Welcome to my new blog: Growing Sunflowers

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity.” ~ Brene Brown

For a long time, it’s been suggested and I have finally made the time to do it! I mean…why not? I’m taking a break from directing other’s kids this year, so I can dedicate some much-needed time to my four sunflowers and other endeavors. One of those endeavors is this longing I have to write…not necessarily for anyone, any specific topic, or for financial means, but to write as healing and strength for myself and encouragement for others.

Jamia E.
Christian. Wife. Mother. Educator. Model. Actress.

Lord, give me the wisdom to navigate through this life all to your glory. 

James 3:13-18

10 THINGS I LEARNED ABOUT HOMESCHOOLING

10 Things 18 years of homeschooling has taught me:

(1) I could never have done it without leaning on God’s strength;

(2) Patience is needed and cultivated with each day, but some days it’s lacking ;

(3)There are moment-by-moment victories & mistakes ; so don’t be a helicopter parent…God isn’t ! Grace and mercy coupled with the Word sow seeds in their hearts, which make for sincere change!

(4) While life is happening (births, death, trauma, sickness, moving, family turmoil, delays, etc.), learning is still taking place;

(5) Kids learn from your example (the good with the bad, & the things you THINK they are clueless about);

(6) Trust the process – growth happens in baby steps, not overnight;

(7) Trust that learning is happening even in “failure/mistakes” for parents and children;

(8) It’s better with a village of support than without;

(9) Discussion is the BEST assessment tool ;

(10) NEVER compare! Just don’t do it! It hurts everyone involved! Individual achievements build up our children! Celebrate accomplishments and work together to provide tools for improvements. Don’t “fix” mistakes, instead teach how to recognize them, then provide resources and guidance so they will learn how to be successful .

This HS process is always evolving. Be warned that everyone doesn’t know the labor you are pouring into your children. You May even run into naysayers ! Learn to rest in God’s approval and not necessarily the approval of all those around you. Sometimes labor is not evident to onlookers. But because growth is a process, know that your labor will never be in vain, and the fruit is the real evidence !