Homeschooling: How do we do it?

Through the natural process of running a household alongside the rummaging of toddlers means they often follow me around the house, mimicking what I do.

My master Isaiah (6) started putting washing into the machine, putting soap nut bags in and pressing the button when he was two years old. On his own.

Some days I'd hear the washing machine start up and think oh great I wasn't wanting to hang that stuff up!

The process of getting our washing done happens every few days. Washing through machine, hung on line, taken off line, put away.

I don't 'make' the children participate in putting through the machine, hanging on the line or bringing washing in. I want my clothes lines to last as long as possible without swinging children involved. Children haven't really been involved in washing for the past two years.

The other day I had brought all the washing in. The undercover area was clear.

Hubby says your pjs stink! to 6yr old son who was then directed to take his pjs off and get clean ones on.

He's not a nappy wearing child so he gets to wear them more than once. Although I don't remember the last time they've been washed (mother-in-law hangs my washing up once a week, things slip through my memory).

That night I discover the washing machine going. I'm thinking YEAH WHAT A MAN!!! Finally hubby doing his washing instead of griping at me about it.

The next day I see, a lone pair of pjs hanging on the line by two pegs. And it clicks.

My 6yr old son washed his pjs and hung them out.

That night as I say get your pjs on and the kid races outdoors. He's got things covered. He collects his pjs and puts them on.

At the age of 6 he has the ability to put washing through the machine, hang it out, bring it in and put it away. And he's teaching his younger 4yr old sister.

The two of them have put washing in the machine, removed dry washing off the line and put inside and are about to start hanging wet washing up.

I didn't tell them or ask them. But I am smart enough to allow their iniative to take place and give them the freedom in time to get their goals achieved.. Without interference.

And if they do it 'wrong' that's ok, an opportunity to learn ;)

5 things I am thankful for:
1. Iniative taking kids
2. Freedom in homeschooling
3. Natural learning process taking place in natural environment
4. Gentleness in parenting
5. Getting a bit more washing done ;)