Husband had a chance to see HOD catalog and likes it

[playschool]

My dd (5th grade) has been using Abeka Dvd this year. After pouring over the catalog and the forum here, I have really wanted to switch her and her brother to HOD. Her brother (2nd grade) uses a mix of MFW and ABeka ( not the DVD's). My dh has in the past seem set on continuing her on in Abeka DVD due to struggles in the past with h'sing and knowing that she has been doing better with Dvd's for h'sing than the things we have used in the past when she was h'schooled. She is doing well with the DVD's but I do not like having her isolated from the rest of the family to "do school" all day. I can see that she would like to be with her brother and sister during Bible, History, Science etc. She has expressed a desire to be with us during these school times. After looking at the samples and seeing the notebooking taking place and artwork to go along with the notebooking I can see that my dd would love these kinds of things even more so than her brother. She frequently sits around the house trying to make her own scrapbooks and drawings in her free time. Her current program does not leave her much time for these things. Yesterday while waiting in the family waiting room with my husband during my ds's surgery, I showed him the HOD catalog and explained to him what the programs were like and my desire to have my dd use one of them next year. Remember, my dh had been close-minded to any other program for her except Abeka DVD before (on the other hand, he lets me choose whatever I think is right for my ds within our budget). He said that he liked the look and focus of HOD. He said he wasn't really as much concerned with the academic content as much as the Biblical emphasis for our kids (not to say that HOD is not academically all there, because it totally is, but I was just making the point of what was the most important to my dh.) He said it all in very few words and then he went back to his own reading. He has not yet given me the blessing to switch my dd over to HOD but that was possibly a good first step. He usually does not like looking at homeschool material at all, so just getting to that point was exciting. I do not know if he will ever give me the blessing to change her homeschool curr. but with prayer, if it is God's will, maybe. Sorry this was so long. I just wanted to share that with you all.

[1GirlTwinBoys]

Hi, I'm new to this board but just wanted to say hi. Maybe your DH would be willing to let you try out the program and see how she is doing and what kind of progres she is making. You could always go back to ABEKA if things don't work out well. It could be the best thing ever but you will never know if he doesn't allow you to at least give it a try.

[my3sons]

Playschool - I am glad for you that your dh opened up more to this. I think men, in general, do not like change. I know my dh will sometimes want to continue with something that doesn't seem to be working (I'm not speaking about homeschooling here - but other things - like getting groceries, bedtime routines, whether to change churches, or running errands, etc.). Then, when we finally make a change, he is the biggest supporter of the change. It is slow and sometimes painful, but the changes we have made together over time have been good.

I have prayed for your dh's heart to be moved in this direction. His heart is in the right place, with putting your dc's faith first. That's so VERY important - so that is absolutely wonderful that he vocalized that desire! I think it would be worthwhile to show him how Bible is woven into just about every nook and cranny of HOD's guides - that it is not just an add-on, or a token question or verse here or there. It is good to point out that your dd would thoroughly enjoy the notebooking/activities part of HOD, and that she's been missing that. Also, you've recognized a need in your dd to be more part of the family while homeschooling. This is a need that will only grow as she reaches teen years. Finally, you've seen a need in your dd to have some free time of her own to explore her personal interests and talents - like drawing, scrapbooking, etc. These are all part of the big picture of why I change is needed. I know that you know all of this, but he probably doesn't. One last thing, making this a matter of prayer is important. I would commit to praying about this conversation you will have with your dh, and for God's will to be made known. Then, when you talk to your dh, you can share with him that you have been praying specifically about this conversation for days already. When my dh knows I have made something a matter of prayer, he can tell it is important to me.

I'm glad for the encouragement God has already provided you with this - and will continue to pray for you!
In Christ,
Julie

[my3sons]

Hi, I'm new to this board but just wanted to say hi. Maybe your DH would be willing to let you try out the program and see how she is doing and what kind of progres she is making. You could always go back to ABEKA if things don't work out well. It could be the best thing ever but you will never know if he doesn't allow you to at least give it a try.

I just wanted to welcome you to the HOD board! I don't think we've met yet. So you have twin boys? That must be exciting! Is the 1 girl you, or do you have a daughter too? I think you will enjoy this board - it is full of wonderful ladies.
In Christ,
Julie

[Carrie]

playschool,

I know my hubby is not one to like to look over curriculums or make curriculum decisions either. However, it is very important to him that whatever we're using gets our kiddos thinking about their faith and into the word of God. I'll be praying for the Lord to open up a conversational path between you and your husband on the direction of your homeschooling for your daughter. I know the Lord will be glorified through you pulling in the same direction.

Even if you begin first by using HOD with your younger kiddos that may be the path toward getting a chance to use it with your daughter one day as well.

Blessings
Carrie