September  week4

Each week I stop and think what are my goals for this week.  As I set the goals I try and keep in mind my philosophy of relationships first, then responsibilities and then academics therefore when I assess my week I must use the same benchmark.  To be honest it is easy to set goals making relationships first, it is not so easy to look back and your week and not be stressed by the apparent lack of academics.  This is where I have had to renew my mind of the definition of education, and build my understanding of discipleship as that is what I want in my family.

Having the Grandparents here is a bit of a relational distraction!  But I wouldn’t replace it for anything!

I asked my older two what they had enjoyed the most with their grandparents first week.  Josh knew straight away that it was the discussions that he has enjoyed the most.  Josh and I then talked about some of the character isues of having a healthy “debate”.  We need to have self control at all times, especially with our emotions and tone of voice – it is just a discussion with someone who loves me afterall!  We need to be humble and not want the last word.  We need to be flexible and allow ourselves to see things from a different perspective.

Jessica’s high was that they were here for her 13th birthday.

As for the goals I set last week


Bible Study / Devotions  – we are all managing to find somewhere quiet and have our personal devotions though family devotions have been few and far between!  Talking over breakfast is such a distraction!  I will continue to work towards this goal of 8.00am Family Devotions.

We have had no structured table time which has also meant Character studies is not happening.  Though of course there are plenty of opportunities to work on our character in our day to day situations.   Obedience is always the first to slip when we have visitors – when you start to focus on the fun side of relationships then it is easy to slide.  We had a little reminder talk and the kids have responded well.  It was purely a matter of realigning everyone’s hearts back.  When your visitors are only around for a day or two this slide doesn’t generally matter but when the visit lasts for 3 weeks then we can do better.


Must Do….Oh dear – so much for using the word “MUST” because it just hasn’t happened.  I’ll be trying to get into the office today.

We have kept the house tidy with the basics routines – morning, lunch and late afternoon – happening every day.  The house needs a few “spot fires” put out – mainly the kitchen table and all it’s paper piles.


ZonesYay!!!  I did a little ironing – compared to what needed to be done it was only a little amount but step by step I will conquerer!

 

Training up my children:

Relationships:  Already mentioned areas of relationship training.

Responsibilities:  Considering the amount of “free” time the children are getting we had an issue of Initiative.  It is easy for the kids to do what they are told to and rush back to their game.  I have encouraged them to show initiative though and go the extra mile.  When asked to bring the washing in, the extra mile is to put it away.  When asked to wash the car, the extra mile is to polish it.  When asked to clean the bathroom sink, the extra mile is to tidy up the bathroom in general.

When Nomi wakes up the first thing I remind her of (after a cuddle) is her little chart.  She works through her morning routine by following this chart.  She is doing well, though it is not a habbit yet.

Interpersonal:  The children are doing well with not over-lording it at the dinner table.  Admittedly over the weekend – due to all the football finals – we did eat dispersed as a family (boys with the TV/football, girls with jigsaw puzzles and books in the family room, and Mum and I at the table talking!!) 

Talents:  I have spoken to Jess about some of the creative things she has dabbled in.  She is without motivation for much creative at the moment and I want to try and help her over that.  One of the things we have decided is that she is going to start a new scrapbook album and she can select current photos, which we will print specifically for her, though she needs to plan her pages.  I will specifically teach her design and colour concepts as she goes along.  We sat down and scrapped on Saturday.  Both girls created very good pages.

Grandma has begun to show them how to make fabric dolls.  The girls have chosen a very small doll so it will be a challenge to their machine sewing skills – which is good!

Daniel has wafted a bit this last week – I need to gather activities for him to work on.

Joshua has created platforms for his soldiers to help him in his strategic battle games he plays by himself.  It was good to see him with a paintbrush in his hand as Joshua generally spends his recreational time more in the math areas of strategy games or reading.


Academics:  I can’t say that we have reached the academic goals I set but once again as I let my kids relax and enjoy their childhood I do see academic areas being worked on and improved.

Daniel A few months back the kids put stories in the Library Book Making Competition and they all received a reward of some level.  Straight after Daniel finished making his book, he started on book 2 of the same series!  Daniel can’t read or write so he draws pictures – he has the story in his head and he draws a series of pictures. This is hard work for Daniel and it takes him probably the best of two weeks.  This week the pictures were all finished and he has been verbalizing the story to any one who will listen as he shows the corresponding pictures.  I am in the process of typing the words for him and we will then bind it all together as another book.

NomiNomi is itching for more challenging books to read.  I have given her Stewart Little – and though it isn’t challenging reading it will be a good book to encourage her in her Reading Journal.

Jessica Jess has continued her music practice  – and though that is a talent we consider her daily practice as a part of her discipline studies.  Jess has been blogging more frequently which gives her plenty of writing practice.

Joshua One of the things I enjoy about a lifestyle of learning, about discipleship, is that there is learning going on regardless of what you are doing in your day.  Joshua was struck with a concept during his personal devotions, he shared it with his grandmother who was reading a book on a similar thought so they discussed that for a while, he then came and shared it with me, who encouraged him to blog it. 

Joshua has been diligent with working on his Math and Science throughout the week.

 

So though we haven’t had our structured table time there is opportunity throughout our day to be learning and improving our skills.

The download link is on it's way.

Individual Education Planning Worksheets - brainstorming every area of your child's life.

Get your Planning Worksheets

I will email you the download link so you can start looking at all the different spheres of your child's life before you make any curriculum choices. 

