As the years roll by, I see that I post less and less. How interesting that as my children were young I had to much time on my hands in which to write, to ponder, to talk....
Now that we have four graduated and two more in the wings still learning deep into their education, I find that I have less time!
This past month I had the joy of watching our fourth child finish her education at home. She went forward to the junior college during her senior year of school and excelled. It is so exciting to see a child move from shared learning to self learning and thrive. As she went through her highschool years she wanted to consider nursing as a passion. So during her Senior year of highschool she pursued a Certified Nursing Assistant degree at the local junior college.
Some of the things I noticed that were beneficial about going to the junior college while still in highschool include: navigating new teachers, self time management both to get to school, dialogue with students that were different ages than herself (this community college had many back to school students who had been doing many adult things!), social economic diversity, self awareness.
What were some things I wondered (not worried) about?
Does a 16/17 year old have the capacity to be on a college campus? Will she/he be able to manage her time schedule so that she balances life and school? Will he/she meet the expectations of her teachers after having a mother teacher who is often willing to bend the time tables? Have I been firm enough in my expectations over the years that it won't be a shock for him/her? How can I best help without controlling and managing life during college? Can I make a soft enough place for him/her to land if he/she needs to fall after failing at something? Am I making a welcome still for him/her in this home after our formal schooling days together are over?
What kinds of thoughts have you had about a child finishing their formal learning years in your home?