bbcovert@juno.com

Isn’t that a cool title? I’m so pleased that I could work in the word “maelstrom.” Doesn’t that sound like something a typical homeschooler would say? When is the last time you used that word?

I’ve always said that one of the best things about homeschooling is the flexibility it affords us. When we go through difficult times, that flexibility is a tool that keeps us from spiralling into hysteria. As I type, I am in the process of buying a home. It is a tedious and boring process of paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork. I wonder if I’ve signed anything important away! Just kidding. My kids are getting an education in home buying. We read about homes, looked at them, and noted what was misleading in the ads about them. We’ve had to travel to various offices for a variety of appointments. The teens now know about inspections and loans and insurance and the hours of signing papers that are involved. My buyer’s agent is a longtime friend from our church and a former engineer who is delighted to share his wealth of knowledge about all things house and property related. As we looked at various homes, he pointed out potential problems with an explanation for each. I feel confident that as my teens grow up and seek out homes of their own, they will take this information with them and make well-informed choices.

While all this is going on, we still have “regular” schoolwork to complete. Some can be done at home, while some goes with us and is done on the road, so to speak. I don’t worry about the days when it isn’t possible to complete everything; it can be made up later, perhaps over the weekend.

Other families have more difficult maelstroms. A close friend recently had a double mastectomy. She also has five children! Three are homeschooled; the two youngest are less than two years old. How did she cope? She sent her oldest child to high school for two classes, Spanish and algebra. He learns biology and English at home. I am helping him with his writing, and he takes an evening voice class. My friend knew she couldn’t handle everything on her own this year, so she found a way to make homeschooling work for her family that involved outside help.

Sometimes the difficulties are so intense that homeschooling must be set aside. No guilt should be felt at doing this. Your children will see firsthand how you cope with difficulties, and they will learn from the situation. Later you will pick up where you left off. You will have a plan, whether it’s to include weekends or the entire summer. In some way, you will complete the required 180 days of homeschooling. Aren’t we fortunate that the law doesn’t insist that we follow the public school’s calendar for completing those days?

I think about all the things that I didn’t learn at home growing up. I was away at public school for much of the day; then I was in my room doing my homework or unwinding from a stressful day. I’m so thankful that the Lord has allowed me to homeschool my children and share life with them. Life involves housework and paywork, repairs, illnesses, community service, conflicts and resolutions, and purchasing a house. For Christians it includes growing in the knowledge of Christ and remembering to be Jesus to the world around us. What a privilege to share all this with our children each and every day! Even a maelstrom can offer a unique learning experience.

Happy homeschooling!

Copyright 2007 by Brenda B. Covert