Women Living Well Blog

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Sheltering Children and My Experience In Public Schools ~ Part 5 of 5

I am about to hop on a plane and head to Dallas, Texas to attend Sally Clarkson's parenting conference. I will be rooming with Angela from GoodMorningGirls.org and I'll be sure to share my notes with you soon!!!

Thank you everyone for your gracious spirits this week! Your comments have been such a joy to read!

I taped all 5 parts of this series in one day last week. But as I posted these videos my heart began to change and I felt the need to speak briefly to moms of children in public schools...so this video is for ALL mamas - homeschool mamas, private school mamas and public school mamas. I hope that something in here encourages all of us to remain vigilant, intentional and connected to our children no matter what school choice we make!!!

Deuteronomy 6: 5-7 says "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

Walk with the King!

I am linked to Raising Homemakersand We Are That Family

Labels: Homeschooling, Parenting, Videos

31 Comments:

MoserUpdates said...: Apparently God knew I'd find your blog today :) That's why He pressed it upon your heart to change your last video. (I watched the other 4 this afternoon while my son was in school...really enjoyed them.)

I've been going back and forth about what to do with my son next year for kindergarten. There are a few more things to consider with us. Because he receives free OT/PT and speech through the schools we're going to enroll him in half day kindergarten. While I know he could handle full day, I'm concerned about his spiritual maturity and my ability to guide him with him being in school all day. I've gotten some strange looks when I mention this, but I know I'm doing what's right for my son. Most people don't know that he was adopted from Ukraine 2 years ago (he's now almost 5), so the fact that he's starting to recognize single words is quite amazing. Plus he has cerebral palsy and we end up going to doctor's offices several times a month for this, that and the other.

I appreciate your message about being vigilant with what we let our kids watch, hear, and view. My parents were the same way and it's been a LONG time since I've heard this veiwpoint. It was quite refreshing. Thanks!

Natalie

www.mosersadopt.blogspot.com; February 17, 2011 at 9:32 PM
Teri Lynne Underwood said...: LOVE LOVE LOVE this Courtney! Our daughter is in 5th grade in public school and we have had such a wonderful experience ... and seen her faith shine in so many ways.

These reminders are vitally important ... no matter who our child's "school" teacher is, we as parents are ALWAYS the main teacher. What we do and what we allow them to do are far more important than what curriculum we use.

So, thank you, for being obedient and sharing your experiences and the wisdom and insight you have gained from your life and your parents' example. We are all blessed from their home!; February 17, 2011 at 9:42 PM
Crystal said...: Thank you!!! I commented yesterday but I wanted to say thank you again! We're already getting questions about our schooling choices (we're homeschooling my soon to be 5 yo this year) and I'm feeling a little stress. We have a lot of educators in my family! Which can be a great thing and a not so great thing in my position. You're vlogs have encouraged me so much, though!! I know I will be watching them again!; February 17, 2011 at 10:12 PM
Ingrid said...: Great job Courtney! I have my children in public school. It was an intentional choice for us because of our experiences growing up. We are seeing good things and my oldest has already been persecuted for his faith!! And that excites me!! It really brought James 1:2 to life for him. It has been neat to see his faith grow. We are striving to be diligent in what we let them see, experience and setting boundaries around them. Your reminders are great! Thanks for thinking of and supporting us non-homeschoolers who LOVE this blog.; February 17, 2011 at 10:21 PM
Ingrid said...: One other thing. Each morning as I am a few blocks from the school I begin to pray outloud for the boys. I pray that God would give them a filter for their minds, that they would be a light for Jesus, that they would be used to show their non-Christian friends who Jesus is and that they would be protected. I feel like that morning prayer is a powerful witness to them.; February 17, 2011 at 10:25 PM
Mariah said...: Wish there was a "like" button for daningo's first comment...I really agree with her last sentence, because I love this blog a lot and my oldest is in public school. We felt it was God's plan at this time...I was raised homeschooled and public schooled and I thought that I would home school my kids, 100%, for sure...not this year. hmm...BUT, really, any time you are around your kids you are homeschooling them. The moms with kids in public school can't just leave all learning to the teachers, we teach a lot too, at home even...:) blessings!; February 17, 2011 at 10:30 PM
Sarah beth said...: Great Video!

After we started to really nail down and shelter our children from tv, movies, music, ect. ~We seen a huge change!!

~Sarah beth~; February 18, 2011 at 12:11 AM
Anonymous said...: This was so enjoyable. Thank you so much for sharing as it is so encouraging and validating. Through your lovely blog I have helped lead another stay at home Mum to Christ.
God Bless! Katherine (UK); February 18, 2011 at 4:18 AM
Angell said...: I just love your videos. Your enthusiasm for God rubs off on me even more than when your write a post.

Thanks so much for making these videos.

