Slow and Steady

When my oldest daughter was 2 and still an only child I went to my first homeschool meeting. I really thought she was the most beautiful and the smartest kid to ever breathe. Everyday I was amazed at how fast she could learn something. I just knew homeschooling was the thing! I did not want her held back in a classroom situation with other kids that were not as bright. Eagerly I went to my first "mom's meeting". It was not at all what I expected.

In this room were lots of veteran homeschoolers with children much older than mine. They were sharing stories and laughing over "failures". They were not at all stressed that their 5 year old could not read or that their 3 year old could not write his name. I could not believe these ladies were so casual over something so serious. The lady next to me was wearing awful perfume and I was pregnant with daughter #2. I knew this was not the group for me and I couldn't wait to get out of there!

I am at such a different place now. I have the unique advantage of being finished with preschoolers..... and getting to start again. What a blessing! I do so enjoy the preschool/kindergarten stage. This time I am enjoying it so much more b/c I've learned a few things from the first time around.

When my older kids were little I was so stressed out over potty training, shoe tying, reading, oh just everything! I felt like such a failure if they didn't get it right away. I can't even count the number of times I brought a child to tears over learning what I wanted them to know RIGHT NOW!! My poor children. I'm so glad they are resilient and forgiving.

Then life changed. I had 3 little boys in a row all 18 mos apart! They are all so different with different gifts and talents. I have learned that it's ok if my 5 year old doesn't tie his shoe yet or read. The joy is in teaching him!! And watching him learn! It's much more fun to watch them teach themselves and discover and learn new things all on their own. Did you read Honey's blog about them riding their bikes? #6 potty trained all by himself. #5 just learned to swim. They both learned to swing themselves very early. The success is all the sweeter b/c it is theirs and not mine. I am so much more laid back and I enjoy them ever so much.

I am NOT advocating the unschooling approach!! I am very much a believer in structured school time. I'm just saying that I think all the things I worried about (and worried my kids about) when my first set were little they probably would've learned just as well if I had backed off and given them time to grow. So I wonder what I would think now if I sat in on that same homeschool meeting today? It would probably be ME laughing over the fact that my 3 year doesn't write his name!! It's too bad I could not learn from their wisdom then. I'm glad I have another chance and this time I plan to pay attention when I have the opportunity to listen to those who have already traveled this road. As the saying goes...Live and learn.