Balance

It is hard not to be distracted.  There are so many opportunities to go places and do things as a homeschooler.  It amazes me that people can still ask about socialization when so many homeschoolers are out and about taking advantage of the places to go and things to do.  We are no exception.  We have a wonderful community of fellow homeschoolers who offer friendship and field trip company.  I have to learn to keep a balance, though.  Pray for me.

There are two things we do that I don't have any qualms about.  One is a homeschool gym class.  Once a week my boys are able to take a class with a very good teacher who does fitness, skills and fun with the kids.  They get structured physical fitness time and an opportunity to fellowship with other kids.  My favorite thing about the class is seeing the biggest, 15 year old paired with the smallest 5 year old.  The care the big guy takes with the little one melts my heart.  They are required to run at the beginning of class.  It is a delight to see the big guy come jogging up to the little one, who is walking by now, bend down, put his hands on the little guy's shoulders, say something encouraging and see the little one smile and take off after the big guy.  Lest you think I'm bragging, it is not my big guy I'm talking about.  But the great thing is all the kids have an opportunity to interact with kids of different ages, levels and abilities.  What an opportunity to become prepared for the "real world" when you don't just deal with people of your own age.

The other thing I don't have a qualm about is Discovery Days.  Once a month, we meet with other homeschoolers for coop.  Currently, we study a different topic each month.  The kids in age groups (K-1, 2-4, 5-6, 7-8, high school) and the parents take turns teaching.  The boys like being with their friends, and so do I.  It's nice learning about topics other than what we are studying at the moment.  Adds a little spice to our learning adventure.  Since I only have two, it gives J. and D. experience with learning with others in the mix.  Oh, it's just fun.  We all look forward to it.
 
We are blessed with many friends and many opportunities, but as a friend has said, "You can't homeschool if you aren't home."  My struggle right now is to keep that balance.  Pray for me.