Homeschooling is a constantly changing state of affairs. Through the years families change for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the changes are good like job promotions for dad. Sometimes the changes are challenging like job loss. And still some changes are bittersweet like children growing up. With so many things that can change in a family it will also mean changes in homeschooling. Good or bad, as change comes adjustments must be made to continue homeschooling.
In my family the biggest adjustment so far is my oldest child heading off to high school. Until her first day of freshman orientation, she had never stepped into a classroom. She was very excited to go and nervous at the same time. It was one of those bittersweet moments in life, on the day I dropped her off for the first time. I never felt like I fully cherished my last year homeschooling her yet I felt she was ready to go. She proved her wings to fly had grown strong as she thrives in honors classes, has projects chosen for open house, and invites friends to church events. She is very happy even if she is missed at home.
This change has rippled through our homeschool. My son is now the oldest child at home which challenges his maturity. My two little girls no longer have big sister to do everything for them. My older of the two girls has also stretched and grown and has taken her little sister under her wing. The theme appears to be a sense of maturity among the younger kids who relied heavily on their big sister. We all miss her but our days are filled with lessons and activities so by time school lets out all are glad to be together again. Changes happen and seem to happen quickly so I try to be in constant appreciation for the moments in between the transitions.