Next month the shelves will start becoming emptier, as we prepare for graduation here.
The books will be packed and sold or donated. The supplies passed on to a family with younger children. (if you are just thinking about how to start homeschooling, read this post)
I think the hardest things to part with will be the books about homeschooling, About parenting. Those types. Because they mean my entire life is taking a monumental shift.
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As we approach the end of another school year, this hit home for me. Thank you for writing it. Each summer I usually spend quite a bit of time trying to decide if we will continue on with our current schooling path, enroll in a local school, switch to doing “actual” home school…. Each option presents its own set of pros and cons, and I often get bogged down in trying to weigh out every single piece of information to make sure I’m making the BEST choice for this particular child. It is exhausting. I need to spend less time worrying about what we might be missing, and more time resting in the knowledge that God’s got this:) That what we are doing is enough because all things work together for good for them that love the Lord. I appreciate your encouragement, neighbor!
Hey there Morgan, you are doing an important work, in so many ways. Make sure to allow time for margin in your days so you don’t get burnt out. God bless you as you love all of the children you care for. They learn, as you already know, all the time
I am long passed the school years with my kids and I did not home school but I do struggle with guilt about not spending time with them playing etc. I was more concerned about if the house was clean! : ( If I knew then what I know now!! Well, now I have the pleasure of a grandson who is almost two and I get to play and crawl around ,read books with him and all the other things I was not able to do and did not know how to do when my kids were small. I am so thankful I have this opportunity!
Wise words Rose! That seems to be a very, very common feeling among women. I am happy to hear about your sweet grandson. I have a family member who feels the same way you do. Thanks for sharing so the women in the child rearing stage can get a peek ahead
My daughter graduated a few years back from homeschooling. I did go through a grieving process. I think it’s important to grieve. It helps you to be ready for the next step.
I think no matter what you do, you do wish you had done more. But I like the fact, as you pointed out, that God does fill in the gaps. Isn’t that great! (not a question)
Oh Eva, that is so good to know. A relief. I picked up several books on “empty nest” at the library. It is really helping (even though I haven’t read them yet 😉 ) me to look forward to the future. There will be so many opportunities none of us can imagine on your journeys yet. Thanks for encouraging us today
Thank you for this post. I have one graduated, and ones in 8th and 10th grades, so I know these days are approaching. This is our first year homeschooling, and it came upon us through difficult circumstances. This is a year of cherishing moments with them, and slowing down. Thank you for the encouragement in that.
Hello Elizabeth! My hat it off to you, homeschooling is a challenge when we have plenty of time to prepare AND when it comes upon us in struggle. Anytime I can be of assistance, please reach out. There is so much encouragement out there, do you by chance subscribe to any of the homeschooling magazines? They were invaluable to me, esp. Homeschool Enrichment
I have graduated 3, have one in HS and one in 6th grade. The years go fast. It’s easy to let yourself get into look back and regret mode. Not worth it. “Whatever you did today, it was enough.” Great advice.
As we approach the end of another school year, this hit home for me. Thank you for writing it. Each summer I usually spend quite a bit of time trying to decide if we will continue on with our current schooling path, enroll in a local school, switch to doing “actual” home school…. Each option presents its own set of pros and cons, and I often get bogged down in trying to weigh out every single piece of information to make sure I’m making the BEST choice for this particular child. It is exhausting. I need to spend less time worrying about what we might be missing, and more time resting in the knowledge that God’s got this:) That what we are doing is enough because all things work together for good for them that love the Lord. I appreciate your encouragement, neighbor!
Hey there Morgan, you are doing an important work, in so many ways. Make sure to allow time for margin in your days so you don’t get burnt out. God bless you as you love all of the children you care for. They learn, as you already know, all the time
I am long passed the school years with my kids and I did not home school but I do struggle with guilt about not spending time with them playing etc. I was more concerned about if the house was clean! : ( If I knew then what I know now!! Well, now I have the pleasure of a grandson who is almost two and I get to play and crawl around ,read books with him and all the other things I was not able to do and did not know how to do when my kids were small. I am so thankful I have this opportunity!
Wise words Rose! That seems to be a very, very common feeling among women. I am happy to hear about your sweet grandson. I have a family member who feels the same way you do. Thanks for sharing so the women in the child rearing stage can get a peek ahead
My daughter graduated a few years back from homeschooling. I did go through a grieving process. I think it’s important to grieve. It helps you to be ready for the next step.
I think no matter what you do, you do wish you had done more. But I like the fact, as you pointed out, that God does fill in the gaps. Isn’t that great! (not a question)
Oh Eva, that is so good to know. A relief. I picked up several books on “empty nest” at the library. It is really helping (even though I haven’t read them yet 😉 ) me to look forward to the future. There will be so many opportunities none of us can imagine on your journeys yet. Thanks for encouraging us today
Thank you for this post. I have one graduated, and ones in 8th and 10th grades, so I know these days are approaching. This is our first year homeschooling, and it came upon us through difficult circumstances. This is a year of cherishing moments with them, and slowing down. Thank you for the encouragement in that.
Hello Elizabeth! My hat it off to you, homeschooling is a challenge when we have plenty of time to prepare AND when it comes upon us in struggle. Anytime I can be of assistance, please reach out. There is so much encouragement out there, do you by chance subscribe to any of the homeschooling magazines? They were invaluable to me, esp. Homeschool Enrichment
I have graduated 3, have one in HS and one in 6th grade. The years go fast. It’s easy to let yourself get into look back and regret mode. Not worth it. “Whatever you did today, it was enough.” Great advice.