Encourage a child to grow to be who they were born to be - and not who a parent or society desire them to be.
Part of a homeschooling parents responsibility is to channel their children in the way they should go. Which is not necessarily the way we think they should go. It is part of the whole-istic approach to a vibrant, thriving and joyful child - and ultimately an adult who embraces their unique birthright.
After months of planning the local homeschooling families held their first ever JeugMark - Youth Market. And it was a roaring success. The purpose was to allow the creativity of each child to make and sell produce. Their unique personalities and interests truly shone through. And the support from the farming community was staggering.
The variety of skills was evident in the children's choices of carpentry, gardening, sewing, metal and leather work, art and baking.
Some of the older children had their packing and labelling beautifully designed for their soaps, candles and scarves.
One of the local restaurants hosted the special winter JeugMark. The smell of fresh brewing coffee and one of the teenagers sourdough breads permeated the atmosphere.
The younger ones, with assistance from parents and older siblings made waffles and brownies, jewellery, toys, baskets, and bug hotels.
Outgrown clothing and books were available for re-sale.
Herbs and seedlings had been potted for sale. Jams and juices were on offer.
The day was perfect. The nervous energy of the kids was contagious as people milled about.
There was a break in the icy winter weather and the snow capped mountains stood majestically in the backgound.
Part of the excitement of the day was the lifting of South Africa's ruling on masks. The winter sunshine smiled across the happy crowds.
The JeugMark did not limit itself to homeschoolers but invited school going kids.
It was interesting to see that those who are part of the public school system sold their parents wares while the homeschooling children explored their creativity.
For such a small farming community the united heart was evident.
The one feeling I heard vocalized time after time was about the hope of the future generation.
The resilience of youth is inspiring.
The brainchild of a few determined homeschooling moms paid off in this first JeugMark. Heading to the market early that morning I knew that it would excite our very own @dswigle - the inspiration behind #marketfriday as well as her own now grown children.
It was a privilege to be part of this joyful celebration of the next generation. May their creativity and individual birthright be a blessing and inspiration to those that experience them - as well as those that come after.
