PERHAPS A GIFT VOUCHER FOR MUM?: MOTHER'S DAY
Book ReviewBy Julia Martin, Reviewer for New Zealand Christian WritersHeart to Heart with Rosie BoomAfter 23 years, Rosie Boom has finally completed the homeschooling of her six children. Well-known as a speaker, singer, song writer and author of several prizewinning books, Rosie is also a passionate educator. For many years she has been a guest speaker at H.E.A.R.T conferences (Home Educators' Annual Retreat) in New Zealand where she has enthusiastically promoted homeschooling. This book comes from her desire to share her wealth of knowledge, experience, and wisdom to assist parents who are considering homeschooling, and also for parents who have been on the journey - or 'pilgrimage' - for many years. She writes: 'My goals were to teach my children to love the Lord with all their hearts and minds and souls; develop their characters and help them grow into kind, godly adults; equip them with everything they need to fulfil the plans God had for their lives; and enjoy my children'. Rosie claims homeschooling is a journey and not a destination. While she passionately promotes homeschooling, she also spells out the downsides - exhaustion, fear of failure, boredom, financial restraints, and the challenge of daily motivating children with no guarantee they will turn out the way we desire. With the disruptions to the public education system in recent times along with the sinister changes to curricula and the evil influences creeping into the school environment, it's not surprising there's an unprecedented upsurge in the popularity of homeschooling worldwide. While Rosie's book is largely written for such concerned people, I regard it as a masterpiece for all parents who desire to raise a loving, harmonious Christian family. Her book is a treasure trove of wisdom, sound advice and practical tips drawn from scripture along with anecdotes and stories that teach and enrich learning in an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment. In retrospect Rosie concludes: 'Homeschooling my children has been my magnum opus, my life's greatest work.'
