I’ve got acquaintances and friends who are into homeschooling.  Yes, these parents choose to educate their children at home instead of sending them to a traditional school, either public or private.  And I find it a real display of pure love and commitment to the family. Children can sometimes be real playful and imaginative and sometimes moody.  How do they manage their children?

As I observe their lifestyle, I have come to a conclusion that these parents who opt to homeschool their children have something in common.  They all have the desire and dedication to do be their kids’ teacher.  They enjoy their children’s company and can be quite imaginative of almost everything around them.  These parents love reading, learning, and exploring with their kids.  Yes, they are just like us – ordinary parents.  But what perhaps set them apart from other parents is their common belief –

[tweetshareinline tweet=”Childhood is not a race” username=”IfZgcz8ZKo14VSCu3y8ejhrBGaCG*R!N:1:0″] to see how quickly a child can read, write and count. It is a small window of time to learn and develop at the pace that is right for each individual child.  Earlier is not better.

Homeschool to the Future

MOMI AGREES Childhood is not a race

This is the same inspiration behind the 2017 Philippine Homeschool Conference, Homeschool To The Future: Educating for the World of Tomorrow.  The conference aims to encourage and equip homeschooling families in their homeschooling journey.  The gathering as well is a perfect venue where homeschoolers can meet as a community and share their success and not so successful homeschooling stories.  But more than that, the convention echoes that despite the fast-paced world we live in, children need space and support to build their own story and future.

Not that the traditional school force them to read, write, and communicate.  I have seen so many patient teachers and I truly commend their dedication.  It is just that growing up entails far more important developmental undertakings that are sometimes skipped when in a traditional learning setting.  More than learning to write and spell first, children need to know themselves above all.  They need to discover and understand their strengths and weaknesses.   Little by little, as they learn and master these, they are in a better way to mingle with others, to develop a powerful voice, and to advocate for themselves.

Childhood is not a race

Childhood is not a race or a contest.  Learning is not just about winning competitions and being recognized the smartest among all students.  Grade school is not confined to preparing for high school and then for college.

Childhood is not a race or all studying.  Children also need alone time to discover themselves. School for them should not be all about schedule.  They should be allowed to learn in their own way and in their own time.   After all, each child has his own destiny.  Let him discover his own.

Childhood is not a race

I like the concept the Philippine Homeschool Conference 2017 promotes- Teach children to learn how to learn and love how to learn.  They advocate the need for a kid to play for play’s sake.  Because again, childhood is not a race.

I do not have regrets though that my three boys are attending a traditional school.  They are excelling in school and it seems they love school, to learn, and to excel.  I still have two younger boys yet to reach school age and I am gearing towards homeschooling.

And so if you want to know more about homeschooling – the beauty behind it, the technology that you could use and other things – check the Philippine Homeschool Conference 2017.  Perhaps this is that opportunity to learn more about this alternate educational option and not be influenced by the culture and tradition.  We sometimes need to break free and opt for what we think is best for our children.  It is called empowered parenting.

admberlin