Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

How can homeschool parents help their children grow in every area of their lives—not just academically? This week on Home School Heartbeat, Zan Tyler shares insights from her new book, with your host, Mike Smith.

Mike Smith:
Zan, in the fourth chapter of your book, you write about developing a strong "root system" in our children's lives. Now what does that mean?

Zan Tyler:
Well, I think, Mike, we can go to Scripture, as we need to always do in answering that question. Isaiah 37:31 says, "The surviving remnant of the house of Judah will again take root downward and bear fruit upward." This verse emphasizes the principle that growing a strong root system is essential in cultivating our child's potential. When our children know who they are, when they have intimate relationships with God and with others, and when they can appreciate their individual gifts and strengths, they possess a robust root system of invisible qualities that will allow them to bear fruit upward and to weather the inevitable storms of life.

Mike:
But, Zan, what if parents aren't noticing results in this part of their children's lives?

Zan:
Mike, homeschooling parents, and especially moms, are like soldiers in the trenches. In the battle for our children's hearts, souls, and minds, we're on the front line. The work is hard, and the living conditions are often difficult. I think, in the midst of our most backbreaking labor, when we see no visible results, we need to remember to walk by faith and not by sight. Paul tells us, "We do not focus on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Mike:
Well, Zan, that's a great encouragement to our listeners. And until next time, I'm Mike Smith.