Don't Leave Yourself Out

 When it comes to learning, don't leave yourself out.  Not only do your tweens and teens need so see your continuing to pursue interest, you need this time.  So many times, I talk to moms (not just homeschooling moms) who have lost their identity to service as mom.  They have zero passions and interest outside of prodding, shuttling, and planning their children.  Do not let this happen to you!

You enjoy seeing that sparkle in their eyes when that tween or teen discovers a new interest or dives deeper into a passion.  You acknowledge that time as authentic learning and development of who they are and who they are becoming.  It is crucial for those tweens and teens to see you doing the same as an adult.  This keeps the adult life fascinating and desirable to them, but it also helps you stay connected to how it feels to authentically learn.  

 I am currently obsessed with all things involving yarn.  I have knitted for 10+ years, crocheted for 3+ years, and am contemplating learning to weave.  I love exploring this interest by listening to podcast, searching Pinterest for patterns, shopping for new yarns, watching how-to videos on YouTube, and just doing the work.  Guess what?! This is how my tween and teen love to learn as well.  They don't need a class that will start at the beginning and teach everything step by step.  They may chose a class, but only after subject exploration and collaboration with peers or mentors.  This is real world learning!