It Takes A Family

Welcome back to the blog cruise. Our topic for this week is how extended family assists in your homeschooling education.

My initial response was to say, they don't! Don't get me wrong now. Our family, both on my side and my husband's side have been nothing but supportive since we began our journey. But as for the day to day experience? Not so much.

As I have continued to ponder this a little more however, I've changed my mind. Although the family is not involved with most of our day to day studies, they actually have, and do, contribute to the education of our children.

My mother's love language is gifts. As a result, she is always bestowing upon our daughters some treasure of one kind or another. Since we began schooling, she is always on the lookout for a book, a puzzle, or other educational tool to enhance whatever it is that we happen to be studying.

My father has also jumped into that ring as well. He recently picked up a mini laptop that teaches various fascinating animal facts.

My mother in law love, love, loves to read and listen to our children read, so she is always ready with a book and a cuddle. She also happens to be a librarian, and frequently brings home a story or two that the girls find interesting.

My father in law, being a science teacher, is also readily prepared to explain the how's and why's to many different subjects. He also provides a listening ear for the girls to teach back what they've learned.

So, I would have to say that, yes, our extended family definitely plays an important role in the educational lives of our children, and I'm very grateful for that.

Blessings,