The download link is on it's way.

An Alternative to Chocolate

An Alternative to Chocolate

Not that I have anything against chocolate - but these jelly beans can help your kids share the message of Jesus, his love, death and resurrection at Easter time.  

The download link is on it's way.

Parent Guide: How to make your Family Bible Study Really Work

Family Bible Study is Tricky with all the Different Ages

 

But there is a way to make this a rich learning and bonding family time.  This Guide includes tips, planning worksheet, and discussion prompts.  

Thanks for being here! The download link is on it's way.

Download yourCharacter Certificates

Though true character is driven by internal motivation, our children will appreciate when we see that they are growing in character.

Thanks for being here! The download link is on it's way.

Download your Character Certificates

Though true character is driven by internal motivation, our children will appreciate when we see that they are growing in character.

The download link is on it's way.

Download your Cheat Sheet

 

A quick reference to help you discern between a heart attitude and a lack of skill for when your child loses it!

Thanks for being here! Your download link is on its way.

Make God your First Response

Print out this parenting reminder to call out to God in the middle of the moment.

I'm excited to share this download with you. Watch your inbox.

Download Grow in Character Worksheets

Download Grow in Character Worksheets

I will email you the download link.

The download link is on it's way.

Download Grow in Character Worksheets

You will receive an email shortly with the details. Watch your inbox.

Thank you for being here - your download link will arrive shortly.

Download Parenting Poster

Download Parenting Poster

Learn to respond to your child in a way that changes their heart.

 

I will email you the download link.

The download link is on it's way.

Download Parenting Poster

Download Parenting Poster

 

Learn to respond to your child in a way that changes their heart.

 

I will email you the download link.

Thank you for being here - your download link will arrive shortly.

Our children hear different words when we react to when we respond. Do your children hear blah blah blah when you correct them? Includes a parenting poster.

Download Parenting Poster

 

When we Respond instead of React we find a way to deal with the heart not just behaviour.

 

I will email you the download link.

Thank you for being here - your download link will arrive shortly.

Download Character Lesson Guide

You will receive an email shortly with the details. Watch your inbox.

Thank you for being here - your download link will arrive shortly.

When family relationships get tense - look for the niggles.

Heart Focused Parenting Resource for the Intentional Parent

 

Your download will arrive in your inbox shortly. 

Print it out and use to teach the hearts of your kids.

Thank you for being here - your download link will arrive shortly.

Free Email Course

Daily emails  (6 days) to help you walk towards being a heart focused homeschool family!

You have joined the email course. Watch your email inbox!

Find ways to Re-engage your Student

Download this checklist and stir your child's curiosity

Watch your Inbox - the Checklist is on it's way!

FREE Parenting Worksheet

This worksheet will help you move from addressing behaviour to really parenting the heart, one issue at a time.

 

 

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Personal growth starts with an honest assessment

The download link is on it's way. Please check your email.

Give Effective Consequences

Think before you React

Thanks for being here! The download link is on it's way.

 

Thanks for being here! The download link is on it's way.

One Another Verses

Be Intentional in the Teen Years

Use this Cheat Sheet to remind you of how you can love your teen.

Thanks for being here! The download link is on it's way.

#14 Heart Booster from Resource Library

Thanks for being here! Your download link is on it's way.

Download your copy

Download your copy

Blending Life and Lessons - and start your journey of changing your thinking about education.

Thanks for being here! Your download link is on it's way.

Download: One Another Verses pdf

Download this list of One Another verses and teach your children how to love others.

Thanks for being here! Your download link is on it's way.

Raising Kids with Character

ATTEND LIVE : FREE PARENTING WORKSHOP

A bonus for Heart Booster readers:  Learn how to teach character to your kids so that they can live their lives making values-based choices.

 

Live Session:  5th May 2021, 6.30pm AWST

Replay available until 16th May 2021

 

I'm so excited about this workshop - thanks for joining me!

Raising Kids with Character

REPLAY OPTION : FREE PARENTING WORKSHOP

A bonus for Heart Booster readers:  Learn how to teach character to your kids so that they can live their lives making values-based choices.

 

Replay available from 6th May until 16th May 2021

 

I'm so excited about this workshop - thanks for joining me!

Raising Kids with Character

WAITLIST

 

The Raising Kids with Character parenting workshop will be offered again this year - details yet to be confirmed.  Join the waitlist so you don't miss out. 

I will keep in you in the loop as soon as decisions have been made!

Bonus Reading list

 

Sharing my Homeschool Belief File

Knowing what you believe and why about education and homeschooling helps you make good decisions.

Thanks for being here! Your download link is on it's way.

Build your Family Routine
Starter Kit:

Assess and Plan how to use your time wisely with this worksheet bundle.

Instant download, and then join the Heart Boost Weekly, by confirming in your email.

Success! An email link is being sent to you!

Heart Boosters

Free Parenting Support

... delivered to your email inbox

Success! An email is on it's way!

Free email course

... delivered to your email inbox

Success! An email is on it's way!

Download: Family Devotional Activities (PDF)

Thanks for being here! Your download link is on it's way.

Download:Workshop Resource

This is a digital product. Download and print - but please don't share. 

Thanks for being here! Your download link is on it's way.

#21 Heart Booster from Resource Library

Thanks for being here! Your download link is on it's way.

Heart Boosters

Free Parenting Support

... delivered to your email inbox

Success! An email is on it's way!

%d bloggers like this: