Homeschooling is not about money or prestige. It’s about learning! It’s about your child becoming who God intends them to be! Focus on the important things, the things that matter: education, character, passion, and work ethic. When you combine learning at home with a focus on your child’s passions, often college scholarships will follow.

I believe homeschoolers have the advantage in shaping and molding children of character. We have control over our homeschool and our curriculum. We do not need to follow the crowd, seeking a “common core” that changes over time. We can educate our children in a way that perfectly fits them. Our children have time to develop their passions – we can even offer them one day a week to do so, instead of “doing school”. We can also put an emphasis on integrity throughout our home and homeschool.

All these benefits and more help us shape genuine diamonds – children with enormous value and character that make the world a better place. Help shape your children like diamonds.

When you purchase a genuine diamond, you see they are appraised according to cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Each of these factors symbolizes a quality in our children.

Cut

What kind of person is your child cut out to be? The “cut” of your child is who they have become as a person. Who are they inside, really? Do they display honesty? How about a good work ethic? Do they show wisdom and good character? These are all qualities we want to help shape in our children. Demonstrate, teach, and practice character.

Color

The “color” of your child is what makes them unique – their passion or area of specialization. Like flavors of ice cream, this uniqueness makes the world better when they share their skills with others. Diamonds come in different colors, like the chocolate diamonds that are so popular right now. Every diamond is different and each is mapped by the jeweler. Each child is unique. We want our children to shine within their own perfect color that shows their individuality. Encourage your child to develop unique interests that they are passionate about.

Clarity

Your child’s “clarity” is how they communicate. We need to teach them to communicate clearly, both in person and in writing.  Will they look an adult in the eye, and speak clearly enough to be heard? We also need to encourage them to be genuine and straightforward, and have a healthy sense of self. Practice public speaking, find a way to teach effective written communication, and encourage clear personal communication in every form.

Carat

How much does your homeschool weigh? “Carat” weight is the extent and rigor of your child’s academic preparation. Has your child been well prepared for the academic challenges of college and career? Is your child becoming a self-starter, ready to apply themselves to their work? Plan your homeschool to cover the core subjects of reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Include foreign language, physical education, fine arts, and electives. Be ready with hefty high school level work to show they are prepared to work hard at college or on the job.

Parent as Jeweler

You as the parent are the jeweler! You will help shape the cut, color, clarity, and carat. You can mold the character of your child. Proudly present your child as a shining jewel to colleges and employers. Create a genuine diamond that they will eagerly invite to their campus. All the time and effort you put into homeschooling your child will be worth it. Your child and your whole family will be richer as a result.