Homeschooling Ah-Ha!

One of the main obstacles for us with homeschooling is that the kids don't always want to do the work. I mean, even if you are trying to make it fun, even if you are tailoring lessons to the child's interests, much of the time Joshua would just rather go play Legos.

And then of course there is the attempt to fulfill both the roles of mother and teacher. This has many advantages, but of course disadvantages too; one of which is that a child may not fear their parent the way they would a different teacher. This means that Joshua is much more likely to argue with me about the tasks given than he would be with a different teacher.

When these arguments have occurred, I try to be somewhat flexible, but in the end, I'm the boss. I definitely have been heard saying, "Because I told you to."

Joshua has acquired a list of ideas for what he wants to be when he grows up: in the Coast Guard, a part of the S.W.A.T team or a Blue Angels pilot. A couple of weeks ago, we were able to see the Blue Angels flying several times over Seattle and this sparked a lot of conversation about Joshua's interest in them. During this, I began explaining that while I think it's a great idea for Joshua to become a Blue Angels pilot and while I believe he could do it, it's not easy.

This turned into a discussion about why it's necessary for the boys to do their best with their studies and in all that they do. I'm embarrassed to admit this, but I don't think I'd ever explained this or at least it had been a really long time since I had. As I talked about this, a light bulb seemed to turn on in Joshua's eyes.

You mean, there's a better reason for me to work hard in homeschooling and do my best than just because you said so?

We have also discussed with the boys how we must do our best for God. But working towards the goal of what they are dreaming to become, which for now is a Blue Angels pilot, is much more tangible to them and more motivating.

To work this motivation to its fullest, we have looked up the names of the pilots for the Blue Angels, where they went to school and how to become one. We have checked out a book from the library about the Blue Angels and looked up the qualifications needed to be accepted into one of the academies.  

Of course, I will still expect to have conflict when I assign work that the boys don't want to do, but at least I'll have something to say besides, "Because I said so!" Now I can point to something that will maybe inspire them to WANT to do their best. What a concept!