The Autodidact

Some recent conversations, both in person and online, and a couple of books on education, both secular and faith-based, have got me thinking deeply. Why do I keep my kids out of school? These books and conversations made me realize I have become a bit complacent about my convictions. I asked my kids old and young alike if they knew why they were/are home educated. The oldest was able to articulate some, but even then, she was not quite sure. She, being almost 23, can see the benefits and can see that she is better educated than her peers. But as to her parents' reasons, she could not say much other than we did it for religious reasons, which are correct, but that was as specific as she could get. The next oldest, 21 also figured it out on his own but was more specific. He believes we took the Biblical commands to teach our children in the way they should go and to teach them when we rise up, literally. He correctly assumed that we believe teaching our children was our responsib...

The last few months have been full of ruined plans, emptiness and frustration, to the point where I just don't plan anything anymore. Long story, and it's not the point here anyway. But the Master Planner really pulled one off this week. The 9 yr old had his adenoids out (OK, that was planned) and I had arranged for my older adult kids to help out around the house while my husband and I were away for several hours. We left the house at 8:10 and the 21 year old arrived moments later. He plugged in his music to our stereo, cranked it, and proceeded to cook a big breakfast of pancakes, sausage and bacon. The kids awoke to a shaking house and delicious smells. Then he cleaned up the kitchen and helped his 6 year old sister with her math, while the rest of the kids did their schoolwork. The 23 year old arrived later and settled in to wait to snuggle her baby brother. We got to the house to find the 15 year old cooking a lovely soup with the assistance of his 18 and 12 year o...

The days pass so quickly here at home. It seems I was just starting out with my oldest three kids just a couple of years ago, instead of being some 17 years into this journey of parenthood. In an earlier  post  I discussed my distaste for the word "homeschooling" and so I may slip into it from time to time, for lack of a better word, or to be clearer to those reading this who are new to this way of life. But really, all I am doing is being a mom. And for all its trials and messes and bad days, there are so many moments that I treasure up in my heart and mind, and, occasionally, on my camera. I love catching the kids doing mundane things.  Average things. Quiet things. On their own, just being themselves. The 6 year old reading her Calvin and Hobbes before getting up for a late breakfast. The 9 year old reading a book or building with Legos in his room. The 12 year old reading her Bible or listening to music and knitting, or playing dolls with her little sister. Th...

Kids ask so many questions. Usually when I have not had a full cup of coffee or while I am reading the paper or doing chores. I so quickly forget that my kids ARE my primary job, until they start hammering me with their questions. And they aren't simple, easy ones, like "what's for dinner?"(look at the menu, please) or "have you seen my shoes?" (right where you left them, I would imagine). No, they're hard questions like "why does God let Satan tempt us?"(Um, let's wait for daddy to get home), or "how was Jesus born one day, but he also made the world long before that?" (let me have some coffee first, sweetie). And their timing is their own. They have a need for knowledge, and they ask for it immediately, rather than waiting for a good time. Because that's their job. My job is to stop what I am doing, if possible, and answer as best I can. But sometimes they ask a question, and we talk, and a day later I am hit with an epiph...

What do you do when you are blindsided by life?  When your world is thrown into chaos and your days are filled with phone calls, appointments and putting out fires? When your heart is broken beyond belief and you simply can't focus on getting through the day? The circumstances are not relevant here- it could be anything. What is relevant is how to pick up the pieces and try to carry on as a homeschooler. Putting the kids in school would seem a good idea at this point, since you are struggling to figure out what's for dinner or how you are going to get to the store. But the more you think about it, you realize that really won't solve anything. It won't heal your heart or restore order to your life. So what do you do? You.just.stop. "Kids, we aren't going to do school for a while, and I'm not sure when we will pick back up." This has been my school year. We have gotten back into a very pared down routine, but I have witnessed the following: ...

I don't like telling people we homeschool. Huh? Yes, you heard me correctly. A veteran, die-hard, you'd-have-to-pry-the-kids-from-my-cold-dead-hands kind of homeschooler just said that. I just don't like the name. I love what I do, but the name? Well, it turns me off. And I bet it turns a lot of others off too. Folks who might consider it, but are put off by the name. Parents who want something better than what the public school can offer, but can't afford a private school, might do it, but the name scares them off. Parents of pre-school age kids, especially, are pressured to make a decision. Everyone is looking at pre-schools for juuuust the right one. But some moms are not really feeling it, and would love to carry on without interrupting things with pre-school, but worry about their little one missing out or falling behind or not having friends. As if mom isn't enough. So let me put to rest some concerns. If you think your life will change the moment yo...

Christmas Greetings from the Marinos! 2017 was quite the year. God was faithful. God provided. God protected. Deborah moved out on her own in February, and graduated from Paramedic school in April. She was the only female in her class that made it through. She spent some time this summer managing and teaching Lifeguards at the local city pool, somehow while working 70+ hours a week as a paramedic. Sewing is still a passion and Deb creates such beautiful items!  Lewis is a junior in college, but also pursuing a law enforcement career. You'll just have to read next year's letter to see how that all pans out.  Margaret got her driver's license finally. Now she can drive herself to both choirs she sings in, swim practice, and her job. She tried out for track last year and really enjoyed that, and lettered in it as well as in swimming. She might study music next year at college. You'll have to read next year's letter for more details as well. ...