As we considered whether or not to teach Hannah from home this year, one of the most compelling reasons in favor of this decision had to do with Hailey. On the one hand, it feels a bit challenging to think about teaching Hannah with Hailey underfoot. Toddlers, I am now remembering are incredibly busy creatures with very short attention spans and extremely speedy gaits. Whether or not first grade Singapore Math and Fisher Price stacking rings find synergy in our loft during school hours has yet to be determined.
Nevertheless, there was something else within this dynamic of spaced-apart sisterhood that I wanted to nurture throughout the day, everyday. Phil, Hannah and I all in our own ways waited a very long time for Hailey to join our family. Her presence has been a cuddly and spunky addition. The relationship the girls are forming as sisters is one I want to help grow in every way that I can. In bringing school home I see countless opportunities to foster this end.
Today, the ladies found common ground by way of two buckets of water, three wash cloths and two plastic ride-on toys. Each had their own take on the activity. Still, they enjoyed it together for well over an hour. With school fast approaching I’m looking forward to continuing to think creatively as to how to meet each one of their needs while also setting the stage for them to continue loving living alongside one another for years to come.
Oh Cari,
You never cease to amaze and inspire! Who needs a good book when they’ve got your blog? What a fantastic mother, daughter, and friend….you are. I’ll be more than a little bit anxious to hear how things are going along the way with homeschooling. I have no doubt that you are up to the challenge. Better you than me, my friend!
When I had my first kid, I had never even considered the idea of homeschooling. When my two boys were 3 and 1, I started talking to a woman at our church who homeschooled. She had 3 kids and she said that the main reason she homeschooled was to keep them together. If they went to school, they’d be separated all day long, come home, go to their individual activities (sports, scouts, etc.) and they wouldn’t really even know each other! This was a big one for me because I couldn’t stand the thought of separating my boys. This concept alone has ramifications so incredibly far reaching- I wish more people could see it’s value. Your kids will be grateful that you are giving them the chance to truly KNOW each other.