Depends. If you're talking 3+__=7. and then you take three from each side, yes. That's algebra. You can do it with manipulatives. Have seven on each side. Take three away from each side, and you will have four on each side. Four is the same as four. But it would also depend on the child. Many are not ready for that reasoning yet at first grade.
I've always wanted both my son and daughter to focus on college and a career before marriage and babies, which is what I did. I am so glad that waited to get married, and focus on me for several years after high school. Recently, I've stopped with any expectations though, other than happiness and values. I am trying to teach my kids to be frugal and passionate, so they can find a job they LOVE, not worry about the pay, and find the things that truly make them happy. When I was making a good living, I was spending too much money, and felt the pressures to advance into careers that did not make me happy. I don't want my kids falling into that trap. If being a stay-at-home mom (or dad) makes them happy, I want them to have the tools to make that work. If working a minimum wage job that they have passion for makes them happy, that's ok too. I DON'T want them falling into the trap so many do, and getting into student loan debt, having babies when still in debt, then trying to buy a house for their family before they are ready, etc etc. Laura
I put "yes" because deep down I would like for my daughters to be SAHMs (I'm not experienced yet in homeschool... but looking forward to jumping on board that ride). I feel like each moment is passing by so quickly and my kids are rapidly growing even as a mom who is with them all day. I, personally, can't imagine working a full time (or really even a part time) job and not feeling like I'm missing out big time. My daughter is in half day kindergarten at a private school and I'm already looking forward to getting those few hours back. My passion, my joy, is raising these treasures that the Lord has blessed me with. I would like to see them go to college, work doing something they enjoy, marry, and then become SAHMs. I would be sad for my daughters and my grandchildren if they were part of this screwed up "system". I have never envisioned myself carting my kids off to daycare and feeling good about going to my job and missing out on all that time (I worked in daycare before having kids so I'm pretty biased about it).
I voted "either". If I had a girl, I would encourage her to pray and seek God's guidance for her life. I don't believe that getting married and having babies is in everyone's path. However, if she did choose that route, I would guide her toward being a SAHM, and not putting her career over her family, which seems to be so prevalent these days. As far as homeschool, I probably wouldn't try to persuade them either way. How you choose to school your children is of less significance than how you parent.
I didn't read all the posts..... however - I would like my daughters to have the ability to take care of themselves and not rely on a husband. That said - I also want everyone of them (currently 4 girls) to marry, have kids, and then decide if homeschooling is right for their family or not. Since I have 1/2 my kids in PS and 1/2 at home - it depends on what works for each child as well as our family. However, life sometimes stinks and throws things at us we don't expect - and I would like ALL my kids to have the ability to overcome those obstacles -- including knowing how to work and earn money if needed (degree or not). All my kids work now on the farm and sell items to pay for their "stuff" they want. My girls know how to budget much better than I was ever taught and are really learning to save money to get what they want (Alexis - age now 13 - is now saving for a blue Jeep Wrangler when she turns 16 - she's already saved for a laptop, a kindle fire, an ipod touch, and pays her cell phone bill) At the same time - I am training my sons (2) to be able to cook and care for themselves if needed as well My poor brother has NO idea how to cook - so gained a TON of weight and spends a TON of money eating out constantly.
As far as the Proverbs 31 woman..... She does not go without sleep. God would not put up an example that is impposible or unreasonable. Getting up while it is still dark is still typical in successuful cultures around the world. Remember that they did not have glass windows, or electric lighting, and that candles would have been needed at times for working inside. Keeping a candle after nightfall does not mean you are working until morning. Imagine that you get up at say 5:30 and work until say 8:30 in winter. This would not be unreasonable. Don't forget that Mediterranian and Middle East cultures did the Siesta sort of thing during the heat of the day. Can we say Nap time. THere was no TV so after dinner and dishes were done, it would not take a way sleep time to sew or weave. If you have never lived without TV and internet, give it a try. You will be amazed what you can do in the time spent watching stuff that insults your intelligence.
