It’s almost August. Should I sign _____ up for _____?

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Though this fall’s cut-off dates are past for many, other mamas are still pondering the question: Should I sign up Jacob (or Emma or Michael or Isabella or Ethan or Emily or Joshua or Madison — you fill in the blank) for soccer (or ballet or debate or Spanish or basketball or tutorial or piano lessons or dual enrollment — you fill in that blank, too)?

When we started homeschooling in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, in the fall of 1990, the options were limited: soccer and baseball through the park district, piano with a private instructor, and co-op — art, PE, and music for two and a half hours at a church on Thursday afternoons — were the only choices on my radar. Some mamas still have limited options but for many the choices seem almost endless.

In reality many of those choices are indeed wonderful opportunities, but some are disastrous.

Influence is a powerful tool for good and for evil. The wise mama (and daddy) prays, investigates, and prays some more before placing their children under the influence of any other child, teen, or adult.

The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
Proverbs 18:15

Every mama needs to examine her heart when deciding “Should I sign _____ up for _____?” and make sure that:

  • She is not making the decision based on fear or peer pressure (from other mamas);
  • The activity will help in her long-term goal of leading her children to walk in the light of Jesus; and
  • The child will still have time to learn from his mama and daddy, the teachers God trusts to do it well.

Hear, my son, your father’s instruction
And do not forsake your mother’s teaching;
Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head
And ornaments about your neck.
Proverbs 1:8-9

 

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