Apples of Gold Home School News

     My kids are not super-achievers, but they're successful homeschoolers graduates. I say that because with so many homeschooled cream-o'-the-crop kids making waves out there in the world, some parents might be tempted to think that they've not done a good job if they aren't raising National Spelling Bee champions or Supreme Court Justices.

     Don't think that way. Terrific, interesting young adults like those dearest to me may be considered good or average students in their youth, but you can bet they're smart, successful, involved, personable individuals whether they become engineers, laborers, or homemakers. Your child may or may not be academically minded. They may or may not want to go to college. They might graduate with the determination never to open another math, science, or literature book again, but instead be anxious to develop a business, serve others, raise a family, join the workforce, write a book, travel, or get involved with missions. They might find new ways to enhance their future development beyond the commonly trod paths.

     Oftentimes kids don't know what they want to do right after they graduate. Some parents think their student should start college anyway and then decide. Others think that it's better to take a year or two to explore and then decide if further schooling is right for them.

     My point being that it shouldn't be cause for intense stress. Prayer will guide the way. Raise a child according to his or her bents -- their interests and personalities -- then trust God and believe in your young adult to want good things for themselves. Faith, time, and their own maturity will lead the way, whether our kids are super-achievers or are simply content to explore each life option as it presents itself.

It's all joy.