Okay, so I went to this homeschooling convention last week and I think the name should "The parenting Convention" instead! Seriously, before you get married you are encouraged to go to pre-martial counseling and the same should be true when you have children....I think I am an okay parent as is but to have parenting 101, explained in such a loving practical way shines a light on all the gray areas and corrects not only my parenting but the heart behind it all!
So in no specific order here is a list of some things I learned at the convention. I am sure that I can not give justice to all the things I actually soaked in this weekend!
1. Everyone has distractions
Distractions is confusion, a mental intrusion, stress, anything that keeps you from your short term and long terms goals.
2. Children thrive on routine
Have organized thing for your toddlers to at home. Kids normally will last about 20minutes doing one thing
3. Extra activities = Extra problems
I love this one....When we as adults work, exercise or do to many things in a day, aren't we exhausted? How much more should our children(especially kindergarten - and under) need play time to them selves. We wonder why our kids are fussy, miserable and not content with anything....because of our over planning and need to be involved with everything everyday has trained them to be this way!
4.Cost
It cost about 600.00 yearly(less if used or re-used) to home school your child vs. 11,000 yearly from our taxes per child for government school(public schools)
5.Mommies needs a nap everyday
This one I loved as well! Especially, coming from a homeschooling Mom of 11 children. She said that each of her kids took naps daily it was nonnegotiable!! When they became teenagers they would spend this quite time to read as long as they don't disturb her. As Moms sometimes we feel guilty doing this but it is so needed to be the Wife and Mother your children will need you to be.
6. How early should you start training(discipline) your children?
From the moment of birth! Kerin stated as a homeschooling Mom of so many it is vital to have a routine. When a new child came home she trained them to nurse on a schedule and NEVER on demand! It took four weeks but it is doable!
7. How early can you potty train?
As early as 18 months. She suggested a book called how to potty train in a day...Kerin Morgan said if you follow it, it works! Funny how today we are used to having our kids just walk around with sippy cups in their hands...lol But, she suggested only giving them their cups when your ready to soon after have them sit on the potty.
8.kids are sinners
We are to view our kids as if we are trying to win their hearts to Christ not as though they already love Him! We should be looking for opportunities to share, correct and show love to them through, while teaching them the Gospel.
