Meeting Them Where They Are...Again

Awhile back I wrote this post about meeting my children where they are. About embracing their individuality and accepting their differences. I am finding this to be even more evident as we journey through our newest adventure...homeschooling. I am spending more one on one time with each of my children in a different setting...the classroom...and in doing so, I am realizing how very important it is once again to remind myself that I have been gifted four unique and very different children. This is entirely different from thinking of them simply as four students.

I preface this by saying that I don't feel one is "right" and the other "wrong". It is merely an observation and a tool to enable me to nurture and educate each child in the way that is best for him or her. For example...Madison is laid back. She is so easy going and relaxed about everything in life, including schoolwork. She is also a very independent worker. She can have her music playing, be texting, and be writing a paper on The Raven all at the same time. And she does it all quite well. My job is to reign her in and encourage her to stay focused and interested. In schoolwork. : )

Peyton, on the other hand, is driven. Driven to complete. Driven to succeed. Driven to accomplish. She rarely needs my help. But when she doesn't understand something, she has no patience for anything but immediate explanation. : ) I have found that with her, my best bet is to listen patiently, guide her to the information, and wait for the inevitable, " Never mind...I got it." Ahhhh... music to my ears.

Rhett is the one who requires the most of my assistance. And that is to be expected... he is only in the sixth grade. He is a complete mix. He has the desire to complete and do well, yet it is tempered by the easily distracted, multitasking, need- to -check- one- more- thing -in- the- kitchen gene that Madison possesses. He is also very sensitive, and therefore I need to remind him gently to focus and get things done. He is also so funny. Before he submits an assignment to be graded on the computer, he crosses his fingers and says, "Come on, Baby!" And then when he gets the results, it is a resounding, "Yes!!!"

My Flynn is typical of most preschoolers. She is excited, and eager, and willing, and adorable. She calls me, "Teacher" and is so precious it makes my heart happy. I enjoy every moment of our time at the little table.

I am so thankful for these amazing gifts from God. I am also aware of the fact that in giving me four children, God did not give me these four gifts in matching wrapping paper. Nor did He give me these four packages simply in different wrapping. God blessed me with four entirely different gifts, all beautifully wrapped in uniquely different paper with various, intricate designs. My job is to unwrap and examine each gift carefully, and with thanksgiving, learn how to treat each precious gift with the greatest of care.