Do you have a child that challenges your parenting skills? Perhaps your child or children have a diagnosed issue, or they are just rambunctious and in need of your great patience. Some children take a bit more time and dedication, which is why homeschooling is the best choice for them.
As a parent, we know our children better than anyone else. We know what they like, what triggers their moods, how long their attention span is, and their unique learning style. They will definitely benefit and flourish from this. So, relax mama and give yourself a pat on the back; you’re doing fabulous!
Then read this inspiring account from Deborah who shares the success of her Asperger-positive daughter and the faithful God that is there for us to overcome every challenge.
This article was originally published in the May 29, 2019 issue of The Homeschool Minute.
Embracing Our Special Children
Want to hear some encouraging news? You can teach your children at home successfully, even if they have special needs! So many can testify to that!
One of our children tested positively for Asperger's. However, she passed the graduation requirements for our state at an earlier age than most “regular” kids. I know without a doubt that keeping her home was why she was successful. For her education, we had to only focus on what was important and required and then cut out everything else. After high school, she went on to obtain a certificate in equine massage. She then became a purchasing manager and now is a full-time pro-life missionary. Life is not as cut and dry as we want it to be. We don’t know where our LORD will lead His children.
God has plans that we don’t know or understand when our children are young and challenging. I was only thinking academics when she was younger and pushed those hard to the frustration of both of us. I didn’t even know what her special needs were called or what to look for but kept researching and praying and leaning hard on God and His wisdom. Over time and through faith in God’s Word, we continued on, ever seeking Him until He guided us where He wanted His special daughter to be. Was it rough? Sometimes! But we have a faithful God Who is the Author and Finisher of our faith and of our special children.
Whatever the needs of your children, they are made uniquely by the hand of God to be used for His purposes. If they are fighters, they can be trained to be warriors in God’s army. If they are quiet and compassionate, they can show forth the mercy and love of God. If they are very childlike and innocent, they may be those who are “pure in heart” and will see God. If they are extremely intelligent or extremely talkative, they can be useful movers and shakers and orators for the Kingdom of God. Each one is God’s “poema”–His workmanship–created in Christ Jesus for good works. God desires to use all of our special needs for His Glory!
In nearly every issue of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, we focus on special needs so check www.tosmagazine.com, and if you also want the printed issues coming to your mailbox every summer, fall, winter, and spring, you can subscribe here. Many of you asked for us to return to a quarterly printed magazine, and by God’s grace, we have done just that.
~Deborah
As always feel free to check out some great curriculum at schoolhouseteachers.com as well.
Deborah Wuehler is the Senior Editor and Director of Production for The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine. She has eight children ages 11 to 28 and has been homeschooling for over twenty years. Deborah's mission is to point homeschoolers to the Lord in all they do and to encourage them that they can find everything they need for life, Godliness—and homeschooling—in their knowledge of Him (2 Peter 1:3,4).
