education is compulsory

Two and a half years later they're still out of school. Two and a half years later and I find myself scratching my head because somehow I seem to have just as much time as I ever had - in fact I possibly have more time now. Perhaps one of the main reasons for this is the relaxed routine we now enjoy as a family in our new-found freedom from the limiting strictures of the school day.

As importantly as being able to 'have a life', my feelings of self-worth as a man, father, husband, playfellow to my children etc have increased beyond all measure. How much is that worth? Priceless I believe. In fact the more this 'one year' experiment continues, the clearer I am that home education is every bit as much for the parent(s). It is probably one of the best therapy courses in existence. And of course, the happier and more fulfilled mum and dad feel, the more likely it is that the family environment will become the safe, nurturing, uplifting space in which children can fulfil their highest potential.

Where will it go? I haven't got a clue. This is a classic case of a 'work in progress'. And for once I'm okay with that, which is no small thing considering my conditioning to achieve 'results'. At last I'm not needing to see an end result because I'm beginning to understand what many philosophers have written of - that life is all about the journey. And by challenging my ego to put up with the daily 'trivia' of playing with and learning alongside children, I am finally becoming a conscious participant on that journey.