Up until now I only had one point of reference as far as different personalities of how children view school. Though my two girls are different in the fact that one is artistic and the other purely academic, they both loved school. I didn’t know what it was to have a child you had to motivate on a daily bases to learn—until now!
Homeschooling my 11 year old granddaughter has proven to have daily challenges, but as I have been questioning the Lord as to what is the root? It seems that in general she does not like school. Wow! A kid who doesn’t like school? This is new to me because even my two younger granddaughters loved me teaching them this past winter and summer. They both were so eager to learn new things and how their self-esteem skyrocketed each time they mastered something new. Yet their older sister is not one who thinks school is fun. At first I thought it was the fact that she had to be homeschooled this year. But that is not it, because all the fun things we could be doing if she would just speed it up, doesn’t seem to intrigue her enough to have a change of heart.
Belonging to a large homeschool community I’ve seen over the years that a child who is not interested in school is not unusual. It is just unusual to me, and there lies the problem.
So! What do you do with a kid who is smart but really doesn’t care for school? Truth is, I really don’t know? Any of you have any ideas? I sure would be interested in hearing them, so please feel free to share.
What am I doing about this? Praying. Yeah, I’m seeking God because since this is new to me, He has to show me what is needed? She is not behind in any of her schoolwork because I crack the whip on staying on target. But that is the problem for me; I’m tried of cracking the whip and I want to have some fun! Yes, I want to have some fun. Tovah and I used to hangout a lot when she was homeschooled. There is so much to see and do in the city of Philadelphia. We are a historical city with lots of museums, and live theater. I’m hesitant to do too many outside activities for fear she will start to fall behind in her studies, so our days consist of all work, so most days for us are all work and no play. For me—this is boring.
I don’t have any answers here, but I know that I am not alone. What does the mother of 2 or 3 kids do when she has one that really doesn’t like school? I’m sure children dislike school for various reasons, such as they are not doing well, or can’t read well. It is easy in a homeschool environment to fix that, with one-on-one teaching until they reach or exceed their grade level. But when a child can read well and has the capability to achieve but has no interest, what do you do with that? I would have to say, “That is the question.”
To all the homeschool moms who find yourself in this predicament, know that you are not alone and praying about it is our number one recourse. Reaching out to others who have been there done this is next. I am sure there are those who have some pearls of wisdom for us.
Father, I ask that you bless the heart and spirit of all homeschooling caregivers and especially those who are experiencing trying times to motivate their children to enjoy learning and school. Help us to not become overwhelmed by the spirit of discouragement and doubt. May we continue to trust You, Lord as we take one day at a time. And for all the women who need a mentor or friend, please bless them with a godly woman that is full of your wisdom and truth….Amen!
Please be encouraged that things will get better.
Love & Hugs
Ponnie
Next Thruday: Another great homeschooling story, but you will have to tune in to see who writes it! ~Smile~
Friday's Blog: An encouraging word for all women!
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