Be a sun.
Or, Thoughts on parenting (culled from material I posted in another forum a year or two ago)
Many folks home educate principally so that they can tailor lessons, learning environments, and the like to their children’s unique needs and desires. But only so much of this sort of thing is (a) necessary and (b) realistic.
Let’s face it: Too much catering grows suns. (In other words, the world doesn’t (or shouldn’t, anyway) revolve around the kids or their personalities.) Personally, I’m raising planets. Each is on his or her own path around the sun. Each has unique and wonderful features. But Jupiter may not disrespect Saturn, and Saturn may not disrespect Earth, and Earth may not disrespect Jupiter. And so on.
Overheard in my universe (because from now until at least 2016, I am their sun):
And so on.
Introverted or extroverted, serious or playful, all of us must learn how to cope with with different personalities, birth order traits, traditions, styles, etc. What better place to learn than at home in the universe? Dear home-educating parent, be a sun to their planets. Get them on the right revolution.
Then relax a little. Make them take some responsibility for coping with each other. This gig is nowhere near as difficult as many make it out to be.
Many folks home educate principally so that they can tailor lessons, learning environments, and the like to their children’s unique needs and desires. But only so much of this sort of thing is (a) necessary and (b) realistic.
Let’s face it: Too much catering grows suns. (In other words, the world doesn’t (or shouldn’t, anyway) revolve around the kids or their personalities.) Personally, I’m raising planets. Each is on his or her own path around the sun. Each has unique and wonderful features. But Jupiter may not disrespect Saturn, and Saturn may not disrespect Earth, and Earth may not disrespect Jupiter. And so on.
Overheard in my universe (because from now until at least 2016, I am their sun):
So, you don’t like rings? Well, isn’t it good that you don’t have any, huh, my dear little Earth? Okay. Well, we’re talking rings right now, so you have three choices: (1) Get over yourself. (2) Continue on your revolution (i.e., leave the room until we ve wrapped up ring talk). (3) Suffer in silence. Oh, Earth! You’re an easy one. You get over yourself pretty durned quickly. Good. Now, moving right along on that ring talk....
Ah, yes, Jupiter. You’re the biggest. No denying that, now is there? Look at you. Well, we’re doing decidedly little-female-planet-type stuff right now, so you have three choices: (1) Get over yourself. (2) Continue on your revolution (i.e., leave the room until we’ve wrapped up decidedly little-female-planet-type stuff). (3) Suffer in silence. Now, you’ve never been good at suffering in silence, so can I recommend options 1 or 2? Good. See you soon.
Earth and I are having a moment, Saturn. Since you’re not too fond of our games, how 'bout you choose option two in our customary line-up. And don't stomp on your way. Out.
And so on.
Introverted or extroverted, serious or playful, all of us must learn how to cope with with different personalities, birth order traits, traditions, styles, etc. What better place to learn than at home in the universe? Dear home-educating parent, be a sun to their planets. Get them on the right revolution.
Then relax a little. Make them take some responsibility for coping with each other. This gig is nowhere near as difficult as many make it out to be.
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