This challenge I set for myself has been stewing over in my heart for a few weeks now. Now is the time to get it down on paper and make myself aware of it good and proper!
I find myself rejoicing in the skills that my older two have – they are self-initiated and self-motivated in so many areas of their life and this gives me a freedom that I didn’t have a few years ago. I have been challenged though that I am taking freedoms that aren’t mine – just yet! As the older two contribute to the family, I should be using this extra time in training the younger two children.
As I look back and see our training path we took with the older 2 I am challenged with the following points…
- a lot of reading of the bible, and natural talking of how God’s Word fits in every day situations
- Chore training was done in an intense way with me beside them for a month at each task before they worked by themselves
- Lessons were regular
- Room-time was a disciplined part of our day
- The routine assisted me in training responses
My immediate tasks are…
- Get my routine in print (not on my handheld computer) this will be a constant visual reminder. Print these tasks out as well and post in strategic places!
- Work on my own morning routine in order to be available to my younger children from 7.00am.
- Be available to my children between lunch and afternoon tea time.
I remind myself that this is going to be a season of focus, effort, and time spent training my younger two.
Thanks for the thoughts! I also feel like I am beginning a season of intense discipleship with my two youngest. When the older two were at this stage, there were only two! I am resolved to take the time necessary to give my younger ones the attention and guidance they need. I also relate to your focus on discipleship versus education. Since reading "When You Rise Up: A Covenental Approach to Homeschooling" I have been very convicted to make some changes. Change is difficult for me because without constant focus I easily slip back into "the way I've always done it". But God is good and He is so faithful. I know that He will enable us to do the job that He has given us! God Bless your day!
Since we are travelling the same path – we can support each other! I have set myself a goal to be off the computer by 6.15am – if I get on at all early in the morning. So I have 10minutes to go and I have to go and organise some of my photos to print off. I know that this new season for me will require much self discipline as I undo some habits I have slipped into and re-establish patterns that are appropriate for where my two are at.