Modern Homeschool Today

One of the benefits of homeschooling is the opportunity to help shape our children's character. In fact, one of the points from our own homeschooling mission statement is that I desire....     To build strong character in my children believing that good character is more important than academic success        Children are not born with a set of values and beliefs about the world - they are taught. This means they do not always naturally become kind, patient, content and diligent - they need to be guided, gently corrected and encouraged to embrace the kind of virtues that God desires within us. I find this a challenge with my incredibly spirited, strong-willed children (yes, all of them fit this description). I have often allowed myself to feel discouraged and disappointed in their behavior rather than see it as an opportunity to teach and shape their character.  Another benefit of homeschooling is that we can encourage these vir...

  I recently shared on MUMmedia about my husband's recent mission trip to the Philippines. Stories, photos and videos of his trip always challenge and inspire us as a family. Last year the lesson was about simplifying our lives but this year I felt it was the importance of teaching my children compassion and generosity. I shared how a Filipino pastor and friend was given the opportunity to travel to Australia for the first time. As we welcomed him into our home I was overwhelmed when I saw my house through the eyes of someone from the developing world.I noticed things I don't usually notice. I have two fridges in my kitchen. I have a music room and office complete with two computers and three guitars. My children have a play/school room. I have photo frames and ornaments that probably cost more than a Filipino pastor earns in a month. I discussed poverty vs riches and the importance of teaching children compassion and how sometimes these experiences are the wake-up call...

I don't really know how you teach compassion. I believe some children in their little personalities and temperaments are more compassionate than others. Toddlers who are highly sensitive seem to grow into more compassionate children and adults. However, it is such an important character trait that it can't be something we just leave us to 'nature' to build (or not) in our children. Children learn from us The other day I found out that one of my friends had cancer. I heard the news and in complete devastation burst in to tears. The kids were in the room. My eldest became concerned and asked me why I was crying. I told him that I felt sad that my friend was sick because it would mean life would be really hard for her for a while. He looked at me and said "It's nice you're crying for your friend". I love my kids!  Similarly, my boys have seen me stop to help someone or talk to someone who might be perceived as a bit um, weird. One of my so...

I was recently caught up in a conversation with a young woman who at age 25 admitted that she didn't know what she wanted to do with her life. She couldn't hold down a job because she got bored easily and when I asked about study she exclaimed emphatically "I could NEVER got to University - it would be too hard!". During the conversation I uncovered that the house she lived in had been bought for her by her parents at the tender age of 18 to supposedly encourage her to develop some independence. Her car had also been bought for her by her parents. Her mother came around once a week to clean for her and do her washing and she admitted that she never bothered to learn how to cook because she would often just go back home for meals. After this conversation I realised what was holding this beautiful young girl back from finding not just a job, but a purpose for her life. She had never been taught how to do anything for herself. Clearly her mother wanted to pro...

Upon her arrival in Australia as an immigrant 60 years ago, my grandmother, along with other new migrants worked together to build a series of homes for their families. The beautiful, large home with elaborate features that was built for her was designed and constructed by a community of people helping one another begin a new life.  The best part of her home was a backyard overflowing with fruit trees, vibrant flowers and exotic plants that sprawled across half an acre. I used to spend hours exploring and picking fruits and vegetables with my grandma, playing hide and seek and watching goldfish in the pond.  There was also a sun room that overlooked the garden and I spent hours as a child and teenager reflecting, daydreaming and being inspired by God's creation. It was one of my favourite places in the world.  It was a place I felt safe, valued and deeply loved.  I never believed that this home, this garden, this important piece of my childhood and ...