on any given day.
Here are a few other thoughts I wish I’d embraced…
- Uncertainty and doubt are part of the journey. And that’s OK.
- Be patient with yourself and your children because learning takes time.
- Critical self-talk is not so helpful.
- Invite more acceptance and less anxiety.
Because the days are long and the years are short.
Of course, what we choose to DO with our children matters.
But the lessons aren’t all that matter!
The relationships definitely matter more than anything else.
When we’re in the day-to-day of raising kids and homeschooling, it’s hard to imagine a future when they’re grown and flown. But that day will come, believe me.
In fact, that’s our goal. We want to help our children go out and share their gifts with the world. It’s just hard to keep that goal in our vision when we’re caught up in what needs our attention day to day.
I just want to reassure you that you can relax, and simplify in your homeschooling life, and still have everything work out!
The Homeschooling Journey and Beyond
At the baby shower, everyone brought a children’s book as a gift.
And what fun it was to remember all of our kiddos’ favorites from when they were little. I can’t wait to read The Runaway Bunny; Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom; Blueberries for Sal, and Stellaluna to the new little one.
Looking at all those sweet children’s books on the new shelves in the baby’s room made me think of all of my time reading with my kiddos ~ on the couch, on the front porch swing, on a blanket in the yard, curled up before bed. Reading books aloud was a favorite part of homeschooling for me.
And I can’t wait to share all of the great books and stories with my grandkids!
And oh, all the finger plays, and poems, and songs I’ll get to share all over again with my children’s children! Just the idea of that brings me so much joy.
Here’s another interesting way I use those songs and poems these days.
My mother, who’s almost 90, lives nearby. She has Alzheimer’s disease and we moved her to Cleveland into memory care about 6 months ago.
When I visit her, I sometimes recite poetry or sing with her. And she has those soft baby books to play with ~ you know, the ones that include zippers, laces to tie, and little latches to open tiny doors.
I never thought that all my years with little ones at home, and those kindergarten years of homeschooling, would help me in my time with my mother as she ages, but that’s how it’s going at this stage.
The lively arts really do open the hearts of all ages.
And also these days, I get to connect with so many homeschooling parents like you who are on this amazing journey too!
I’m just a little further along on the path. I feel so honored and grateful to spend my days guiding others on the homeschooling journey, helping you develop the clarity and confidence to find a path that works for you and your unique family.
And…
This is Episode 199 of the Art of Homeschooling Podcast!
I can hardly believe that next week, I’ll be sharing the 200th episode of the podcast with you!
I’m humbled by the reach that the simple act of recording an episode every week brings. We now have over 125,000 downloads! Just mind-boggling to me. THANK YOU for listening!
So as we wrap up, here’s my message to all homeschoolers: it’s worth it!
I want to assure you that you CAN do this homeschooling thing even when some days are wild & wonky.
Homeschooling is a long game. And you, dear homeschooling parent, are doing important work in this world.
I hope this episode has helped you to see that you’re right where you need to be!
The goal of the Art of Homeschooling Podcast is to help parents everywhere embrace homeschooling in a way that makes it simple, inspiring, and doable.
Enjoy your homeschooling journey and I’ll catch you next time for the 200th episode!
More to Explore from the Art of Homeschooling
You might like these episodes, too. So check them out!
Looking for More Support on Your Homeschooling Journey?
Discover how to bring the lively arts into your main lesson blocks with Homeschool Simplicity 101.
Join the Inspired at Home community for the training, coaching, and community to make homeschooling work for your family.
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