Back in 2006, I found these "Ten Commandments of Homeschooling" from a homeschooling mother of six. I used these as a basis for a talk for OLG parents that year. It follows the theme of Kathy's last blog about the things we do/don't do during our homeschooling journey.
The majority of us all start off our homeschool journey the same way. You look at the seasoned moms and put them on way too high of a pedal-stool. You want to know all of the things that work for them and how they do everything. Of course, human nature kicks in, and those seasoned moms share all about the great and wonderful things they are doing. All of us are more than willing to share how great our homeschooling is with a new homeschool family. I mean, why would we want to discourage them?
We learn by imitation so.......You go home and try it and it is overwhelming!
Maybe, if we all started by asking them about the troubles and problems they have, we'd be able to keep it all in reality: Homeschooling is challenging for us ALL!
So here are the commandments. I have to try every day to keep these and honestly, I never have complete success.
I am the Lord your God, Thou shall have no other curriculum before Me.
Every homeschooler wants to find the perfect curriculum. The Holy Bible is the best one around. Best of all most of us already own it.
Thou shall not make a graven image of the perfect homeschool family.
There is no perfect homeschool family. We all have sinned a fall short of the glory of God.
Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy.
Don't be a slave to your duties. Take time to rest and enjoy your children and husband.
Honor your father and mother
Even if your parents are not believers or supportive of homeschooling, honor them. It isn't easy, but the example you set now will pay dividends down the road. If they are deceased talk often of your parents and build bridges from the past to the future.
Thou shall not destroy thy children's spirits
Keep a tender eye toward their heart to make sure that their relationships with the Lord, you, and each other remain strong.
Thou shall not compare yourself one to another
Trust me, you'll always come up short and discontent.
Thou shall not commit "adultery"
Stop cheating your husband of the respect he desires by comparing him to other homeschooling dads, speakers, or authors; and then wishing your husband would be different. Love the man you married not the perfect image in your mind.
Thou shall not boast about your accomplishments.
Scripture says, "Let another praise you and not your own lips." The fruit of your work will be raising a generation of servants for the Lord. And the best reward will be when you stand before His throne and He boasts, "Well done my good and faithful servant. Enter now into the joy of my rest."
Thou shall encourage other families to good deeds not judge one another harshly
We all make mistakes and have things we wished we had done differently. Seek to find ways to build one another up not tear each other down.
Thou shall not steal the joy of your family
The joy of the Lord shall be your strength. As you delight in the Lord your household will become delightful as well.
Every homeschooler wants to find the perfect curriculum. The Holy Bible is the best one around. Best of all most of us already own it.
Thou shall not make a graven image of the perfect homeschool family.
There is no perfect homeschool family. We all have sinned a fall short of the glory of God.
Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy.
Don't be a slave to your duties. Take time to rest and enjoy your children and husband.
Honor your father and mother
Even if your parents are not believers or supportive of homeschooling, honor them. It isn't easy, but the example you set now will pay dividends down the road. If they are deceased talk often of your parents and build bridges from the past to the future.
Thou shall not destroy thy children's spirits
Keep a tender eye toward their heart to make sure that their relationships with the Lord, you, and each other remain strong.
Thou shall not compare yourself one to another
Trust me, you'll always come up short and discontent.
Thou shall not commit "adultery"
Stop cheating your husband of the respect he desires by comparing him to other homeschooling dads, speakers, or authors; and then wishing your husband would be different. Love the man you married not the perfect image in your mind.
Thou shall not boast about your accomplishments.
Scripture says, "Let another praise you and not your own lips." The fruit of your work will be raising a generation of servants for the Lord. And the best reward will be when you stand before His throne and He boasts, "Well done my good and faithful servant. Enter now into the joy of my rest."
Thou shall encourage other families to good deeds not judge one another harshly
We all make mistakes and have things we wished we had done differently. Seek to find ways to build one another up not tear each other down.
Thou shall not steal the joy of your family
The joy of the Lord shall be your strength. As you delight in the Lord your household will become delightful as well.
Enjoy,
Angelle
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I love this list. What a great reminder. I think we all look to the person next door as having it all together. I need to spend more time getting myself together rather than worry about what others may or may not be doing. Thanks Angelle or the list!! Great Post!!
ReplyDeleteLisa