We've recently learned that our oldest struggles with ADHD. We have an amazing therapist who has helped him through Anxiety and PTSD in years past, and our discovery of ADHD has answered so many questions we didn't realized we even had.
ADHD isn't the reason we're homeschooling but my goodness, it's just another thing God has placed in our path to show us, we're doing the right thing.
At age 11, Danny has struggled for some time (years really if we look back at it) with completing work, organization, focus.
We've just assumed he was being lazy.
One of our biggest personal goals for him, in schooling at home, is:
- to bring back the confidence that's been lost
- to remind him he IS capable, intelligent, worthy
- to re-instate a love and joy, for learning
So when someone posted recently in a homeschool group I joined, that they had some Kiwi Crate boxes up for grabs, I jumped on it. They weren't full crates, but bits and pieces.
As I unpacked the boxes that afternoon I saw a small kit for creating your own lava lamp. Immediately I put it aside for Danny (who LOVES lava lamps).
The next day he was so excited to get to work on it, and as we watched the colors bubble and blend, his face lit up. He smiled. He laughed.
He absolutely loved it.
"I always wondered how this worked!" he said, eyes full of wonder.
Watching him enjoy this simple project, that gave him insight and the scientific know-how, while making it fun and interesting? My heart burst.
He went on to tell me, "Mom, you're making me really want to do more science stuff, can I look up how to make a volcano explode?"
Yes, son. Yes you can.
I sat back and watched, smiling from ear to ear, as he exploded vinegar and baking soda all afternoon. I looked to the Heavens and thanked the Lord over and over and over again.