It has been my observation that an individual’s perception of and approach to life, parenting, and education, at home or otherwise, is directly affected by at least three basic beliefs:

  1. What one believes about God
  2. What one believes about Self
  3. What one believes about others (i.e.: Children)

Therefore, we first need to put our beliefs in line with God’s view of these things.  So in order to experience peace as a home educating parent one must always remember to, “Let go, and let God.” as the old saying goes. There must primarily be a foundation of trust in God to

“work all things together for good”  – Romans 8:28

regardless of how we might fall short of our best intentions at times.

Secondly- it is also imperative that we recognize our own dependence upon God’s unlimited grace and love for us and then extend that same love and grace (a greater love than we have on our own apart from the Divine) to our children.

Finally- we must simply recognize that these beautiful young people that we have the privilege of nurturing and cultivating are created in the very image of God, their Heavenly Father.  And let’s truly hope that they take after Him more than us anyway.  Our amazing Creator God has made all children just as capable of learning on their own as their bodies are capable of growing on their own. The great Shepherd prepares a beautiful banquet before us… let’s follow His example and do the same for our children as we nurture their bodies, minds and souls.

It is our part as parents and educators to provide the nourishing environment in which they might learn. We do this by allowing the fruit of the Holy Spirit to grow in our own lives, sharing the gospel of God’s grace and goodness, introducing them to the living Word of God, and giving them the best worthy books and experiences we can. Then simply encourage them in their own abilities to flourish and grow, spiritually, emotionally and physically, as we continue to demonstrate intentionalism, and rest in God’s best for them and us.

We can cultivate the garden (atmosphere) of a living education with faith and prayer, water it with Wisdom, pull the weeds of worry and doubt, and watch our children become rooted in righteousness, see them growing in grace and living in love.

“Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.”                          

– Charlotte Mason, Home  Education, Vol. 2: Parents and Children, 1904

© Una-Melina // Worthy Books & Things, 2012.