Comments on: The ABCs of homeschooling older kids (and ourselves)

By: J M

J M

Where did you get that very lovely quote for “A”? I am writing those words down so that I may reference them again and I wanted to read more from the author the words originated.

By: Donna B.

Donna B.

Oh, boy, I am so right there. I am trying hard to “cultivate” as you put it, my life, but it’s really hard to change gears, and I’m not really free to get a job or take on a big project quite yet. I pretty much hate this children growing up thing. It is such a sense of loss but I know it’s the right thing. I have an only child, so it feels so fast since there’s no one else younger. It is a time I am learning afresh to grow in the Lord. I feel much like a teenager myself at this stage…the role I’ve taken for granted (mom) is changing and I’m forced to grow in many of the same ways that my daughter is growing – finding my place (which could mean a second career or new job) and making new friends and for me, working on my marriage so our empty nest is a place we are both happy and want to be and have purpose in. I don’t think dads get this as much…their job stays the same but for a homeschooling mom, your job goes away. Everyone goes through, but it feels like I’m going through it uniquely. We all have such different situations. I like your last few sentences…”I want to remember that, and be satisfied with what we have in this moment. Because soon this will be a memory, too.” I am so aware of that.

By: Angie

Angie

Jamie,I bought the book Give Your Child the World(kindle Edition) and I love it! A while back you were offering another title with the purchase of this book that has “Give your child the world” in the title but it was a different book? I think it was “Old World”? Will it be available to purchase seperatley any time soon?

By: Cindy

Cindy

I really loved this. I’m in my 20th year homeschooling my seven kids and I’ve been in this transitional stage for longer than I’d like. Our oldest is away at Graduate school and our youngest is in 3rd grade so my perspective has nice span! I have felt the twinge of bittersweet in not being needed in the same way I was by my older sons…but when they call with questions about bills, roommate troubles or just want to come stare into a full refrigerator I see that they need me still! As we get ready to graduate our third from high school, it makes me appreciate the daily routine with my younger children more. I really treasure the time with the last two who still enjoy read-alouds! The “headaches” don’t seem as bad now, b/c I know how soon it will all be over. I’ve begun educating myself and doing work on the side that interests me and it’s been amazing! For me, having some sense of myself beyond homeschooling, and for my kids to see me doing it, has changed our dynamic at home in a lot of positive ways. Thanks for the good reminder! 🙂

By: Jen

Jen

I’ve been homeschooling for 11 years and yes this change is a surprise. Learning to fill the role they need now has been an adjustment. However, I love watching them take what we have taught them and go with it. 🙂 Love this advice thank you for sharing.