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Hi ladies, I guess I am either looking for encouragement or constructive criticism on how I could do things differently...or both. I am struggling with feeling like I am not too involved in what my older kids are learning in school (CTC). I am blessed in that HOD has taught them independence, and they are wonderful at going to the guide, doing what is says, and finishing their work. Praise the Lord for that! They do most of their work independently, and I answer questions where needed, check work, etc. Obviously there are a few things that are teacher-led, and I do those things. At times, though, I feel bad/guilty because I have little idea what they're reading...in their history books, science books, etc. I trust the sources, so that give me great peace, but I guess it's different this year because in younger years I read all the books to them or alongside them and felt "more involved". I spend most of my time helping my 7 yo with Bigger and my 5 yo with LHFHG, plus my 3 yo little guy. I feel like it's impossible to be much more involved than I am...I'd love to have time to sit and read their books along with the oldest 2, but I just can't! Do others of you feel like I do? Experiencing what I am? I am trying to discern if there are changes I need to make, or if this is just the "new normal" as the kids get older! Thank you so much! -Meredith

I think some of it is a normal transition as they move to more independence/grow up. I know Carrie and Julie have daily meeting times with their older students. This is a time for any follow up activities that are scheduled in the boxes such as oral narrations or when they are supposed to answer questions to you about what they read etc, also for you to look over any notebooking they have done where then you can see what they are learning and see what they found interesting. I know Julie has some posts about this time so maybe you can find those or hopefully she will pop on and offer some more detail.

Thank you Lynn for your reply!

I occasionally feel like I would be better served knowing exactly what was going into their head, but then again they've been trained well both by us as parents and HOD. So I know they are learning discernment. I do pray that they learn the truth, Truth, and everything else just goes in one ear and out the other

But, if it weren't for their independence in older guides, I'd most likely be either doing something else or sending them to school because I would not be able to do it all. And they definitely wouldn't be getting the same quality of education they are with HOD.

When I do get bogged down with that guilty feeling I help myself get out of it by thinking that when they go to college they will be SO MUCH more prepared for the work involved than most kids coming out of school who have simply learned to regurgitate facts. And they also are learning how to do it on their own already. So in 6-8 years it will be habit.

I like to read in my spare time (which I have none of now with a new baby, but at other times I have more). So I read the books that she is reading to herself along with her. I do feel like during our discussion times that helps. Also I haven't started CTC yet, and I know there is a lot more independence there than in Preparing. It will be interesting to see if I can still keep up with the reading then or not. But I try. My oldest also needs the accountability of me knowing what she is reading so I can really make sure she is doing quality narrations. Hers would be very short and not very complete if I never read her stuff. I don't always read her stuff, but I do it often enough to keep her on track. And I do really like knowing what she is learning. It's good for me, most of this is stuff I never learned either.

MomtoJGJE wrote:I occasionally feel like I would be better served knowing exactly what was going into their head, but then again they've been trained well both by us as parents and HOD. So I know they are learning discernment. I do pray that they learn the truth, Truth, and everything else just goes in one ear and out the other

But, if it weren't for their independence in older guides, I'd most likely be either doing something else or sending them to school because I would not be able to do it all. And they definitely wouldn't be getting the same quality of education they are with HOD.

When I do get bogged down with that guilty feeling I help myself get out of it by thinking that when they go to college they will be SO MUCH more prepared for the work involved than most kids coming out of school who have simply learned to regurgitate facts. And they also are learning how to do it on their own already. So in 6-8 years it will be habit.

Everything you stated is exactly how I feel. I couldn't have said it better myself.

Thank you ladies! I appreciate the honesty and input!!!

Meredith,

There is a wonderful past thread that addresses this very topic. Read and enjoy (and know you are not alone)!
Link: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=10939

Blessings,
Carrie

Carrie,
Thank you so much for taking the time to direct me to that thread! I am encouraged by it!!

Blessings to you!
Meredith

Meredith,

I'm so glad! I stumbled across this past thread too that may be of interest. Link: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=8220&p=59880

Blessings,
Carrie

Another great thread! Carrie, thank you for pointing that one to me as well!