It’s been kind of quiet around here on the blog. I’ve been busy working, but it has been things you probably haven’t seen. I have a plan formulated regarding what I would like to do with my current and future posts about relaxed homeschooling, books, unit studies, and my printables. So I’ve been spending a lot of time laying the groundwork for that.
David and I updated the covers of my fun fact cards this week to reflect more of the focus I wish to have. We completed those and started updating the copywork. I’ve also started cleaning out my shop, removing things that don’t fit any longer.
I made custom sidebars in the shop to make it easier to navigate. I continue to add more individual printable worksheets and activities. All of these things are being done deliberately with an end in mind. We also updated the covers to the Distraction-Free Handwriting Practice and A Unit Study Activity Pack.
So I have a plan, but it’s taking time to implement it. I only have a few hours a day to work on things and I am also still posting to my other site so that takes some time, too.
We’re back into our homeschooling. It’s going well and we’re having fun together. But I also feel so alone in my homeschooling experience. I don’t know what the answer is, but this is the loneliest thing I’ve ever done in my life in terms of not having a network or support system. I’m literally making it up as I go with no meaningful help or support other than David. I have the Lord and I pray. That’s really it.
I desperately want to find a way to help other parents who find themselves in a similar situation because no one should have to do this. I don’t know how or when, but I don’t want anyone to feel this alone if I can do something. We are the parents who fall through the cracks in terms of a network. If you are an outlier homeschool parent in multiple ways in terms of the gifted/2e thing (dyscalculia, processing issues, etc.), not using online classes, not using a co-op, your child choosing not to pursue college, etc. then you don’t fit in anywhere.
All of the “solutions” that are offered don’t work for many reasons. I’m creating a meaningful homeschool education for my daughter while working around multiple challenges on multiple fronts. I truly cannot find the words to express how completely alone I feel. I don’t know what God wants me to do with that yet, but I don’t want any homeschool parent to ever feel this way. It’s so difficult.
We did take a second week of spring break and were more tired at the end of the second week than we were at the end of the first. Caroline had two friends from church over for pizza and games one evening. They had a lot of fun, even having David set up the telescope so they could take a look at Venus. However, my kitchen is still not reorganized. I’ve been saying I’m going to do this for weeks and weeks and weeks. Eventually it will happen! LOL!
So that’s life around here. What have you been doing in your home lately?
Deliberately Choosing in Every Part of Life
Good morning, Sallie,
As the mother of 5 adults whom I was privileged to homeschool from conception to high school graduation, your post brought back many memories. The ‘schooling’ days have been over for a long time (my oldest are in their 40’s and the youngest is almost 30), however, the love and friendship are still alive.
Trust Yehovah. What you are doing is worth every effort you are putting forth. The Great Creator has put all 5 of my children into important leadership positions, and leadership positions are lonely. Leadership positions require a great deal of leaning upon The Ultimate Commander-in-Chief – Yehovah/Yeshua -because the responsibilities can at times become overwhelming and there is no one else to lean upon.
But what Encouragement and Strength comes from The Heavenly Father! He is Abundant in Hope, correcting us in His Lovingkindness, teaching us through His Word, and fortifying our inner man. The relationship with Him developed through the loneliness is priceless and precious. And quite frankly, dear, that’s exactly what humanity needs in this critical time of His-Story.
Love & prayers,
gen
I enjoyed reading what you have been up to. I can understand how you feel about the difficulties of homeschooling in your situation. Remember that learning will happen throughout her entire life. It doesn’t stop just because she reaches a certain age or completes a certain grade level. But always know that you are doing an amazing job! Rest more. Keep doing things you both like. Work on the wonderful aspect of life skills. That is part of education. Continue to find joy each day no matter how difficult the moments can be. An old fashioned, simple family life is a great environment for all of you. God bless!
Sorry to hear you are having difficulties. You seem like a good teacher to Caroline concerning homeschooling. We are trying to organize many things,books closets,etc. Our weather here in New York has been cool and pleasant. We will pray for your finding a solution to your homeschooling problem. Have a good week. God Bless.
Joan,Marion and Marilyn
I can understand and relate to the loneliness you describe. Our children are older, and the youngest finished homeschooling five years ago. I felt alone even though we were part of a co op. My husband and I thought it would be good to have a network of like minded Christians to participate with in the homeschooling process, but it was disappointing on many fronts, and our children didn’t have the best experience with it either. I think I’ve been an outlier in most of the groups I’ve been in all my life, but I agree wholeheartedly that trusting in the Lord is the only way to make it through. Looking back on homeschooling, the one thing I would have done differently is to not join the co op. It took three years of trying to contact someone about applying before I finally got a response. That should have been my first clue.
Thanks for all of the help and encouragement you give to the homeschooling community at large.
Thank you for your vulnerability in this post. If possible I would love to learn more about Caroline’s post graduation plans and how you are preparing her to manage her finances. I have a similar daughter approaching the tween years and I catch myself worrying for her future even though she is welcome to live with us always.
Hi Sallie,
I can relate to the lonely feeling! I don’t know anyone who homeschools. My husband is very supportive, though. I don’t know more answers, save One: the Lord knows what we need and will provide.
I have had it on my heart lately to be like Mary at Jesus’ feet, rather than Martha:
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
-Luke 10
Colossians 3:1-4 is great encouragement, too.
God bless you! You aren’t alone.
Sallie,
Have you ever connected with Cheryl, who writes a blog called “Thinking About Home”? Only reason I ask is because she homeschooled all of her children, but her last daughter was so much younger she was practically an only child. I feel like Cheryl has solid insight into some of the areas you’re asking about. I don’t know Cheryl personally, but I can tell from her blog that having an extended family played a huge role in her social life and homeschooling culture. Also, Karen Andreola is another homeschooler who inspired me. She’s the author of the Charlotte Mason Companion. Sometimes I wish we could just take a field trip and get all these amazing women in one place for a week!
I also think that the whole Covid gaslighting culture has affected people profoundly as well. There is so much loneliness and depression. A curtain has been pulled back on our nation — and what we found behind it has been so evil, so demoralizing…. it just makes me sad. We’re not the same country we used to be back in the 70s and 80s when we were kids. I feel so sorry for the children growing up through this. That said, we have a Savior and He wins in the end! So I have to remind myself constantly to keep a smile on my face, to keep hope in my heart, and to encourage my daughters (youngest is 15) to stay rooted in their faith because times may get even rougher and they need to be ready.
Last thing I’ll say — you are not alone! You have inspired so many women with your writing. You created a place where like-minded Christians could come. You’re a great Mom and you are walking the walk. Your daughter is watching love in action. So remember what a powerful force you are. Just by writing your blog you are using the talents God gave you — and you may never know how many women you’ve impacted until you get to Heaven. Thank you!