what do you do?

[mamaduke]

we want to be the main influence in his life ... he's going to learn how to be a man from his dad.

This is what is KEY for us as well. Classes, even at churches, are filled with little fools. The Bible says all children are fools and it is the parents job to drive it far from them. Their education, and whatever happens in a classroom/sport/activity group, is the parent's responsibility. I want to know exactly what goes into my children's heads and what is happening to them as much as possible, and the best way to do that is to keep them with me.

Any socializing for our family takes place under supervision with approved families. Meaning, we keep our children with us in public places and at friend's homes/our home. They may play together in the same room/outdoor space as we are in, ect. But not upstairs or in the bedrooms or apart from our sight/hearing. There is a time for play.

When they are not playing nearby, they may sit, listen and interact with us. They observe how to behave as adults, (how we as Christians parents interact with various people/other adults), to engage in polite conversation with mulit-age groups (old and young alike); and the vocabulary stimulation is fabulous for their growing minds. Of course we strive to keep conversation edifying.

Any child age-segregated gathering is the same social setting as group schooling (public or private) -- not preparation for real life, and perhaps filled with negative influences. Not all Christian parents share the same values or are as diligent in disciplining their children. So who knows what you're getting in the mix. I sometimes don't even let my children play together unsupervised (this is so hard to do) but how can I see/stop/train up foolish behavior, if I don't catch it when it happens.

Just thought I would share what the Lord has taught us. We know families who have done this with now adult children who are amazingly well adjusted, kind, polite, intelligent, helpful, people. They were not self-absorbed adolescents, but delightful young adults to be around. Of course many factors go into the outcome of our offspring.

There are a few ministries who have helped us on this path. I'd be glad to share links if anyone is interested in reading more.

Thanks for the stimulating conversation. Julie, I like the positive way you handle the "Why We Homeschool" question. Very Christ-honoring, good advice.

Blessings,

[inHistiming]

mamaduke,

Just wanted to agree with you...it is very hard to get by without sending our kids into some situations where we're not there...and then I don't know how they've behaved, what was said, and I couldn't correct misbehavior. I often bring my children into the same room as me in order to be able to give immediate consequences and instruction....we do sometimes go back to 'unsupervised' play together, then bring them back to our sides if there is one (or all) who can't play appropriately. I'd love it if you would pm me with those links...I think I've perused one you may frequent. Thanks!

[MamaBear23Cubs]

I currently get most support online since I live in an area with little homeschoolers. They are out there but man, it's a pain to find them and we are here for only a short time.
Anyhoo I got tired of answering the questions for family so I listed homeschool blogs and sites and next I may add curriculum sites. Plus it's about about our homeschooling activies. Having that blog has helped with the family not with others in general.
Recently most aren't concern about me homeschooling than me being a military wife with a hubby deployed to the desert. Just saying that takes the HSing subject away though sometimes I wished they talk about HSing than the military.