Well meaning advice

I have always gotten comments and advice from well meaning people (as many others do about their own children) about Jonah, but it seems that it has become an even greater occurrence in our lives since we have decided to homeschool. Many comments are helpful and we can tell that they are spoken with love and true concern. Others, and we can feel the meaning behind them no matter how masked they are, are just flat out criticism. I have really struggled with this this past week and so when I read the following quote on a website that I was looking at, as I was preparing school work today, I started to cry. I thought I would share to if nothing else get some things off my chest and maybe educate some, (not nessasarily anybody that reads my blog) about how it feels to be a mom to Jonah. She says it so well, better than I have ever been able to put into words.

"You will undoubtedly come in contact with others who do not see your child as a "gift". I know that many other moms watch with horror as I calmly extract my child from the top of the refrigerator upon which he has climbed. They grow weary as he shares with me the 3 millionth thought which just flashed into his head. They even comment that they could never handle a child with the energy level of my son while I harbor the belief that they also think I should just make him "straighten up!"

Others have responded that I seem to hold the reigns of discipline too tightly. I do indeed keep "a shorter leash" with this child, for I know that there is a line of excitement where, once crossed, he will act on any impulse immediately, without concern for consequences or dangers. So to these parents of calm, compliant children, I do seem to respond too quickly to what appears to be a very minor infraction. But I know what comes later, if things aren't kept in check now.

So I have learned to smile politely when their well meaning comments are sometimes way off base. I have learned that my child is special. I really believe that my son is destined for something wonderful...something that would be impossible for those calmer, regular-energy level children. I can think of several occupations where boundless energy would be an incredible asset. I delight in the fast pace of his thought. I am even jealous of his tireless enthusiasm for life and wonder what more I could accomplish if I were so blessed. And I am most especially delighted that I am able to help him reign in and shape this gift of boundless energy.

If he were in a traditional school setting, he most certainly would have been labeled a "trouble-maker" and he most probably would have believed it himself. I am so very thankful that his image of himself is of a creative, innovative, intelligent, can-do child"

Carol Barnier