Knowing Your Kids Well and Holding Daily Plans Loosely
This is part three of the Strong Homes and Confident Learners series.
So now you have long-term goals in mind, what comes next? The answer to that question is to know your children well. Become students of your students. Know and appreciate their strengths, weaknesses, fears, interests, and dreams, while recognizing that these will change just as fast as you recognize them.
In part two of this series, I shared how one of my kids wanted to be a grocery bagger. Watching her, I learned how much she loved unpacking groceries and critiquing bagging strategies. It seemed odd, but it reflected who she was then and more importantly, who she was to become.
Today, she works at a nonprofit as a caseworker and advocate. The dream matured, but the heart behind it remained. She still appreciates organization, just now its files and cases that protect and help.
When we appreciate who our children are right now, our homes become supportive places. Kids feel and live that support. It nourishes and inspires their hearts and dreams.
Knowing your children well also means understanding when to persevere and when to pause in your day-to-day educational plans.
If a challenge is building perseverance, allow them to work through it. If frustration is building and shutting learning down, consider an adjustment to your day.
I love goals. Even more than goals, I love planning. But I learned to hold short-term goals loosely. Homeschooling transforms the parent too. I began homeschooling thinking I wanted wanting control and a completed workbook! However, after many years, I finished having learned patience and flexibility. Ultimately, learning is important, but knowing, supporting and loving your kids is the reason you teach your kids at home.
This week, take ten intentional minutes with each child. Ask questions. Listen closely. Notice what excites them.
If you need help stepping back and seeing your child more clearly, I would be honored to support you through Led to Learn
