Our little Malcolm is making so many strides especially since he has his siblings of various ages to inspire and instruct him in his everyday endevours. He has so much stimulation and support from all of us here at home that he is confident when it comes to being out in the community. Over the years of homeschooling, I have come to realize we have the ideal situation when it comes to so called "peer group" situation. I am not a believer in same age peer groups because I have seen the negative effects and dependency it can cause on children. It is not a realistic situation for real world communication, for when do we ever encounter a group made up only of one age on a day to day basis once we have left the school system. Hardly ever.
There is so much co-dependency these days and I find many people are afraid to reach out to others and make new aquaintances, I feel this is because we become complacecent in these "peer groups" and do not become comfortable with reaching out from that same age group approach. Children are especially impressionable at these young ages and become attatched to these type of settings. What I am finding is that younger ones strive to become more like the ones they are surrounded with and if that entails people of different ages they will have a repitiore of ideas and ideals to strive toward. I also find that older children of middle and high school age grow and become strengthened by being a mentor and example for younger people. This increases their confidence and sense of responsibility rather than just trying to fit in with ones of their own age.
I am in awe of the interaction that I see on a daily basis when it comes to the benefits of homeschooling. When I was called to this vocation, a little over 14 years ago, I could never have guessed at how blessed our family would be and that we would be given such a special gift by God.
I have had my blinders removed and seen the glory of God Himself! He has given us a pure gift and has shown us by being open to life and educating these children according to His laws and His ways is a contradiction to the world. Family is the first and foremost community and from there we are called to go out to build up society not the other way around. Taking apart the family and sending them many different directions when they are still young and influentual is not the ideal situation. To have a father, mother, brothers and sisters in the home who can nuture and build up their children in love gives them and their offspring the confidence they need to become "successful" and loving citizens.
To have each other and teach each other in a home environment is just like homegrown fresh veggies. God has always provided for us and we are not rich by any means. I believe if we live simply and humbly and strive to live in His ways by His commandments, even though we fall short of his glory He will help us along the way!
( Malcie signing 'star')
Having a large family, a special little boy with Down Syndrome, homeschooling, and my Catholic faith have shown me so many wonderful eye opening treasures. It shows me that I do not have to follow the crowd or the main stream but to follow God, Jesus Christ Himself, who is real in proof that in following what He says to do brings true eternal life and happiness beginning with us right here and now.
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