I have been sitting here trying to blog while the boys are eating cereal and it's nearly impossible. In between questions about electric wires and Ian sharing with me about blood sugar and why it's important to have snacks when it's low, I keep staring out the window looking at this beautiful fall day God has created. One thing that amazes me is that school is never over. The boys continue to ask questions through out the day, some of which amaze me. Sometimes I have the answers, other times I find myself becoming the student. 

I used to worry that I wouldn't be knowledgeable enough to home school, that somehow I would mess up. I worried that my children would miss out on valuable teaching material that other kids in brick and mortar schools were learning. Although my kids are younger and have only been home schooled for going on 2 years now the validation that I needed came to me by a rather odd source. I had considered putting the kids in the public school close to us this year (not by choice but more necessity) to help bring additional income into the home, I was preparing to return to work force. John was not on board at all with the decision and wanted me to continue educating them from home. I got him to agree with me at least speaking with the school and when I did, the school psychologist evaluated Ian per the principles request because of ~WAIT FOR IT~ lack of socialization of the 1st year. I nearly spit my drink across the room in his face when he spoke the words. I mean really? There is still such a stigma in relation to homeschooling even in this modern society. Just because my child is taught from home doesn't mean we live like hermits and that they never get to interact with other children. It infuriates me when people make assumptions but the shrink quickly put any of that insecurity to rest within minutes after the evaluation. Ian had tested in 2nd or 3rd grade level on nearly every category. He was on target or above average in every area, in fact the school psychologist even questioned why I decided to stop homeschooling when it was working so wonderfully. When I went on to explain that we needed to have an additional income coming into the home he was sympathetic but encouraging. He said that I was doing amazing with it and that the boys seemed well adjusted and educated. The kicker came after the compliments when he told me that in fact, him and his wife had decided to pull their 4 children and home school them for the 1st time this year. That's when the light bulb went off and I had the ah ha moment.

You see, we are destined as parents and teachers to make mistakes. We will have doubts and fears but that's normal. If you are anything like me you will strive for perfection and push yourself to do better every time. The important thing is that you remember above all else to show constant love, consideration and appreciation for the effort your child makes. Push positive reinforcement, don't give up and always, always know that you are not alone in the journey. There are others that have your back. Find groups that will support you. A place where you can ask questions and get valuable insight. Even when you're the one in charge, it helps to have others who understand and support you along the way. :)