Sometimes It's The Little Things

As any homeschooling parent knows, this can be a thankless job. We aren't really doing it for the appreciation, though. We're doing this because we want our children to become successful adults. And we're doing it so someday, hopefully, our children won't need us any more. (At least not to survive.) So, sometimes it's the little things that make this whole business worthwhile, especially when you can't seem to see the future CEO inside your little wonder.

It's little things like watching them master a concept - even after they've told you they'll never get it, and you're beginning to feel like they're right. Last night, we were studying words for next week's regional bee and she was sure she'd never get any of them right. (We're on the Advanced List now.) But after I calmed her down, she began remembering all the phonics rules we've learned and she began spelling like a champion. Now all I have to do is tell her the language of origin on certain words and she has no problem realizing that the CH sound in an Italian word usually means CC. (Like Puccini.)

It's little things like seeing them do something on their own - even when you feel like it's your baby stepping out into the big world, and you cringe for fear they'll get hurt. Like the other day when I took my daughter to the bank, and I stayed in the car while she completed her transactions. I know it doesn't seem like much, but it had a profound effect on me at the time.

Sometimes it can be nothing more exciting than sitting on the couch and having an intelligent discussion with your child. Yesterday, after the rest of schoolwork was done, we were sitting on the couch crocheting together. While we were busily making our projects - for me a blanket, for her a scarf - we were just talking. During the course of a couple hours, we discussed literature and movies. She asked intelligent questions, and made astute observations. If I hadn't known she were thirteen, the conversation was no different than I could have had with any adult - except for the fact that most adults I see IRL wouldn't be able to discuss the plot line or theme or philosophy of a novel if their lives depended on it.

So, take heart. Even if you feel like you're running in circles or worse running in place. Hold onto those moments when you see the lightbulb over their heads and you see the progress they're making with your help. It won't always be fireworks and rockets, but sometimes all it takes is a spark.