With permission from Todd, I archive and share this piece of advice that I need to remember. Todd Wilson, aka The Familyman, and his wife Debbie have encouraged us on our homeschool journey for many years through their books, emails, and speaking at the PAACH convention. Their wisdom is especially helpful for us as their 8 kids are about the same ages as ours. I get a weekly (or so) email from him which I greatly appreciate; this one from a couple weeks ago especially hit home. And I like his closing - Don't stop smiling. I need that!
|
Hey
Mom,
Do you ever think
we expect too much from our kids? I think I do. My wife reminds me often that I
was the same when I was their age: irresponsible, unmotivated, didn’t pick up
after myself, self-focused, and a slob (she still accuses me of that one).
I kind of think we all forget what it was like as children…and are bothered
that our kids don’t care about boring historical facts, boring scientific
observations, and boring parts of speech.
The truth is: we didn‘t either when we were their age…and then we grew up and
suddenly saw life through the eyes of a homeschooling adult. We went from
non-caring kids to perkily annoying parents. The same thing in spiritual
areas as well.
As kids, we listened to Sunday school teachers drone on and on about Jesus
and the blind man, the good Samaritan, and the empty tomb. Now as adults who
feel the daily need of a Savior, those old boring truths mean something. But
as a kid…not so much.
Here’s the deal mom: cut your kids some slack and believe the best
about them. They may not care two hoots about school things
or spiritual truths…but one day, when they need them, they will. Just keep
plugging away, tossing out the stuff you still find boring and teach them
about the empty tomb, the good Samaritan, and how to read it for themselves
in the Bible. Because one day they will.
Don’t stop smiling,
Check out Todd's website at The FamilyMan.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment