“Do you realize that if you push a child too hard it can do a lot more harm than a poor grade!” ~ Ms. Crump, Opie’s Teacher, Andy Griffith 
This quote came up in my memories today. As a homeschool family, I have always known that grades aren’t everything in the scheme of learning. Spiritual health, emotional health, physical health, social health, and academics all have unique characteristics in each of our children. How we balance assessing these areas is equally important.
Interesting reading this nugget from Ms. Crump with the lens of a college sophomore, 8th grader, and two 5th graders. Our diamonds all have different seasons, different needs, and different abilities, yet God requires parents to do the best they can, equipping and training them in all. Defining the how’s, why’s, when’s and what’s of “push” is the key to developing a great relationship with our children in every season. Pray for God’s guidance as we grow in executing these areas without leaving others undone!
Nuggets from Andy Griffith
As we contemplate 
another school year under new “pandemic” 
circumstances, let us not forget that our “students” are still children and need a fair balance of academics, play, problem solving, conflict resolutions, and discussion
. Being at home will never replicate a 6-hour day of public school
; instead, it should be rich with reading
, writing
, discussion
, critical thinking , and more. Change your thinking 
about what learning looks like
Homeschool won’t fit into the 6-hour box that most families are used to 
. Seize smaller moments of in-depth conversation as your students (big or small) mature right before your eyes. Time waits for no one 
, so make the best of those small opportunities . Before you know it, these precious moments add up to a lifetime of love, learning, memories, and growth 
! The children are learning from us how to persevere or how to give in! Which will we choose to be our legacy? #togodbetheglory#deut6#parentteacher#conversationsbuildmemories
Growing Sunflowers 