Teach Them Well

For some reason there are a few misguided notions of what homeschoolers are 'supposed' to be.

1. Child geniuses who attend college at age 12 and build computers out of tin cans and Silly Putty

2. Social misfit who doesn't know when to raise their hand or wait in line and can't function without Mommy telling them what to do.

While there are some of these types, I'd venture to say that the majority are *gasp* normal kids with normal abilities.

And given the two stereotypes, can I just say the first one is the one I struggle with more than the second one?

As a homeschool mom, there are days I feel the pressure to have my children 'outperform' public schooled kids because when you homeschool, your kids are 'supposed' to be 'geniuses'. 

Uh...I have a confession. My kids are normal.  Above average in some subjects, struggling with others. 

I also have another confession....

When I signed up for this homeschooling gig, character training was as important to me as academics.

In my opinion, it is a waste of time to press your child to learn Latin, physics, trigonometry and the ilk if they never learn to be compassionate, respectful human beings. 

Does it make me a horrible mom to think I would be more 'okay' with the fact of my kids having a blue collar job, but having integrity and having Christ guide their actions than if they were uber successful in their careers but being hollow, shallow souls?  

Not saying there is no need for higher education, oh no.  I am teaching my children subjects that will futher their educational goals and serve them well in life.

But as a homeschool mom I have the brief opportunity to actively shape my children's character.  I don't want to let that escape me.

That lesson is the one they will remember all their lives, and the one that will serve them the rest of their days.  Success and money and prestige can come and go. I need to prepare them how to live when the world tells them they need to give up and give in.

It's a lesson I intend to teach well.