Ad Caelum, Mater

What books would I recommend any season to a homeschool parent? I would usually throw in my highly recommended best-selling books from the positive parenting department. Because, like I always say, as many homeschool parents do, homeschooling is an extension of parenting. One is never alone in thinking that the job is hard! Homeschooling is doubly challenging when one is struggling with connecting with her child. Though these books contributed to my growth, I still felt lacking. The satisfaction that I needed, book-wise, only came from reads that include Christ, the teachings of the Church, and the friendship of the Saints in the picture (or from books with devout Catholic authors). Think FULLNESS. And so, may I present the books that I have come to cherish, which I hope will also make it to your nightstand, be sources of wisdom and inspiration, companions to accompany you in this precious journey. PARENTING FOR ETERNITY by Connor Gallagher. Nothing like knowing the point o...

The results of the Philippine 2022 election has been unsettling.  Worse, the divisiveness due to the differing political views between families and friends was palpable enough to question family loyalties. It was more than unsettling,  it was toxic! And it got me hooked,  social media did. As a homeschooling parent with concerns for the country's future, que horror! I didn't even maximize the time to teach the kids about the things they could have learned from the monumental season: why this one is so different,  and why it was a big deal (well,  we had conversations,  but not enough). The campaigns,  and subsequent results, fueled discouragement, anger, and pride.  Even after reminding myself often enough that politics is a playground of the devil. Even if I console myself with thoughts of redemptive suffering.  How does one move forward? With prayers! And who should come to comfort me? Must have been my guardian angel. I think it was more t...

I am launching a new project.  I have been into homeschooling for at least a dozen years. Five beautiful children under my care. Oh no, it has not been smooth and easy. I do not claim that it is now, but it has been better in the sense that I have become more self-aware, more self-controlled, and more self-giving. I guess that is what this journey is all about, isn't it? That I grow, so, in turn, my children can, too. It has been a long, challenging journey.  Internal ones can be, with repressed hurts cropping up as soon as the little ones start threatening your sanity with their demanding cries. And you wonder if you can make it out alive,  or if they can.  It takes trust in God, and a child-like clinging to our Lady to have the peace of mind, and confidence that even beyond conception, each member of the family continues to be wonderfully made. At the end of the process of homeschooling, I can hope that my children will be who they are supposed to be,  not bec...