Homeschooled

Teen-ager Time

A homeschooled teen-ager is such a blessing to his parents. These precious years together offer an unbelieveable and rare opportunity...the chance to really know and understand and enjoy your older teen. Don't waste a moment!

Make every effort to stay in touch with your older child...yes, the one between the ages of 17-20 years and even beyond.

Some parents for some reason are prone to overlook this wonderful, unique situation. It is not really uncommon to observe Mom and Dad totally cut the apron strings and allow their 17-20 year-old free rein in all areas of his life.

But parenting is not quite over. The older youth is not really grown, not yet an adult. It cannot be taken for granted that his formation is complete.

This age is crucial for several reasons:

For the usual homeschooled teen-ager, it is the first time he is away from the family for extended periods, either at college or in the work force...with folks from all walks of life and with a myriad of values (or lack thereof).

Second, at this age, he is forming the ideas, values, etc. that he will carry through life.

Third, the time while he is still technically under your roof and before adulthood is a wonderful time to deepen your relationship with him.

Fourth, it offers a chance to help him cement the solid, life-giving values and high, noble ideals that you taught him. In other words, to do all that you can to assure that he is on the right road to adulthood.

During these ages, he probably has a summer job, drives and is in charge of his social life. So filling out the chart for him is unrealistic. But situations still arise for family togetherness. Have him join activities whenever possible. Juggle schedules to make sure it happens.

Suggestions to consider:

• Listen and talk--Take every chance you can to engage your homeschooled teen-ager in conversation. Be alert. He may be open at a surprising time, or, if not, you may have to make the opening. In the car going on a relaxed, pleasant outing is always a good bet. Try while shopping for college (or other occasion). It doesn't need to be a "heavy" subject. In fact, just discuss a topic for fun and enjoy each other.

  "The time has come," the Walrus said,
  "To talk of many things:
  Of shoes--and ships--and sealing wax--
  Of cabbages--and kings--
  And why the sea is boiling hot--
  And whether pigs have wings."
  Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking-Glass

• Sunday worship

• Daily prayer together

• Read as a family-check out these recommendations. After a hot, tiring workday, arrange evenings together to be relaxing and fun. Simple dinner...Cold watermelon...Frozen icees... Homemade ice cream...and a great Book and/or Movie !

• Dinner out

• Seize the moment! However, that actually means be prepared to seize the moment. Have a couple of games on hand. Set up the badminton net.

• Know what events/movies are occurring around your area. Clip the calendar from the local newspaper. Find something that would appeal to almost everyone and attend. Be ready when the time arises.

Capitalize on every opportunity. Just a tiny bit of effort can make a huge difference in the life of your homeschooled teen-ager and, indeed, the whole family. The rewards will continue for generations.

Teen Project: Support Group Yearbook

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