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Little Moments that Change the World

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I’m finding more and more that flexibility is the key to truly creating an environment that is conducive to educating my children. I truly don’t know how public school teachers are able to teach large groups and stay on task. My little ones have so many questions and we end up deviating from my lesson plans just about every day. I have ended up delving deeper into topics I had no idea my children would be so interested in.

Lately, my kids have been super interested in the religions around the world. Each religion started in one region, and spread across the globe. Hinduism is the topic of conversation right now, and we are learning about the many different gods and their purposes in the lives of the Hindu people. It’s fascinating to watch my kids devour information on people around the world and begin to understand the reasons why we are different and yet so much the same.

About three weeks ago we were covering the reality of poverty around the world. My children have never faced a night of going hungry, and I wanted them to understand just how wonderful a blessing it is to have an abundance of food. I didn’t think the video I chose would have the intense impact on my children that it ended up having. Seeing the conditions many people live in, both within the United States and around the world, had my children in tears. I had not intended to put them into a state of total despair, but that’s where we ended up.

My daughter looked at me as soon as the video was over, and with tears streaming down her face she declared that we must somehow make a difference in these children’s lives. We have decided, as a family, to put aside more money each month to donate to those in need. One way my kids have helped make this possible is by slowing down on the amount of food that is wasted in our home. Their commitment to change has had an enormous impact on our budget. I was amazed at their commitment and ability to make such a huge dent in our weekly finances.

Again, this was one of our many tangents in education. We spent hours researching what poverty looks like and how we can help make the lives of those who struggle just a little less difficult. I’m so incredibly thankful to have the time and opportunity to work with my sweet children as they learn about the world around them. Who could have possibly known that a lesson on cultures could take us down the path that would lead my children to a place of empathy and love? I want them to believe that one person can make a difference, and it is a priceless experience to watch them pursue their plan to make the world a better place. Such a sweet moment as a mother and as a teacher.

Art Is Back!

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I haven’t been as good at getting art classes into our curriculum the last two years, and this horrible downward spiral needed to end. I know that providing time and tools for the kids to let their imaginations and creativity run wild is an important aspect to developing individuality and dreams. I have felt myself descend into a more rigid academic pattern, and as our school days got longer I let go of some of the most important classes…art being one.

One of the reasons we homeschool is to have the time to search out answers to questions the kids have and to pursue individual interests. I really needed someone else to come into my home and help me organize an art program that would push and inspire my children to continue developing artistically. I stumbled upon a really well done program that is accessed online. Thrive Art is broken down into three levels of classes and each level has six lessons. The program is $300 total, and you can go back to review lessons at any time–once you purchase their curriculum. The kids have completed two of the lessons, and I think we will make it through the entire program by the end of the school year.

I love teaching my kids, but art is not my forte. I needed help, and was thrilled to find a program that was created by artists and meant for kids. There are times I feel my inadequacies pounding on the front door, and I am so glad to have such amazing support systems available for when I just can’t quite give my kids what they need.

Homeschooling is a journey that is constantly changing. The plan I had for my children when we first started hardly resembles the plan we now have in place. If someone would have told me four years ago that I would be teaching my kids at the breakneck speed we have been moving at, I would have called them crazy. But my kids just dive in and we moved from four hour days to seven hour days before I knew what hit me. I’m so glad we have homeschooling networks and friends to remind me that academics are not all my kids need. This class is our first step in yet another twist in our homeschooling journey.

Autism Support For An Adult

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When a woman finds out she is pregnant, there is a dream that she subscribes to. Each of our dreams are different, but we have them. We hold onto those dreams until something forces us to let go. Some of the families I have the honor to work with are going through the “letting go” process. They are saying goodbye to what they thought would be, and opening the door to a new reality.

One of the struggles parents of children on the autism spectrum face, is finding support services. These services are generally not covered by insurance, incredibly expensive, difficult to get into, and sometimes just plain obsolete. I am currently working with a family whose adult daughter is struggling to find a path that will accommodate her needs and fulfill her dreams.

The first step we are taking is to look into the state run programs. Those programs can be difficult to get into, and often times financial support is based upon the income of the family. In this case, the adult child is old enough to no longer be considered a dependent, and therefore may receive some services that she would not have ten years ago. At a bare minimum, these state programs provide support staff who know their stuff. They know the laws and are able to direct families towards seeking fair treatment in educational settings, job placement, and all other aspects of life. Sometimes it’s just nice to know that someone is there and willing to hold your hand and walk you through the tough moments.

The next step is to ask the experts we are working with to give referrals for different programs in the area. I am new to the state I live in, and so I am always looking for success stories involving any local service providers. We were lucky enough to find that the local community college has just adopted a program specifically for individuals who struggle with the issues found within an autism diagnosis. This program provides great support for their students. Everything within the academic program nurtures the strengths, and supports the weaknesses that each student brings to the table.

We are currently looking for an assisted group living scenario. I am hoping to find an option for the family, as they are truly hoping to see their daughter live independently and successfully. This is definitely not the case for all families. Many want to keep their loved ones in the home. In this particular situation, the adult child is a very high functioning individual and could successfully live on her own with the proper support systems in place.

We are also looking for support systems for the family as they go through this transition. I don’t want them to make rash decisions as they watch their daughter and sister struggle to find her way as an independent adult. It is hard to step back and allow your child to face challenges without stepping in to lighten the load. But it is incredibly important that the family has a professional on their side to talk out their fears, joys, and any future needs they will face.

I will update this post as we get this sweet family on the path they are seeking.

 

The top three places to start a search for support services:

  1. Vocational Rehabilitation: this is generally a government funded program with individuals who have fabulous training and are prepared to provide extensive support for anyone who is looking for work and has a documented disability.
  2. Community Colleges: Contact the disability resource center of your local community college and ask to speak with the director. These folks are very aware of what resources are available within the community.
  3. Google local support groups for the issue you are looking to address. The absolute best place to find good information is from others who are working through similar issues.