Homeschool Perk #3: Family Bonding

I have been writing on a continuing theme here the last few months, with the emphasis being on the many perks of homeschooling. But, before I get to the next Perk of the Month, feel free to read through the previous homeschool perks, listed in my top ten format, under related articles at the bottom of this post.  And now for this month’s perk:

Homeschool Perk#3: Family Bonding

There’s no doubt about it: when you homeschool you spend a lot of time together. When you spend a lot of time together, you end up getting to know one another really well, warts and all. It isn’t always pleasant, and believe it or not, it’s this occasional unpleasantness that allows for closer connections between family members. Why is that, you may ask? Well, I believe it’s due to a little word with a very big impact: forgiveness.

I grew up in a family where feelings often went unacknowledged, and very much unsupported. One’s feelings were taken personally by the other, and so I learned to be very indirect about my feelings, or to express how I felt by means of blaming. God has shown me many things in my Homeschool Journey, and one of them is a God given desire to overcome this. In order to overcome this, I continue to be presented with many an opportunity to appropriately share my feelings with my children – thus setting an example for them to model. If they do not have a model, they will not learn it themselves. What does this have to do with forgiveness you may ask? Well, sharing one’s feelings often makes the other aware of how their behaviour can affect others, this often bares remorse, and consequently allows for ample room for forgiveness.

If I want to demonstrate humility, I must be able to say I’m sorry when I have hurt someone, intentionally or not. When I apologize for hurting one of my little people, I am giving them room to model forgiveness, and believe me – they are very good at it. They do not hesitate to forgive, and I believe this is due to the innocent nature of children. I believe this very nature of children is one of the reasons why God says:  “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”  - Matthew 18:3

I do not model it perfectly. Oh no – far from perfect. But I am usually very aware of my behaviour after the fact. I hear myself saying things like: “Oh, that was a little harsh.” or “Why am I acting this way?” or “Wow, I really blew that one.” I have discovered that forgiveness is the glue that bonds and holds a family together. And when you homeschool, there is ample opportunity to practice it.

Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. – Psalm 19:12

Just this morning I found myself looking one of my children in the eye and saying “I’m sorry I spoke harshly, I was being impatient. Could you please forgive me?”  The first time you do this, it may seem difficult and awkward, but a sincere gesture goes along way in terms of restoring peace in the hearts of your children.

Forgiveness – one little word with a very big impact.  A word that reconciles.  A word that builds up.  A word that bonds families together. A word that I get to practice daily in my Homeschool Journey.

Cheryl has been married to her ‘do all’ husband for 13 years. They live in British Columbia, Canada on beautiful Vancouver Island. Cheryl has been homeschooling their two daughters ages 8 & 10, for 5 years. Her approach to homeschooling is mostly Classical with a dash of Charlotte Mason. She used to be one of those parents who thought they could never homeschool – boy, was she wrong. She enjoys blogging to encourage others that they too can homeschool if the desire is upon their hearts. She homeschool simply because – her kids are worth it. Please visit Cheryl at HomeSchool Journey.

Tags: cheryl, Encouragement, family, family bonding, forgiveness, homeschool, homeschool perks, modeling good behavior, Parenting, setting a good example, top ten

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