Stop Being a Homeschool Teacher

Wow!  That can seem harsh and totally out of line, but oh so true. So what do nothing?

No, be a fellow learner, observer, scholar of the world.  Take time to breathe-in the patterns in nature, the video game, the new obsession or whatever captivates your child's attention.  Be present to listen, to discuss, to help.  

Sounds easy enough, right?  Well, I always need a little peek into real world application.  So here is that peek into how I walk this idea out.  

My daughter asked Santa for a sewing machine for Christmas.  (Yes, we are Christians and we still have Santa.  No more discussion on that.)  Surprised by this late add to the list of desired items, I talked to my husband and we shifted some items around to make it work.  (I am an early Christmas shopper, but fortunately have children with January birthdays so shifting gifts is easy.)  Thrilled Christmas morning by the shiny, pink sewing machine, my daughter insisted on beginning right away.  After a quick breakfast, we set up the sewing machine, found material in the scrap/craft basket, and began testing out stitches.  Immediately, she created clothes for her dolls and stuffed animals, capes for herself, her brother, and our dog, and stuffed heart pillows for anyone nearby.  Within a few days, she was out of scraps and ideas. A trip to our local fabric store not only helped with the supplies, but also ideas for projects.  The employee suggested looking up "burrito pillowcases" on YouTube and from there she found "Made Everyday." Instantly inspired, she designed, measured, and cut pillowcases for friends and family.  Since, she moved on to sewing pillowcases to donate to the children in foster care in our state. Could this 8 year old girl do all this alone?  Maybe, but having me   explore this hobby with her by providing materials, watching videos, discussing ideas, and taking out my own machine to learn as well gave her the support to keep going. 

Sewing might not be the thing in your home.  Truly, any interest can be a wonderful learning experience for your child and your family.  Trust your child and allow them the freedom to be the individual God created them to be.