Daddy and Mommy! Stay Vigilant!
Looking back, it is interesting how we made goals and deadlines for ourselves with certain events that we expected would happen throughout our lives. I still have that piece of paper of when Jason hand wrote all of our goals down before we were married.
At that time, we had never been exposed to homeschooling, but it was an area we explored diligently. Even though Jason has his graduate degree, neither one of us believe you need to have a college education to be successful in life. We both came from a line of public school administrators and teachers, so this area was totally new territory for us.
Thankfully, I had a few willing veteran mothers who were willing to at least give me some direction and suggestions on how to get started. More importantly, this journey has taught us both the value of staying vigilant.
Over the years, God has taught us much and we would love to share the things that became important to us along the way.
The definition of vigilant in Noah Webster’s dictionary says: Watchful; circumspect; attentive to discover and avoid danger, or to provide for safety.
The scripture in 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
I know we heard that loud and clear when threats came too close to our doorstep more than once in our early years of marriage. It is guaranteed that Satan wants to destroy families. Parents, staying vigilant you must!
1. Not all schools have 4 walls. Both Jason and I went to public school our entire lives. We enjoy having built in field trips for the purpose of hands on learning and exploring this big world. It sure has been one of the best benefits of schooling our children.
2. It gives the father the opportunity to lead in ways he may not have otherwise been able to do so. As a father, I can identify when the learning happens by the questions and comments that come from discussing lessons as a family. It is such a privilege to be able to do this as the leader of my home.
3. Natalie enjoys being very organized so she purposes to write down each child’s learning style. This way, she can easily identify their strengths and weaknesses and focus on what needs more attention with each individual.
4. Jesus had to teach his disciples before sending them out into the world. In the same way, we must do this with our children. It also teaches them the authority structure.
5. Making your school goals at the beginning of each school year helps with time management. All of that preparation will pay off.
6. It allows the parents to set the standard for the year, while allowing flexibility in there as well.
7. Giving your older children the opportunity to help the younger children with their lessons instills responsibility and patience.
8. Every conversation you have with your child needs to be a teaching moment. You are shaping their character and who they are to become.
9. Promote life skills. Help ground them in wisdom so they can avoid the pitfalls of foolishness.
10. Give them a heavenly perspective on their school days. These are the days that are setting the course for their future. Each lesson, every strength, and each failure keeps us all looking to Jesus.
11. Make sure both you and your wife are on the same page with the priorities of your school days. Redefining success so it aligns with the Word of God is the most important homeschooling conversation you may ever have.
12. Live out your faith daily in front of your children. Natalie and I had encountered many challenges in the first few years of homeschooling. Coming alongside our children and walking through some of those hard things together has made our family stronger.
13. Natalie keeps track of the character qualities that we work on as a family. Each month, we work on a different trait. There are times where we make a competition out of memorizing these qualities and earn treats.
14. You need to find your support through the body of Christ, not necessarily other homeschool parents.
15. Teaching our boys has been very different than teaching our girls. Our boys do well with hands-on experience, whereas our girls love to write and will sit for longer periods of time doing their book work.
16. Pray for your child. God hears each one! He loves them more than we can possibly understand. HERE is a link to 16 things Natalie and I pray for over our children.
17. Homeschooling is a journey. Make the journey joyous. Laugh a lot; for it is a medicine.
18. The Word of God has to be central to your days. Unless God builds it, it will be in vain. (Psalm 127)
19. Do not compare yourselves to anyone. 2 Corinthians 10:12 I’ve seen too many parents try and pattern their lives with other families and that simply is dangerous. Do not do it! What works for one family may not necessarily work for another.
20. Embrace the season God has you in. Life is but a vapor so love the season. It is a precious time.
21. Walk in the Spirit.
22. Get rid of things you do not need to bring order to the home. Clutter is chaos.
23. Have your grandchildren in mind when you are schooling your children. They will be your heritage.
24. Fathers, protect your family. Be vigilant because adversaries come in all shapes and sizes.
25. Plant seeds and allow God to do the convicting.
26. Dad’s role matters more than you realize. Dad carries more weight in his words at times than mom’s do.
27. No perfectionism allowed! It stifles creativity.
28. Start each day with the Proverbs.
29. Have a flexible, posted schedule for each day.
30. Get rid of the negative input in your life. If it is discouraging, move on. It is important to surround yourself with believers who will pray with you and promote a Godly standard.
Jason
Natalie