One of the fundamental truths that the Stoics encourage us to contemplate is the impermanence of all things. As Irvine explains, “By contemplating the impermanence of everything in the world, we are forced to recognize that every time we do something could be the last time we do it, and this recognition can invest the things we do with a significance and intensity that would otherwise be absent. We will no longer sleepwalk through our life.” The Stoics remind us that our time is fleeting, and that we should therefore strive to live each day, each moment, to the fullest.

We can help our children develop this wake-up-and-live mentality by gently pointing out the transient nature of experiences, relationships, and material things. When they’re fully engaged in a joyful moment, we can invite them to really drink it in, knowing it will eventually pass. When they’re struggling through a challenge, we can remind them that this too shall pass. By learning to embrace each moment as a fleeting gift, they develop the capacity to live with greater presence, purpose, and open-heartedness.

The Stoics also emphasize that while we can’t control the events and circumstances of life, we always have the power to choose our response. This idea is encapsulated in the dichotomy of control, a central tenet of Stoicism. As Irvine writes, “Our most important choice in life, according to Epictetus, is whether to concern ourselves with things external to us or things internal.” True freedom and peace come from focusing on what is within our power – our judgments, actions, and character – rather than being attached to outcomes beyond our control.

We can model this empowering approach for our children by taking responsibility for our own inner state regardless of external circumstances. When difficulties arise in our homeschooling or family life, we can talk through how to view the situation in a constructive light, focus on what we can learn or improve, and respond with our best selves. We can guide them in internalizing their goals, aiming for intrinsic progress and character growth rather than external markers of success. By consciously directing our thoughts and actions towards wisdom and virtue, we teach them that they are the ultimate authors of their own experience.

Another powerful Stoic practice is that of voluntary discomfort – intentionally embracing challenges and discomforts in order to expand our resilience and appreciate our blessings. Irvine notes, “By undertaking acts of voluntary discomfort, we harden ourselves against misfortunes that might befall us in the future.” We can encourage our children to deliberately step out of their comfort zones, physically and emotionally, so that they can discover their inner strength. Family adventures in nature, service projects in unfamiliar environments, and heart-to-heart conversations about our struggles and vulnerabilities all provide opportunities to practice embracing discomfort for the sake of growth.

Perhaps most importantly, Stoicism reminds us to keep the big picture in mind and appreciate the preciousness of life in the face of our own mortality. Irvine sums it up poignantly: “The proximity of death, rather than depressing us, can be turned to our advantage. In our youth, because we assumed that we would live forever, we took our days for granted and as a result wasted many of them. In our old age, however, waking up each morning can be a cause for celebration.”

We can encourage our children to reflect on what matters most to them, how they want to be remembered, and what kind of legacy they want to leave. By keeping their deepest values and aspirations front and center as we learn together, we inspire them to invest their time and energy in what will bring the greatest fulfillment and make the biggest impact. Discussing inspiring exemplars, creating family mission statements, and engaging in service projects together all reinforce this sense of higher purpose.

Ultimately, by integrating Stoic wisdom into our homeschooling, we provide our children with a philosophical compass for navigating the complexities of life with greater clarity, resilience, and joy. We equip them to welcome the unfolding mystery of existence, knowing that while they can’t control what life will bring, they can always choose to live with virtue, purpose, and an open heart. And we embrace the adventure of learning and living together, finding peace and freedom in the knowledge that we are intentionally crafting a meaningful life in the precious time we have. In the words of Marcus Aurelius, “Perfection of character: to live your last day, every day, without frenzy, or sloth, or pretense.”