“Why Homeschooling?” is a different question to “Why are We Homeschooling” … and so I will answer these questions separately …
Why are we homeschooling?
Five years ago, I thought Homeschooling was something people did in the Australian Outback … on a farm … on a cb radio (yes, I saw that in an old movie once). And could not have been further from the truth.
Did I imagine myself then as a homeschooling Mom, complete in denim jumper, hair in braids and baking fresh bread in the morning … lol, well there is an image and I may just have to take a moment. No, fear not, you can now wipe that Little House on the Prairie image from your mind and think of me unshowered in yoga pants that have never seen the inside of a yoga studio, drinking my third cup of coffee.
What I did know three States, six homes and 4 schools later, was that the small private school we had the girls in was not a good fit for our family. (and I am not just talking about some of the so called Christian Mom’s that I restrained myself from running over in the parking lot in the mornings) My oldest was not being challenged academically, was being bullied by a teacher and was surrounded by a bunch of girls that one teacher described to me as the meanest group of girls she had ever known. My youngest on the other hand, was floating thro her days with little floral notes being sent home to me suggesting that she learn to sit in her chair during story time – even if she was the only one in the class who knew all the answers at the end. (Hello teacher, may I suggest you tell her to sit her *ss down in her chair?)
A chance conversation with a couple one afternoon had me scouring the internet for homeschool info and researching many different school options. Finally, after nearly a year of driving myself crazy, long discussions with MR51% and without having ever met a real live homeschooler …. we pulled the girls from school, took out shares in Books R Us and winged it! A few months later, in fact the day schools went back, they were settling themselves in their airline seats for a trip to Panama. The world was truly going to be their classroom. The smiles on their faces – priceless!
Homeschooling is the right fit for our family and yes, as I said, the world truly is our classroom since they have been so very fortunate to travel far and wide. I firmly believe that our children are learning value, have a greater appreciation of the world around them and are growing up to be well adjusted, compassionate young ladies. They are part of the generation that has no choice but to make a difference. We are trying our best to provide them with the tools and an education that will measure up to make that change.
They make us very proud wherever we take them. They are polite, respectful and accepting of all people. They judge no one. I am so blessed to be able to share this journey with them …
Homeschooling is truly a gift and the gift of sharing in life’s lessons with your children – that gift is all yours.
Enjoy them. Bask in this opportunity.
