I am a first born. I am raising a first born daughter. We both have an overwhelming desire to do everything 'perfect'. Today I was given the opportunity to show that I'm not perfect.
Today Abi sat there seething about how much she hated handwriting. Every little mistake compounded her frustration. The grunts of exasperation were getting louder until she blew her top. After forgetting to double space a line (self imposed) of her story she lost it.
"It's my best sentence I don't want to have to erase it and start over again! Argh!"
I pulled her aside and let her know that I wasn't expecting it to be perfect, just the best that she could give me. No one's perfect except Jesus, we all make mistakes. How you react to them and what you learn from them is what's important. When I told her that everything I've made has an imperfection she was astounded. I showed her Miles' doll.
See the nose?
Yes.
Do you see how it's smudgy?
Yeeeees.
I took a pen and drew on a nose but didn't like how it turned out so I tried to erase it and now his doll will forever have a smear near his nose.
But it's still so cute!
Right, but I could have gotten mad at how I didn't use a pencil first and ruined his doll, or I can just enjoy it mistake and all. Would you like to see some of my other projects?
No, I get what you're saying (insert grumpy voice).
I went on to explain to her that the more she practices the easier it will get. I should probably tell her how much I disliked cooking when we were first married...
Home schooling isn't all daisy and roses, there are a lot of brambles along this path. I don't always remember to talk so lovingly, it's why I pray for patience and wisdom daily. I am grateful for all of the learning experiences we are having together that aren't scripted in my curriculum. These are moments that she will remember more over anything poured out of a book.
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