I love the Charlotte Mason method. I adore what Dr. Bauer has done with The Well Trained Mind. I am thrilled with classical education and the trivium. But I am tired of the guilt from not doing everything.
I have been blessed by the freedom I have found in Christ, so why am I shackling myself with the burden of trying to follow other’s educational advice for my children.
I know, and just a few posts previous have admitted so, how blessed I have been by the writings and the teachings of so many people in the home school community.
It is so easy to try to do everything perfectly (a word that I, as a perfectionists, hate). Nothing on this earth is perfect–not Charlotte Mason’s methods even in their purest form, not TWTM, and not even my own plans for my kids. It’s not going to be perfect no matter how much I try.
With my oldest child, before I found the homeschooling movement and classical literature, I read for hours to my daughter. But what did we read? Picture Books galore, Go Dog Go, pop up books, and bible stories, followed by counting books, and more fun age appropriate children’s books with beautiful illustrations and poetic writing. With my boys, I have tried to be more disciplined with books they should be exposed for their education.
Who loves reading more? The child immersed in fun rhyming modern picture books with a twist. The one that got to read for fun, not work. I’m going back to being me with my choices for my boys, and following my God given mommy instincts.
Yesterday, I brought home 8 or so picture books for my 2 younger boys from the library. The 7 year old sat, voluntarily, and read all of them to his 5 year old, and willing, brother. The wanted to do it. They weren’t chapter books, and they weren’t classics.
This same 7 year old is reading the Percy Jackson series by choice; it’s a stretch for him, but he wants to.
I am enjoying the freedom that Christ has given me to be imperfect, because only he is perfect. He will prepare my children for the futures they will face, and he will give them what they need. I have more faith in God’s leading me than in the methods I have encountered or even my own plans.
Thank God for his provisions.
I will continue to do my best, but more than anything, I will laugh with my children and have fun with them.
I happened upon your blog from the WTM forums and really enjoyed this post. It is definitely something I needed to hear today!
What a blessing to read this. Thank you for sharing your heart.
I came to this same conclusion many times during our homeschool journey. Having FUN and loving learning are not anti-CM or WTM. I see neither SWB or CM as stodgy, stick in the mud types. Learning should bring joy. Great job Mamma!! Glad I came upon your blog today.
Blessings,
Faithe