I wrote a post in my “Life” blog, which is my more general blog, but I think that we parents need some more specific reminders – reminders that we should not only refrain from comparing ourselves with others, but we should not compare our spouse, our family, our children, or our homeschooling with others.
Even as we are unique as individuals, having our own DNA, our own fingerprints, so do our families have their own “DNA” and should not be compared to others. Your personality, your strengths and weaknesses, your challenges and gifts, are different from others, not to mention your spouse’s personality, challenges, and gifts, etc.
Then consider your children! They, too, are each unique individuals, bearing the image of their Creator in their own way. Each child has their own academic readiness: just as each child takes their first step at a different time, gets their first tooth at a different time, begins to talk at a different time, so each child is ready to learn to read or do arithmetic at a different time. Children will have an easier/harder time with various subjects. Just like us.
And there are more intelligences than academic. There is social intelligence, kinetic intelligence, artistic intelligence, emotional intelligence, and so many more! While one of our children struggled academically, her ability to connect with anyone and everyone to make people feel seen and special, was off the charts. I valued that and didn’t feel pressure that she had to pursue a certain academic pathway. God made her special, even as He made you, your spouse, and each of your children special.
Appreciate each one for who he/she is. Appreciate your spouse for who they are. Appreciate who you are, thanking God for the gifts He has given you. If you can’t see those gifts, whether in yourself, your spouse, or your children, ask God. He’ll show you. Begin to express gratitude for your children, for your spouse, for who God made you. This will change the atmosphere in your home, and your homeschooling.
For more on this topic see chapter 4 in my book: Stress-Free Homeschooling, Getting It All Done an Enjoying It! (Click here for more information)
