How Goes Homeschooling?
Author: Jenna StormsI know there are tons of homeschoolers out there. I know that atleast 50% when asked how is homeschooling, they say..."oh it is great! I just love it." I also believe at least 40% of those aren't telling the truth.
For me...it is not easy. It is not my cup of tea. I remember when my first child was off to kindergarten and I was so excited to get him out of the house for a couple hours so I only had my 2 year old at home with me. I remember being happy to have a schedule during the week just to get him to and from school.
Then first grade, a whole day where he is being watched for free. That all came crashing down half way into his first grade year. My conscience was creeping in helping me see where the deceit lies for us mothers. I began to realize that if that was my only reason for him to be there, then that was not enough!
Homeschooling is not easy...you have to force your own schedule and there is no one to tell you when to get up, or when to have your breakfast or start school. No number of tardies before you are 'in trouble'. Having a schedule and sticking to it, is probably the biggest challenge for me, mostly because of all the age differences.
The challenges don't end, you just learn to adjust and overcome, and don't be to hard on yourself. Mistakes are okay. Giving your child the opportunity to advance in what they have a passion for, and be apart of every learning experience they have...is a true blessing.
Mostly, I love that they are being able to explore who they are with out worrying about teachers or other students. My husband and I are their filter, which I believe are the only ones that have their BEST interest at heart. I can't tell you I do a fantastic job, but I am striving for good.
As for the 'social' arguement...I have 4 kids. Even if I had 2 kids, I still think that is something that the public school advocates love to throw out there. Kids don't need constant social interaction, they need to learn to communicate using proper words and learn right from wrong. Those things they can do in a family setting.
In saying that, I know there are parents out there that say "oh...kids just need the freedom to be kids". I guess supposedly they can do that aat school, away from home. Those kids are the kids that drive you crazy when you go anywhere with them...whether they are yours or they belong to someone else. Kids need freedom with in boundaries.
Kids need boundaries, whether they know they are there or not. Here is an example...my 20 month old goes with us to take my oldest to martial arts class. He loves to run around, but I have given him clear boundaries. He is not allowed on the big mat where the kids practice so if he puts one foot on that mat he has to sit down. If he stays off that mat, he is able to walk around and go on a smaller mat in the next room. He is very happy with his controlled freedom.
As for social needs, my kids get it with friends, at church, and through activities. That is plenty for them. Now my oldest is a bit shy, but a really great kid. I don't think he needs public school to force him out of his personality, I think with age it will subside and I think he will always be a bit shy. Nothing wrong with that, that is his personality.
Now my daughter, has never been shy. Would like to talk all day to anyone who will listen. I don't think she needs a school for that either. Now my third boy, he has got a lot of energy. He had major anxiety issues about being away from me when he was young. Instead of me throwing him into class, I gave him me as a security
I let him take his own time to get comfortable in homeschool classes and church. He eventually grew out of it. I think it would of made him worse if I would of forced him to conform to what our society thinks is correct. He is a great kid. He is what I like to call...passionate. He is also very smart, but does not like to sit still. Again...in a class room setting what would it be like for him?
So...how goes it? My life as a homeschooler is not easy but rewarding. This country was founded on education done with one book...the Bible! Then from there it was this little book called "The New England Primer"...our Founding Fathers came from that kind of education.
I like to think there are others out there like me who believe in more than just making sure our kids know what all the others kids are being taught. Public school is a criteria of information decided by God only knows who.
Now because I am not a scholar, God has given me my husband who comes along side to guide me.
Wow...I guess you would call that a rant, but I meant to just say homeschool is a challenge worth taking on! :)
Original Article found on http://jennastorms.com
About the Author:My name is Jenna Storms, full time mother of 4. My husband introduced me to the website building world, and I truly enjoy all aspects of putting together the website. It's a great creative outlet where I can share information about something I am passionate about, my life. I have many things I love to do, besides my children and I share it all at http://jennastorms.com
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