Mom Learns a Valuable Lesson

So it finally happened!  My 12 year old son enjoys writing stories.  Let me say that again.  My 12 year old son Christopher enjoys writing stories.  WOW!  It is truly amazing.  I really never thought I would see the day.  Writing has always been an area in his studies that he did not like to do.  Even the mechanics of writing since Kindergarten was difficult for him.  This is one subject I never pushed him.  I let him take his time with writing and took a very gentle approach.  We used Handwriting Without Tears curriculum through cursive.

So now in seventh grade he has excellent handwriting.  Still working on the cursive but it is getting easier.  Last year we started using a writing program called Teaching Writing: Style and Structure.  My main reason for choosing this program is that it teaches the parent how to help the children as well as teaching the child.  Plus it is very structured in its approach.  They know exactly what they are supposed to do and I know what I am supposed to be checking.  

This program has been a blessing and the kids love watching the DVD's of Andrew Pudewa.  I am sure this program had something to do with Christopher enjoying writing.  

One thing I do know for sure is that I have learned a valuable lesson!  Over the years I have worried and stressed when they struggled in an area whether it is writing, spelling, math, etc.  Sometimes I pushed and prodded to the point they were stressed out.  Now I think I have learned my lesson.  The gentle approach is better.  They will get it eventually so why rush them.  They need time, encouragement and love.  So just maybe they won't dread doing school and we all can have more fun.