Positive results of our response to the Corona virus

Although the COVID bug is nothing to sneeze at, it is becoming clearer and clearer that it is not as deadly as first predicted.  This video from Youtube is the first indicator that I saw, which reveals that the bug is far more prevalent in society than we knew and that it has a similar mortality as the common flu:

Thank God for that!  I mean, if you listen to the hot mic incident, it is stated that the mortality is between .1 and .3 percent.  Which makes this disease a mere variation of the flu.  Not the deadly plague that was originally prophesied.

So, we can breathe more easily.  With all due respect to all those who lost loved ones during this time, there were some positive aspects of our human response to this emergency.

THE FEAR OF GOD

As Scripture says, "the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom".  And many people began to think of their eternal resting place during this pandemic.  Their personal mortality and frailty was on full display and as a result, many turned to God for help.  Some people whom I've never heard to invoke God before, suddenly were praying.  I consider this a good thing.  I pray that the grace of God remains with them after the fear for their lives, is gone.  Hopefully, we will again see packed houses when we are permitted to return to the Mass.

PRAYER AT HOME

Relatedly, I have heard that people are praying, lighting blessed candles and using holy water and oil, at home.  I pray that these customs persist long after the pandemic is relegated to the footnotes of history. 

HOMESCHOOLING

People have been forced to homeschool their children.  And, although there are some videos humourously panning the practice:

I have heard from a friend who spoke to a friend about another friend whose family is thoroughly enjoying their unexpected experience.  Apparently, they are using the Public School curriculum because their daughter is thoroughly familiar with it.  And, she has learned to give herself more vacation days by getting up to two weeks ahead and then, relaxing until the curriculum catches up!  Brilliant kid!

EATING TOGETHER

One of the sad facts of chasing the American dream, is that too many people did it at the expense of family life.  I don't know how many times my co-workers lamented to me that they never ate dinner with their family.  Everyone was too busy.

But now, many have rediscovered this beautiful tradition.  We homeschooled our kids and we've never ceased to eat together even though they are now grown up.  But to so many of my co-workers, this has been a surprise blessing.

WATCHING MOVIES TOGETHER

Again, something which comes naturally to homeschoolers.  But something which my co-workers said they seldom did.  Now that they are forced to be together at home, they are doing this more frequently, as well.  And thoroughly enjoying it.

SAVINGS

This is a personal thing.  By the grace of God, I'm still working.  Although my children have lost their jobs.  However, we are not adversely affected because we have suddenly stopped buying all the unnecessary things that we used to buy.  No more eating out at restaurants, uh, because they're closed.  No more going to the movies, because they're shut down.  No more shopping sprees because unnecessary trips outside the home, are discouraged.

So, actually my wife and I are saving more money.  And my kids are wondering why they have to return to work.  Because I said so!  That's why!

It seems to me, that God is turning this evil pandemic, into a blessing in disguise.

May God bless you and may you and your family remain safe.

Catholic Homeschooling - the way of the future

This pandemic has turned the lives of many families upside down.  But the social distancing rules barely affected homeschoolers, who went about their business, as usual.

If you have your children in public school, its time to take stock.These new viruses don't just make you sick for a little while.  They are deadly.  And everyone knows that public schools are breeding ground for disease and infection.  Every year, our children live through epidemics that sweep through the school systems.  Can you really afford to take the risk that your child will be infected by something as dangerous as the coronavirus?

Add to that the fact that public schools are also rampant with gang activity, drugs, immoral behavior and to top it all off, failing to teach children even the basics, and the decision to start homeschooling is a no-brainer.

And, finally, Catholics aren't supposed to put their children in Godless institutions which are designed to take away their faith.  Remember that public schools don't permit prayer and treat all religions  with equal disdain.

So, it's time.  Homeschool your children for their health and for the good of their soul.

Catholic Homeschooling

When you love your kids and you can't get enough of them, Homeschool is the answer.

Kids love their parents. Don't believe the hype that kids prefer toys and tv and other distractions to their parents. Parents are number one in every kid's heart. And if your kids are number one in your heart, homeschooling is the way to show it.

Homeschooling Basics

What does one need in order to homeschool?

1. Socialization. Many people are discouraged by their family and friends when they announce their decision to homeschool their children. The main objection being that children need "socialization". This is not without foundation. Children do need to make friends and to play with other children. But "socialization" is a two edged sword. There is an ugly side to socialization, it is called "negative peer pressure".

What is negative peer pressure? It is the influence which children's friends have on them to force them to conform to behavior such as to use drugs, dress in a particular manner, and sometimes to commit crimes.

Homeschooling is the cure for negative peer pressure since parents become their children's best friends and because parents get to hand pick their children's playmates.

2. Know the Law. Homeschooling is permitted in almost every state of the union. Look up the law and make sure you abide by it. In Texas, for instance, we had to register as a private school. We are also required to teach reading, spelling, grammar, math and citizenship.

Homeschooling laws by state

3.  Select a curriculum. My wife and I decided to make our own curriculum.  We bought used books from Catholic Schools, libraries,  used bookstores and any other place that we could find them.  We  frequently  checked books from the Public library, an excellent free source for  educational books.  Our curriculum is very flexible.  We try to accomodate the curriculum to the child.

If you feel you need assistance in creating your own curriculum however,  there is a whole industry out there waiting to meet your homeschooling needs. Two well known Catholic curriculum providers are a Seton and Kolbe.  But there are many more.  Just Google "Catholic Homeschool curriculums."

If you have any questions about homeschooling, feel free to email me at mdechristi@gmail.com.  Or leave a comment.  I'd love to start an faq section with your question on it.

Sincerely,

De Maria