< < I think it must take quite a bit in innate discipline to make sure the basics get covered - > >

WRONG! It takes PRAYER! There is a difference between unschooling and neglect. A child can not grow up in a nourishing environment and *not* learn. It takes an attitude that *everything* is a learning process. It takes not thinking children have to do "math drills" to learn math. Really, honestly, I am not a "teacher" (teacher being related to a school teacher who stands in front of the table, while they sit there doing workbooks) to my children.

I *am* a teacher in the literal sense that much of what I do is geared toward providing a home where their lives are enriched, nourished, and provided for. I guide, re-direct, help them look up things, tell them they didn't calculate something right (which they ask me to do.) My middle son (7 yo) has requested that someone else grade his math (he's BIG into math) ... and so my accountant friend is doing that for us. He says he feels like it's more of a "big-deal" to get an A written on his paper ... and written by someone other than his mom. But, he really only feels this way about math. It takes a deep soul-search and being honest with yourself. Do you believe that God will give your children the wisdom they need? Do you BELIEVE that God will give them the wisdom they need? Do you BELIEVE that GOD will GIVE them the wisdom they need?

I had an image that *I* needed to give them wisdom! But, where does wisdom come from? Is wisdom something *I* can give? No. I can share information that I know ... I can share experiences I've been through or have seen happen to others. I can help them search for information. But, only God can *give* wisdom. Do you believe He can? Do you believe He will?
Does wisdom come by doing repetitious worksheets? Do you think Jesus did them? Or rather, do you think He "learned" by doing stuff in the carpentry business with Joseph, being around the house with Mary, frolicking on a hill and being free to contemplate the Majesty of His Father? What *did* Jesus do? Pray for God to give your children the wisdom they need. Encourage your children to PRAY when they can't figure something out, instead of getting frustrated and angry. "Lean not unto your own understanding."

I'll close for now. I used to be a VERY rigid mom (still am sometimes).... this is something I have to turn over to the Lord daily. So, I'm not talking as someone who's "easy goin' "

-- Tam