The British Homemaker - One day at a time

Yesterday I talked about my decision to homeschool my 9 yr old. Today I want to share a few thing that I've learnt along the way (though I know I have so much more to learn yet) in hope to assist a couple of my friends who are also considering this move with their own children. We each make this decision for different reasons yet from what I understand the majority of us struggle to make the transition without 'beating' ourselves up, doubting our ability and being unsure what is available out there to prevent our kids being 'held back'. A few check points to consider: * We start our schooling at 10am * We have a timetable that guides us, not dictates * We cover 2 elements of numeracy and 2 elements of literacy a day plus reading * We've set our basic subjects as numeracy, literacy, reading, religion (not just Lds), arts & crafts, homemaking (no surprise there, eh?!) * I set up a jar where any questions Charley has on other subjects get written down...

If you read yesterdays post you will see that Charley's birthday party last month was photo'd by the talented Pink Apple Studio team, Jamie and Sharon. Hiring their services was the best money spent, the kids interaction with a camera was funny and hilarious. They posed their most geekiest faces and poses and tried out the weirdest poses. They captured the quiet moments when the children were eating and chatting as well as running round the field in the rain having water fights. The food table, food and general goings on throughout the day are being compiled into a book for Charleys future memories. I received a disc of all the photos taken, one that is watermarked with their company name and another set without. There is no limit to the photos they take and no limit to the strange things they say to get the children relaxed, all appropriate of course! Meet Mr Jamie Kinloch... the man who loves to play, laugh and interact with people. Sadly, the only way this photo got...

It's a good job no-one is perfect! I know I'm far from it. It plays on my mind when things are wrong between me and another if they wont be up front about things with me. After all, what do they think I'm going to do? I've always maintained if I am causing you to be unhappy come and talk to me, let me explain, apologise and/or put right. I don't like contention yet I find it a lot within the one community I expect it least and by not talking about it is more damaging than anything because the natural inclination is to jump it up out of all proportion to the point where you loose sight of what the original issue was! But I can't fix everything. I'm not everyone cup of tea and I'm ok with that. I pray for many people, whether I like them or not. Liking someone is not a requirement but a respect is. If I don't like someone I have two choices, tell the world or keep it to myself. I choose the latter but I will always be respectful to that person, just...

You understand why the family unit is so important Becoming a teacher of all good and healthy things feels like you should earn a degree by the 10th year Giving up is not an option, simply because the Lord has made it clear on a load of occasions that He will get me through Being so tuned in to your children fuels your sense of worth and purpose Quitting on your kids is not an option Knowing that the kids have security, faith and acceptance from me is priceless Cooking and baking becomes second nature, especially with all the activities we and the kids share in Some days its hard to remember that we have a deeper understanding of parenting, some days its just so very overwhelming Accountability becomes another title Faith and gratitude override all the downsides, the tough days and the worries. Debs

Becoming a Nanna has been a great thing for me so far. Being a mom I have always enjoyed that role and felt it is truly best area in life. That’s not saying I’m the best mom or I get it all right or that I or my kids are perfect, I am just continuing to do the best I can and never unwilling to try new ideas or methods if it means my kids benefit and grow the be the best they can be. Now I have a baby granddaughter to add to that mix. I have a new role to move into and for as much as I love that little girl I know I will play an integral part in her life so I want it to be appropriate, fun, strong and as supportive to her parents as possible. Bailey makes me feel things that only my children have managed so far in my life. She is a perfect gift from a loving Heavenly Father to me as well as my son and daughter in law. It’s time for me to review my relationship with the Lord to be sure I get His approval of the things I hope to do and share with Bailey. Checking my email I found o...