You are a true blessing!; February 18, 2011 at 10:04 AM
Unknown said...: This was a great reminder Courtney. I do just that shelter my kids. Everyday I take an interest in my kids life to see what they are going through and how they are dealing with things at school. I have one that attends a private Christan school and the other in public. I am always taking advantage of how the Lord will use each situation for me to show them who He is. The one thing that disturbs me the most is that not all parents are taking an interest in their children with all they have to deal with today. I know my sons listen even when it looks like they are not when they can tell their friends about how Jesus would do that. Thank you for this encouragement, it helps me know I am on the right path!! Hugs; February 18, 2011 at 10:52 AM
It's Grace said...: Courtney, thank you for this video series, it’s been a tremendous blessing.

We send our kids to public schools. I’m very open to homeschooling. I like the idea of having my children at home and giving them opportunities they might not otherwise get. I also would love to be able to shelter them more, too. My husband and I aren’t on the same page about homeschooling right now, and might not ever be. So, I’m trusting that God has things well in hand and I’m focusing on what I can do to protect my kids and be involved, whereas before I had a tendency to let my fears consume me.

The message and timing of this last video was great for me-just yesterday I blogged about protecting our children’s innocence, and we touched on many of the same things. Thanks again for a wonderful series.

Erin @ It's Grace; February 18, 2011 at 11:25 AM
Anonymous said...: Thank you so much for this!! 3 years ago at that time my 13 year old was starting to hang around kids I did not approve of. I felt the Lord pressing me to do SOMETHING!!! After really digging in the Word and praying ALOT, The Lord spoke to me and told me that I am a gate keeper. As parents we are to protect what comes through our doors. What ever is in side our home we have giving permission to enter. From that time on -- we "cleaned house". I started homeshcooling even though I was working full time the Lord told I CAN do this I just need to get creative with my time and work with it. I also homeschool my 3rd grader. Since I have made drastic decision over the past three years I can see now the growth and the maturity in my children. I am so so proud of them.

Thank you for your encouragement and Godly advise and wisdom.; February 18, 2011 at 12:01 PM
Holly @SurvivingOnAShoestring said...: I was just wondering what your thoughts are on Catholic schools, I see comments sometimes and know of Christian parents who send their children to Catholic schools. It's a bit confusing to me, but do those parents do the same as parents of public school children do and just be monitoring what they're learning and explaining what the bible says when there are inconsistencies?; February 18, 2011 at 12:21 PM
Anonymous said...: Courtney,

God works so amazingly through you! You make parenting sound so do-able, but keep things real about how tough it can be. Thanks for these great videos and allowing me to be the lucky fly on the wall in the home of steady, Christian parents. It's very encouraging.

Now I wish it were in my power to give you a book deal on parenting. Seriously, you wouldn't even have to write it. It's all over your blog. Just wish it were on my shelf for reference. That's a compliment!

God bless you and your ministry.

Andrea; February 18, 2011 at 1:43 PM
Chels/Catz in the Kitchen said...: What a great end to the series Courtney. I think this is what I needed this week. I was beginning to get bored and dread my homeschooling time and then I began watching your videos daily, every morning before school started and I feel invigorated to make the best of each day and make it fun for my girls and to cherish this time with them. Thank you so much Courtney :)

My husband even said he'll watch the videos again with me because I think they will be very helpful to us :) Thanks so much again, Blessings :); February 18, 2011 at 1:53 PM
Anonymous said...: We've had a learning year this year. My girls are 9th grade, 8th grade and 6th grade (so that makes me a dinosaur compared to most of the women commenting!!). We've homeschooled all the way through. My husband and I have found that no matter how hard you work at it, you can't remove all of the garbage that will come at your children. Before I go any further, what you said is right. Be diligent and vigilant and pray, pray, pray. Concentrate on an open communication with your children. The guidance we've been able to have with our girls this year has been so crucial as they've navigated some scary territory. God has been very good through it all. Much learning has taken place for all of us. Oh, one thing to add to what you already suggested, Scripture memorization is huge. To have the Word at your fingertips in the middle of a crisis is very empowering for our children and for us.
Linda in PA; February 18, 2011 at 1:56 PM
Anonymous said...: Courtney, thank you SO much for doing this series. I love your enthusiasm, your cheerfulness, and your love for God. You are truly an inspiration and a motivation for me to work these things into my life. I also homeschool our 4 kids. Well, 3 are school age and am glad for the encouragement and ideas you have shared.
I am so thankful for the day I found your blog.
Heather; February 18, 2011 at 4:57 PM
Elizabeth said...: I have really enjoyed your series. My daughter (7) watched the last two videos with me today. Even she liked the stoplight idea from yesterday. And, watching you together, brought up a conversation about consistency. We were able to talk candidly about my attitudes and challenges. I think it helped her see Mom in a different light. May it bring fruit! Thank you so much for being a light and encouragement in my life!!! You are a blessing to me!; February 18, 2011 at 5:43 PM
Steph. :) said...: Thanks for this. I too am a product of the public schools, work in the public schools professionally, and have both of my high school boys in public schools and I am very pleased with their education. One is artistically gifted and attends a charter magnet high school of the arts and the other attends one of the top ranked public high schools in our state. I am very much like your mom and considered a "strict" parent, but the boys both know I have their best interests at heart, love them and pray for them daily. They each know that I am doing my best at training them to bless and serve others with the unique gifts God has provided them. :); February 18, 2011 at 5:53 PM
Sarah Beals said...: Beautifully said, Courtney. Love your genuine love for Christ. It oozes out of you and your smile is contagious! We have 5 children, and my oldest is headed to college this fall. I can attest to the fact that sheltering your children from harmful things, and exposing them to positive things does help to make them wholesome people. Great post!; February 18, 2011 at 8:20 PM
Laura said...: Thanks so much for sharing. I have a 3.5 year old and a 2.5 year old and a 3 month old. When do you recommend starting school? What can I do with them (very active boys) till then?; February 18, 2011 at 11:29 PM
Jhona O. said...: I have enjoyed this series so much! It was very motivating:)

