Gabriel Takes Driver's Ed
Today Gabriel finished the classroom portion of his Driver's Education class. It was 3 hours long each day for 2 weeks. He had a lot of homework, studying and tests. The course was given by a private driving school and there were 6 or 7 others in the class, all homeschoolers. This was his first experience in a classroom setting since 3rd grade. I am not sure who was more nervous, Gabriel or me. He had to pay for half of the cost of the course. We live in a day and age where kids are just given everything. John and I are firm believers that if someone has the privilege to drive such a dangerous machine, they should earn it. So he paid half. Anyway, one of the reasons that he was nervous was because he knew that if he failed, he would have to pay the entire cost of the course to take it again.
I have to wonder if other moms, homeschool or not worry like I do. Is my child ready? Have I done enough to prepare him to take classes from others (AKA "the real world")? I am glad to announce that he did really well and passed with flying colors! Congratulations to Gabe! Now on to the Behind the Wheel portion and a new set of concerns for a mom. My blogging friend, Karen from Surviving Motherhood, asked not long ago which stage of mothering was the hardest. I told her that I was loving the teen years. It was far easier than the sleepless nights with infants or dealing with the reading struggles that we had during the elementary years. But I might just have to change my mind. Watching them grow up, and all my fears that come with it, is a very difficult thing indeed.
I have to wonder if other moms, homeschool or not worry like I do. Is my child ready? Have I done enough to prepare him to take classes from others (AKA "the real world")? I am glad to announce that he did really well and passed with flying colors! Congratulations to Gabe! Now on to the Behind the Wheel portion and a new set of concerns for a mom. My blogging friend, Karen from Surviving Motherhood, asked not long ago which stage of mothering was the hardest. I told her that I was loving the teen years. It was far easier than the sleepless nights with infants or dealing with the reading struggles that we had during the elementary years. But I might just have to change my mind. Watching them grow up, and all my fears that come with it, is a very difficult thing indeed.
Labels: Driver's Ed, Fear, Gabriel, Homeschool, Teenagers
posted by KarenW at
3:16 PM
5 Comments:
Driving-- I can't even imagine! And my boys want to be pilots as well. Talk about *shuddering* at the thought.
Congrats to Gabriel on passing his test! I think making him pay for half of the course is definitely the right thing to do. There is nothing like earning something to truly appreciate it and see it for the privilege that it is.
Luckily, the same God that makes sure they're still breathing as infants, is still on the job when they take the wheel.
I survived teaching two teens to drive, although I am greyer for it. It has been a relief to have a respite from the driving for a few years until # 3 comes of age.
Yes, I worried as you are now, about how my homeschooled child would do in the collegiate world - or just the world in general. The answer for her as for many of her homeschooled peers was (they have all either graduated or are close to it) just fine. And Gabe will exceed your expectations - just wait and see. In the mean time - Loreal does seem to cover the grey better than some of the others... :)
Yay Gabe! Also, I'm right with you on worrying about teaching our children enough, especially in the field of character and spirituality. So much to teach them, but yet I need to remember that they will have the Holy Spirit to guide them once they are on their own. That is very reassuring!
~Connie~
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/wardssward/
good for Gabe! and i know the feelings well... it was very bittersweet when coie started driving, but then i realized the immediate benefits of it. boy oh boy did my life become easier with a second driver in the house.
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