I believe you are the best person to be with your children. For God designed you to be your children’s parent.
One of my favorite movies is Mary Poppins. I watched it throughout high school and continue to enjoy it today. After multiple viewings, I realized the primary theme of the movie is not children jumping through chalk drawings or dancing on rooftops, but that you can’t replace a parent.
Even with a nanny who is practically perfect in every way, and her lovable sidekick in scintillating adventures, Jane and Michael chose Mom and Dad with a repaired kite.
The greatest asset your children have is not a bald guy on a DVD, or colored blocks, or lovely books, it is you. You are enough.
Point 1
No one cares more about your children’s education than you.
Point 2
No one knows your child better than you.
Point 3
You don’t have to be an expert mathematician to help your student learn math. Be willing to sit beside them and learn along with them. Some of the best coaches were not the best players. When you come to something you don’t fully comprehend, admit it. Perhaps you can say, “I don’t know, either. Let’s watch the DVD again and see if we can figure this out.”
By modeling this attitude, you are teaching your child how to meet challenges. This in itself may be more valuable than arriving at the correct answer and will help them in life, beyond math.
Point 4
It is very comforting to your kids to hear their mom or dad acknowledge that they don’t know everything. Genuine humility will win their heart as you ask for help. Ask your child what they think you ought to do. Now you are valuing their insights and encouraging them to help work out the problem. They are no longer just a kid, but a valued member of the team.
Point 5
Pray. Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about any (math problems), but in every (word problem) by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God”. As a tutor, I often came to a place where I did not know how to communicate to the student beside me at the table. I did a lot of asking God, who created the universe, to give me some creative new ways to teach.
Be yourself. Be authentic. Trust God and do what you can. God will back you up, and when you need a little helping hand, give us a call. 🙂
Amen! This post rings true this week as we delve into the world of fractions….I admitted I needed help, watched the video again with my son and proceeded to pray over the lesson. Thank you for being honest and real about life as a homeschooler.