Enjoy your conference! I participate in PWOC(Protestant Women of the Chapel) on our military base and the study I'm in is Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. It has been so great!; February 19, 2011 at 9:38 AM
Julie said...: You said in Part 4, that in Part 5 you would be sharing some of the variables that changed your plans in homeschooling for next year. But didn't hear them included (as I was very curious to hear what those were as a homeschooler myself). Maybe you didn't include them again once you re-taped...could you still share them? Thanks for sharing your heart with us!; February 20, 2011 at 7:34 PM
Courtney (Women Living Well) said...: Julie - I still plan to share what was going to be in video 5 in a blog post soon. I just felt that this was a better ending to this series than the previous one. So it will be coming!!
Much Love,
Courtney; February 20, 2011 at 9:02 PM
Julie said...: Thanks so much,Courtney!
Looking forward to it!; February 21, 2011 at 3:21 PM
Honeycutt Family said...: What a great series--thank you for sharing from your heart! :); February 21, 2011 at 6:35 PM
Unknown said...: Good job, Courtney!; February 22, 2011 at 9:13 PM
Julie H said...: Thank you for sharing this Homeschool series! I love that you shared your heart. I watched them all today and they were fantastic. It was such an encouragement. Although I don't homeschool full time, I have in the past. Our boys go to a Classical Christian School this year. K-3rd is 3 days/week and
4th grade and up they are in school everyday. So I homeschool our 1st grader Tues/Thurs. and treasure that time at home with him. Thank you again for your amazing blog. Blessings, Julie; February 23, 2011 at 4:46 PM
Becca Jane said...: Thank you for your wonderful thoughts and advice. I am of LDS faith (Mormon), and grew up with similar standards and boundaries. I am now a mother of 2 (almost 3!) and am SO grateful every single day that my parents loved me enough to be involved in my childhood and be in control of my decisions at that time. Too many parents make the mistake in thinking that giving no boundaries is teaching freedeom....when really, giving boundaries allows more freedom than we could ever hope for. The exact same principle works with God. His commandments allow us FREEDOM and joy.; March 20, 2011 at 4:04 PM
Kaymee said...: Hi Courtney! I really enjoy your blog! I was wondering if you have been happy with the K-12 cirriculum that you went with this year??? And if so, what is it that you like so much??? I've been so on the fence about what to do with my kids. daughter going into first grade and son going into K. Thanks!!
Kaymee
Kaymeeglow@gmail.com
www.sweetnsimplespleasures.blogspot.com; June 4, 2011 at 11:53 AM
Courtney (Women Living Well) said...: Kaymee - curriculum choices are very personal - so what works for one mom and child may not work for another.

We like K12 for many reasons - 1. It is computer based and the entire lesson is written and ready for me to simply administrate each morning...I have to put little thought into what I am teaching in advance. 2. I like what I'm teaching. I like their lesson plans! 3. My sister used this curriculum with her 3 boys and when they entered public schools in 7th grade they were advanced. So it's good to know that if I sent my children to regular school they are prepared. 4. It's free in the state of Ohio :-)!

Hope this helps - please remember the main downfall - there is no Bible curriculum - it is secular. While this makes no difference to me since my worldview is always throught the lens of Chrisianity (I naturally bring it into everything we talk about in the home) it may be harder for others to manage.

Lots of Love,
Courtney; June 4, 2011 at 12:37 PM

Women Living Well Blog

: Name: Courtney (Women Living Well); Location: Ohio, United States

I am a stay-at-home home schooling mom of 2, a son (age 8) and a daughter (6). I have been married to Keith, my high school sweet heart, for 13 years. My passion to know God and share him with others led me to the Moody Bible Institute where I graduated with a degree in Evangelism and Discipleship. Last year, I appeared on the Rachael Ray Show as a 1950's Housewife. To learn more about me visit my "About Me" page.

View my complete profile

Subscribe to
Posts [Atom]

This Page

Women Living Well Blog

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Sheltering Children and My Experience In Public Schools ~ Part 5 of 5

31 Comments:

Women Living Well Blog

About Me

Previous Posts