Lessons Learned From Horses

I think one of the things that you will find me saying over and over again, is that homeschooling is not just academics.  I always try to have the vision that I'm not just trying to raise "smart" children, but I'm also trying to raise children who know how to make good decisions.  Recently, Sir Lancelot and I got some new additions to our family.  Introducing Dakota and Tinker.

Dakota

For myself, these horses have become a huge motivation to get the things done to actually GET done.  Horses need time.  They need people to work with them.  They need care.  But as a mother and a homeschooler, I can't spend ALL my time with our horses.  The house needs to be cleaned, children need to be fed, clothed, loved, nurtured.  But as a family, it's been fun taking care of our horses.

Tinker

Since we've gotten the horses, it's been a little bit easier teaching that work needs to be done before play.  Yes, the kids can get distracted, bored, etc. but when I remind them that we can't do the fun stuff unless the hard stuff is done, then they get back to work pretty quickly.  I've also seen improvement in attitude- not just in the kids, but myself.  Working with our horses has taught me a little bit more about patience.  Dakota is a jumpy girl, and needs work.  Tinker is spirited, has been worked with a lot, but also hates being alone.  When you lead her, she usually tries to get you back to where she can be with Dakota, but if you get mad at a horse- it's never a good thing.  Horses need guidance and PATIENCE.  Children are the same way.  Often times they are not trying to be "naughty", they're being inquisitive, practical.... not naughty.  They need to be guided- and as a parent, I need to be patient.

Sometimes though, I need to face reality.  A lot of children's work is play.  This is Ferdinand working hard on his Math-U-See.  Haha.  Kids, especially this young, really just need to play and explore the world.  And, I have to say that I'm completely ok with that.