Today, Kris is hosting a themed weekly wrap-up so we can all share our upcoming school year plans. I had planned to post about our plans and curriculum choices, but I’m going to have to wait…

Choosing to homeschool means I (and my husband, of course) have accepted direct responsibility for our children’s education — and that means doing what we believe is best for each child. And of course, since each child is different, there is no set formula.A few weeks ago, while having a difficult day, I prayed about whether I had turned homeschooling Lindsey into an idol of sorts. I asked the Lord to show me if this was something I refused let go of because of control issues or perhaps even pride. I even prayed about whether or not {gasp!} we should send her to public school, as she thinks she wants. But I felt very strongly that He reiterated that public school is not the place for her. Ken went through the same sort of thought process himself (without either of us knowing the other was doing so) and came to the same conclusion. Clear enough, Lord.

In praying about what is best for Lindsey, I stumbled upon an opportunity for her to attend a nearby Christian homeschool academy. It is a two-day program, with the remaining days done at home. As I have observed Lindsey and gotten to know her better over the past year, I have realized that she needs structure to her days and to her learning. I could probably create that at home, but it would be difficult; this program will provide that. I personally know several teachers there; we also know and love some students there already, from doing plays (like Anne of Green Gables) with them in recent years. Lindsey recently joined the Color Guard which is part of the extra-curricular program at this academy, and most of the girls on the team attend classes there. Typically, the high school program is difficult to get into, and requires a waiting list. However, they do have a few remaining openings, for 9th grade only.

After praying more, and talking extensively with Ken and with friends who are familiar with this program, we have decided to pursue this option for Lindsey. I don’t see any reason she won’t be accepted, but we don’t have the official approval yet. I hope to hear something next week. And then, I will post our plans.

In the past few months, we’ve made more progress in getting Lindsey to open up to us, and we’ve realized that she still hasn’t let go of her old life. We’ve talked about how she needs to invest more time and effort into developing deeper friendships here and learning to truly trust us; it’s the only way she will ever really embrace her life here with us. I suppose that’s one of the complications in adopting a teen: they come complete with a life of their own before joining a new family. We’ve made it clear that she doesn’t need to cut all ties and pretend she never had a life before she came to us, but if she’s living in the past, she cannot be content in the present. I think being more active — in this case, attending classes and participating in extra-curricular activities — will help Lindsey embrace her life here.

This would mean a few of the books in my big ol’ stack won’t be used this year. It would mean I won’t have quite as much control over her schooling. Is this what my “perfect” homeschool looks like? No. But I can’t allow myself to compare my homeschool or my children to anyone else’s, and I must do what I believe is best for each of my children.

So, we’re making changes. I don’t anticipate doing something like this with Kathryn (for many reasons), but I take each year one at a time, and I continually seek God’s will for our homeschool, and His wisdom in our parenting. This year is looking different than I had anticipated, but God knows what He’s doing, and I’m just along for the ride.

Jamie

Wife, mom, J-ma. Introvert who enjoys good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand – unless it’s lost yet again in the microwave. Read more »