It is an awesome achievement  for a second-grader to be able to recite the capitals of all 50 states, however, we must keep in mind that the goal of homeschooling is not to see who has the smartest kid.  Let's not become trapped into being slaves to knowledge so that we might prove to the world that we are acceptable to "educate" our children.  This is not a competition.  Don't make it one.  May we all rest in the liberty that Christ has provided for us and be sure that our children rest there as well.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."  Galatians 5:1

When you take on the task of homeschooling your children, pressure from the outside world can be overwhelming.  So much so that we can become chained to the idea that our children must be reading by age 5, be able to recite the 50 states, along with their admission date, in alphabetical order...and then do it backwards.

Just like so many other ideals in life, we start believing the lie that we need to have someones approval to be able to educate our own children.  We struggle with the notions that if our children aren't doing this or that by a certain age, that family, friends, and the oh so important stranger in the market will think we are unfit parents. But what the outside world doesn't understand is that we home educate our children so that they have an opportunity to learn about what interests them and build a desire and passion for what they find interesting.  We can also teach them the bonds of family, the love of family, compassion for our neighbor, and the heart of Christ.

It takes all kinds to run the world.  Not everyone is a PhD in something-or-other, or a lawyer, or a mathematician, or a ditch digger, or a plumber, or a computer genius, or a transportation expert, or a cook, or a lumber jack....God made each individual just that...individual, unique, each with a determined skill set that only the individual recognizes as his own.

As a homeschooling parent, I hope that you are in tune with your children's learning abilities and their interests, and are not turning you or your child into slaves of knowledge.  Our goal should be to give our children an environment where learning comes natural. Where they are able to explore every subject, no matter their age, as far as their understanding can take them.

There are so many things in this world that we become slaves to.  Don't let being a slave to something that is not in the plan cause chaos and frustration in your family's journey of educating your children.  I guess the one piece of advice I can give is to not compare yourself or your children to other families, homeschooled or not.  This only causes confusion, doubt, fear, and jealousy in your heart.  God has given you your children and they are no doubt different than other kids, as they should be.  Give yourself credit that with His guidance and much prayer, your children will become all that they were created for.

• List something new that your child learned this week or improved upon:

• Are there improvements or praises on the character of your child?

• List a moment of struggle.  How did that make you feel?

• Have you prayed about the struggle?  

• Has your child prayed about the struggle?