Homeschool Corner: Compassion Lessons – Addressing the Unexpected in Your Homeschooling Day

(Note: I am unable to write my weekly devotional today…I am very sick. So, here is one of our columnists article for homeschooling. :) God Bless – Lara)

Have you ever had one of those days that you felt as if you were falling a little behind in your studies and were pressed to get caught up? Have you ever had one of those “pressing” days when something happened that caused you to put on the brakes and stop everything you were so pressed to get finished? If you have, then you know what I am talking about. If you have never experienced one of those days, you will know in your heart what you need to do.

We have had more than one of these days happen in our homeschooling years. Sometimes something happens in your own family, but sometimes the event may affect a neighbor or someone else that had no one else to turn to but you. It could be an emergency trip to the doctor or hospital, it could be a death in the family of someone you know, it could be helping someone with cleaning because they simply can’t do it, or it could simply be spending a day praying with those that need it.

Your child’s academic studies are important, but it is also important that your child learn how to care for others in this world. We would never want our children to be only great scholars, with no ability to care for others. Without the ability to show compassion to others when it is needed, your children will have a difficult time as an adult. However, the opportunity to teach your children about compassion does not often arise. So, when you are given a chance, take it. Set the school books aside and help those that are in need.

There are some things in life that children cannot learn in any other way until something bad happens. Compassion is one of those. Although we do not want bad times to arise, we can find the good in them by helping out where we able. This will help show your children the compassion lesson that the Lord has placed in your path.

Whatever the event may be, set the schoolwork aside. It will wait. But, the lesson your children will learn from you as they watch you show compassion to those who need it will be longer lasting in their memories than the academic lesson you had in mind for them when you started your day.

Copyright © Alicia Tucker, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

About the Author: Alicia Tucker is a homeschool mom of 3 children, after having worked in public schools in NJ and SC for over 10 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Sociology, as well as a Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in Curriculum and Technology. Alicia is also Moms of Faith’s lead prayer warrior and columnist.