February 18, 2016

Aloha from Carter Academy West! I won't invite haters by asking how the weather is back east.

So how are things going in terms of homeschooling here? We are coping with frequent interruptions and noise from the automotive repair yard next door and the leaf blower that comes every other afternoon. Trying to stay on track.

Happy to say we have made friends here. Bear (my younger son) is active in his youth group at church and plans to try out for the worship team. He is in scouts and has joined Sea Cadets. I don't say all this to show off his resume. But, I do want to demonstrate a principle of homeschooling: adaptability. Not theirs but ours.

Each child has his own gifts and talents. I firmly believe this. Part of homeschooling is to help your child discover his or her talents and find ways to nurture them. It is not easy and you will make mistakes along the way. I made the mistake of trying to get my sons into team sports. Now there is nothing wrong with soccer or basketball. I am a sports fan (Go Steelers!) and Bear is starting to form an interest in some sports, but neither he nor his brother were interested as children. After three attempts that ended in stress filled trips to play-dates for the boys, I stopped. It was not worth it.

Music was a different story. I made both the boys take piano at age 5. The goal was to simply learn basic concepts of music. After two years, neither was in love with the instrument. Since I did not own a piano, only a keyboard, and they did not care about it, we stopped. Fast forward to their teenage years, Boyo (the older one) discovered the guitar and a love for Celtic music. He formed a band with friends and they played out in town  and even recorded two CDs. John discovered a love of percussion (apologies to the neighbors), has studied with several outstanding teachers and is now learning the bass guitar. They both had gifts; all I needed to do was give them a good foundation, pay attention and support the gift. I wish I had known this earlier; I could have had a lot more stress-less days.

So what is the take-away? I had to adapt, not just once but many times. How? change your mind and remember some core principles.
Believe that the child God gave you is gifted because he or she is.
Know that your role is to discipline meaning teach them the way they should go.
Trust that God will put others in their path to hep them on their way.
And Relax. They will get there.
(By the way, without my pushing, both boys are involved in athletic pursuits. Go figure.)

Happy New Year Everyone!

It is a new year but it is also the middle of the old school year. So how is it going? Are you on track with your plans or are you a little bit behind? Are you ready to start back tomorrow or can you just not face it yet?  I know that the weather plays a part, but it is really just about organization and diligence. Actually, it is really about being obstinate.

 I really think that the quality of being stubborn is seriously underrated. Much more in this life is gained from being too honery to quit than by being brilliant or talented. Half of success is just showing up: this includes showing up for chores and school and church. What opportunities are we passing over because we just wimp out? I recently spoke this blessed assurance to my oldest. Many of you know he is attending a college with a military culture. His first few months were tough, so tough he lost 24 pounds. One night while he was there and very unhappy, I imparted this truth to him: You just have to get through, Just don't quit. Now one can kick you out but you; no one can make you quit but you.You are the one with the power.

Oh, I know there are days that the kids seem to be intent on breaking you. The seem organized and focused on it. (If only they could be that way about school.) Just remember: You have to be more stubborn than they are willful. They cannot shut you down and they cannot make you quit. Only you have that power.

Stay warm and dry and Aloha from Carter Home Academy West.

T