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A Blessing in Disguise

7/26/2014

7 Comments

 
When we joined the gymnastics world with our little monkey, our world really changed. She had become a member of the team. This meant spending six hours per day, five days per week, working out and conditioning. Learning and mastering new skills was not an easy task. What about school? The gym did offer a private school for the students to attend. If we chose that option, she would have spent even more time in the gym. I was not willing to have her spend an additional five hours away from us every day. Several of the girls were being homeschooled.  I was a little nervous about trying this option. Was I qualified? Would she be missing out on her education? So many questions!

We decided to give homeschooling a try. In the beginning, we used two different curriculums, ABeka and Alpha Omega. We also decided to homeschool our oldest daughter. She had really been struggling in public school. She really needed to relearn some of the basics in English and Math. Our youngest was beginning the first grade and our oldest had just finished the fifth grade.  I started in the summer, just in case I could not measure up to my own expectations. I had both of them start with the first grade in the core subjects. We would work both curriculums. Our oldest little angel did additional schoolwork while her little sister was at the gym. I would have one on one time with our little monkey while the oldest took ballet classes in the evening. It was great. We were able to also teach some of the things that are not emphasized  in public schools. Important things like morals, self discipline, time management, respect and responsibilities. Our oldest child got the one on one time that she needed to get caught up to where she needed to be.

As they each got to the upper grades, we transitioned to an online curriculum. That was awesome because it took some of the burden away from me. I am so thankful that we decided to homeschool. They both graduated from High School and went on to further their education in their field of choice. Our first child is now a Massage Therapist. She took her state boards at the ripe old age of 19. That was seven years ago and today she is one of the best in her field.

Our little monkey decided that her "Olympic Dreams" had become "Olympic Nightmares" and made the choice to not do gymnastics as a teenager. She had endured enough of the injuries. We gave her the choice to either go back to public school or continue with the homeschooling. She chose the homeschooling. Most of her friends were in public school and she had heard the horror stories of their days. She wanted no part of the drugs, gangs and just plain ugliness that her friends had endured. She has always loved animals, especially dogs. She decided that she wanted to become a dog groomer and has now completed the schooling for that. She has always wanted to be a veterinarian and this is a stepping stone in that direction.

I am so glad that the decision to homeschool was made. Our daughters have grown into the most responsible and respectful young adults. Never once did we have a problem with drugs or alcohol or any "wild" behavior. Our oldest met her first boyfriend and had her first date at age 17. She never dated anyone else and they married when she was just a few weeks shy of her 21st birthday. Believe it or not, her wedding night was just a pure as a wedding night should be. Our youngest had her first date when she was 17, too! This was not a rule in our house. It is just the way things turned out. Her first date was with a brother of one of our oldest daughter's best friends. They have been dating for nearly 3 years and are getting married in April of next year. She, too, believes in "waiting". This is not because my children are prudish, it is their own personal beliefs. I have always had wonderful, open discussions with them. They were exposed to the same television programs and movies as every other teen and young adult. The difference is that we were able to discuss how decisions that are made can change your life. I made sure that they knew that each thing that you do can have an impact on the rest of your life. I believe that homeschooling allowed us that kind of openness and interaction. I believe that we are closer because of homeschooling.

What are your thoughts on homeschooling? What do you think about them only dating one guy and knowing that "he" was the one? What are your thoughts on "waiting"?







7 Comments
Don Purdum
7/26/2014 01:21:45 am

What a wise decision. I'm so glad it's all working out for both you and her. She sounds mature beyond her years. To decide not to do gymnastics and to continue learning in a safe environment. Good for you guys!

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Cindy Ackley link
7/26/2014 10:59:41 pm

Thank you, Don! The option to homeschool worked out well for both of our daughters. Now that youngest one is 20 going on 50! Wise beyond her years in so many ways. But then other times I think "No, she is still just 20!" Ahh, the joys of being a parent! Have a beautiful day!

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Jewel Williams link
7/26/2014 02:15:21 am

This is an excellent article about your choice to homeschool your children. I am very happy that you were able to find something that fit your family and your belief system as well. I am an educator, but I am also a mother who believes that we know our children and must make decisions that are best for them.

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Cindy Ackley link
7/26/2014 11:05:57 pm

Thank you, Jewel! I admire that as an educator, you can still appreciate homeschooling. This was a blessing for our eldest because she could get the one on one help that she needed. It was also a blessing for our youngest because she had the chance to use up some of her energy with gymnastics. I am sure that had she been in public school, that I would have been in the office trying to explain why she was on the roof! Can you imagine?
Have a wonderful day and I hope that you are enjoying your summer!

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Judy- Pedagogical Artist link
7/26/2014 04:54:25 pm

WOW! Did some catch-up reading ... about Granny and her books; about the "little monkey" who sooo reminds me of a two-year old I know who is all over the place (bookshelves and cabinets) of you don't keep your eye on him ... and finally homeschooling and dating.

Those are big questions. You know what, Cindy, I think homeschooling will become the "springboard" to a whole new Education system. I strongly believe that the current system is NOT working - at least not for the individual. (The school system was not created to work for the individual but to serve the economy of the country). Homeschooling is NOT what people, who don't know, think. It's not about mommy teaching the child to read. The beauty of homeschooling is that the curriculum is tailored around the needs of the individual and as such the child is exposed to all sorts of programs - some individual and some in groups and today - MANY online. Homeschooling breaks the boundaries of Time and Place which actually dictate the framework of schools today, which is absolutely ridiculous. If you ask my opinion (which I will probably share with you eventually), I think the whole system should be demolished and the Teaching in its existing format should become obsolete. (And I come Education ...!) HUGS <3 Oh, as for dating ... another time :)

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Cindy Ackley link
7/26/2014 11:14:09 pm

Judy, you are so right! Homeschool is much different than people think that it is! There are so many options and curriculums to choose from. Something for every learning style. The hardest part for many is having the discipline to get the work done. There are even programs to help with that. Programs that keep the parents and students accountable. I look forward to your thoughts on a new education system and your thoughts on dating! May your day be relaxing and full of laughter, my friend!

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Monty link
12/3/2020 03:04:36 am

Helloo mate nice post

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    Hi! My name is Cindy Ackley. I have created this blog about enjoying the beauty of life and being as healthy and happy as we can be. I am a lung cancer survivor and I have discovered that beauty is everywhere. It is seen in nature and it is felt with our laughter. The beauty of life can be enjoyed with our healthy choices. I love helping people see the beauty.

    I also had gained close to 40 lbs. with my chemo treatments. I sure did not feel  very beautiful or healthy. I discovered Skinny Fiber and have since lost about 51 lbs. I feel amazing. I learned to eat healthier and to drink water instead of Diet Pepsi!

    I want to share everything that I have learned on my journey with you.

    If you are struggling with weight issues, please join me at my free weight loss group @ http://www.facebook.com/groups/positivelyskinnyandhealthy



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