I have come to the conclusion that the hardest part of homeschooling is...the end. The time when your child has finished all their homeschooling goals and has to move on in their life.
All those years of being so close to your child and then you have to send them out into the "real" world. Driving, working, going to college--it all seems to come at one time and seems more overwhelming to a homeschooler and a homeschooling mom.
Do you just force them out and hope they survive? Do you help them gradually assimilate?
My thoughts are that one baby step at a time is the best process. Say, a part-time job to begin with. Then, save some money to get their license and buy a car. Perhaps at the same time, taking a few online college courses to get their feet wet.
Let them feel it out and find out how comfortable they are with all these changes. Don't push them to make major decisions they are not ready for. We've been by their side for 18 some-odd years and we need to be there now. They are like hothouse flowers--you can't just put them out in the ground and expect them to bloom without a little help.
Have frequent talks about how they're feeling about all the changes and be a sounding board for their concerns.
But encourage them to move forward. I know it's sad, but we must help them become strong adults, looking foward with excitement to the future but at their own pace. Don't rush them now after all these wonderful years of homeschooling.
I would love to hear your comments on this article!
I agree! Too many times children are pushed out into the 'real world' too fast. Just being 18 years old does not make one an adult! (There are many 30 year olds that still aren't adults.) There is really no such thing as being 'on your own' and able to take on the world. Everyone needs support and the knowledge that if they mess up it is not the end of the world and that people will still love them. God made us parents for a reason, and I don't think it was to push our children into their own 'real world' as soon as they hit 18. (Regardless of what some husbands may think). By the way: Great blog....keep on blogging!
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