One Sassy Ma: Heart of the Matter Online

The Art of Conversation: "

People who haven’t known my family for very long might assume that my son is quiet around strangers because he is an isolated, unsocialized homeschooler.

You know that isn’t the case.

I have found that homeschooling has actually taught my boy the art of conversation in some very unexpected ways.

By way of background, this is the same child who sat on my lap and sobbed while the rest of his preschool class presented their Christmas program on stage and who burst into tears when, in kindergarten, the school nurse wanted to perform a cursory (and required) eye exam.

Interacting with strangers is not his cup of tea.

However, since we brought him home, that same boy can converse with adults as we wait in line at the bank, play guitar on stage with his co-op classmates and rush to get the door for an elderly lady at the post office. He is still quiet but the difference is astounding.

I know that much of this newfound change comes from maturity. He is older and the world isn’t as scary to him as it once was. But I also know that his confidence has grown as he has tried new things and succeeded at classroom and real world challenges. He has time to pursue his passions and stretch his limits beyond what he thought was possible. The safety of his daily environment inspires him to step out into the unknown, to risk failure and to surprise himself. That might be the biggest benefit of homeschooling at our house.

Just ask him. He’ll be glad to tell you about it.

Chris Worthy is mom to Caroline (15) and Nolan (10) and will soon celebrate 20 years of marriage to her favorite person, John. Chris practiced law before becoming a writer and stay-at-home mother more than 10 years ago. She enjoys cooking, crafting, spoiling dogs, green living and rummaging though old books. Follow along at http://www.chrisworthy.com/