Homeschool Update~

January through spring break is always a slump for me and home school. Once spring break is over, I can see the finish line and a boost of energy propels me to the end. As I trudge through this slump, on top of major family transition, I've simply decided to take the days as they come. I still have a plan, but it's a loose one. Eww, feels weird for this "type A" "producer" to admit to a loose plan!! :-) It's going relatively well!

For a kick in the bahookie (Asher's favorite word for back side), I decided to do a little learning myself. A friend of mine recommended a book called, "Organizing For Your Brain Type" by Lanna Nakone. It has 2 quizzes in it. Yesssss! (I love personality profile tests! I'm weird like that.) One quiz is to find out your brain style and one is to find out your sensory preference. She then gives some advantageous, practical info on organizing your house, life, time, paperwork, desk for your personality and brain type. It's a great read if you aren't a typical type A, organized person and are sick to death of wanting some order but not the kind of order that puts you in a straight jacket!

The second set of books I picked up for my learning spree is about my kiddos. Since I am their mom, teacher, disciplinarian, coach, cheerleader, etc., etc., I figure it could never hurt to understand these little people better than I do at present. I'm currently in the middle of "Loving Our Kids on Purpose" by Danny Silk. This is a fabulous parenting book based on "Love and Logic" principles with a lot more Kingdom of God explanations than the original "Love and Logic." If you're needing some fresh perspectives on your relationship with your children and training them in the context of a connected relationship, this is a must read (or you can download the messages off of http://www.ibethel.org/store/m6/DannySilk/p1273/LovingOurKidsonPurpose/product_info.html- those are great too).

The second book I'm almost finished with is called, "Discover Your Child's Learning Style" by Mariaemma Willis and Victoria Kindle Hodson. This book is drastically changing my relationship with Judah. They have a profile in the book that the whole family is to take. Then you assess and discuss it together. There is an entire side of Judah's disposition I simply did not know was valid! I've labeled it a lot of things (mostly negative) but I've not been able to see it in a positive light and with all its potential. Because of that, I've not been able to encourage or shape the positive aspects of this disposition. Instead, I have continuously tried to squash the negative parts that are so LOUD and out there! It's a vicious cycle. When I'm harping on this part of his disposition (without any encouragement on the positive potential) he acts out negatively even more! And wouldn't you know, it's a disposition I have negative amounts of!! Talk about a blind spot. This is not a book for home schoolers only. In fact, the authors are both in public education. It would be beneficial for families, educators, parents, anyone working with people!

My last book I'm heading into is "The Five Love Languages of Children" by Gary Chapman. His original Love Languages book was incredibly beneficial for me and Heath way back in the day. I'm excited to see if there's any more I can glean from it for the kids.

Not sure who's in school these days, but it's good nonetheless! Don't they say, "Knowledge is power?" In this case, knowledge is power to change my responses toward my precious children. Bring it on!