Q will be home schooled just like her sisters. Maybe not always and forever but for now. I have one daughter who will enter high school next year and she will be my only that has ever stepped foot in any sort of "structured" school. It will be on a semester by semester basis. She knows that if I see any negative changes in her that cannot be resolved, I will encourage her to come home. I have graduated two kids already, I know how to do high school. I want her to have a wonderful experience but how nice to know you have options.
Now I am not saying that my youngest doesn't need social interaction. That she does and gets now, but jeez did every farm girl or boy end up socially retarded because they lived a mostly isolated life. Of course mine won't be isolated as we attend church and Awana and home school groups and dance and the like. You get where I am going. I just needed to listen to that voice and know that the reason it wasn't feeling right before is because for us, it wasn't right. If at all you have the chance to home school, try it. You will be blessed with a wonderful life with your kids. I did it for eighteen years while working too, part time, but it can be done.
I in no way am putting down the other options of schooling out there. That is not my style. I feel we all have to choose our own path of parenting. But for me and my house, I had to make a decision for my youngest and feel at peace that once again the old books that had been boxed up and ready to pass on just weeks before I found out I was pregnant with her, will once again be opened and used and shared at the kitchen table.
Linking to:
Raising Homemakers
23 comments:
I think its wonderful that you home schooled your children, we have very few homeschoolers here in our area, more now than before, i had never even heard of the option when I was raising my children 30 years ago.We are quite isolated up north here and home schooling would have been a great option, our kids went to school in small country schools, but if we lioved in big cities I think I would opt for home schooling, quite a committment though I would think but must be very satisfying,
I totally commend your choice for home schooling Elaine. As it would not be for me, I do get why people make the choice. We are very fortunate to be in a wonderful public school system, with so many uplifting values. Our son would never be afforded to March in the Dublin parade next Spring if not in the awesome band program he is in. You sound like you have done an absolutely amazing job balancing it all, along with the much needed social action!~
Follow your mama heart. We usually know what is best.
blessings to you.
Thank you. Just thank you so much. I battle these thoughts every year. And just a few weeks ago I was at the doctor with both kids, and the doctor (young, new, a resident in training) grilled me hard about "socialization." Wouldn't back off. You'd have to know my Extremely Outgoing kids to know how ridiculous that subject is. Even my kids were mad at that doc when we left the office (won't be seeing her again!). I support you completely in your decisions, to put your daughter in public school (on a trial basis) and definitely to homeschool your sweet Q, those early days homeschooling are the sweetest ever. Hugs ~ Mary
Good for you for doing what you know is right for your family! Enjoy your time with your daughter!
Good for you! Follow your mother's instinct and enjoy having your youngest home!!
Going with your gut has always worked for me. You know best Mama!!
: )
GOOD for you...I wish I had homeschooled!!!!!!!!!!!!
Some how this doesn't surprise me. Your mama heart is as instinctive as a mama grizzly bear and you always have your girls best interest at heart. Good for you...do what you believe is best. It's worked wonderfully so far. :-) Patty
Some how this doesn't surprise me. Your mama heart is as instinctive as a mama grizzly bear and you always have your girls best interest at heart. Good for you...do what you believe is best. It's worked wonderfully so far. :-) Patty
Good for you Elaine. Do what you know is BEST for your family.
Smiles,
Debbie
Good for you. I think you have to go with your gut and heart and making the right decision. :D
I really don't hear much that is positive about the social interaction in grade schools these days. You don't get to chose who you child interacts with and have to deal with bullies, kids from dysfunctional families, violent kids, etc. This way, you control the exposure. Anyway, you know what is best for your child. ~ Maureen
You know what is best for Q. You can socialize her in church and other groups just fine. She will be fine just like the other kiddos. I would have home schooled had my nursing allowed for it but it did not.
Glad you are following what you know is best for your family! And yes, your flowers are gorgeous!
YAY!!!
It sometimes come to that...needing to decide 'for now'...'for your family' -Even at times we have to decide all over again. To be reminded why we do it. I was faced with this decision many times...but I know I would always choose to home school.
I think Q will be fine-- even if she is the only child at home. I've always believed (this is my personal opinion) that kids that are home with mom, learning and going about their day will become socially adept, as long as they have a normal home life.
Because we don't socialize in this world with people 'just our own ages'...we interact all day long with people of all age groups, economical diversity and variable hardships. It is called life!
I'm happy you have peace what you're doing--that is all any parent wants, whether they keep their children home or send them away for school.
take care, Pat
I think if home schooling is for you then you should do it. I chose the public school route for my daughter. My husband was a teacher and she is now a special education teacher. There is a lot wrong with public education but there is a lot right with it too.
Cathy
I went through that same thing with my youngest. (7 years between him and his next older brother.) I actually put him in school for a month before I got back on track. This was right after 9/11 and I think I just freaked out like many people did then. Glad that you are following your heart and sticking with what works for your family.
If you feel settled with the decision then you know it is the right one. It is hard to raise kids, isn't it, and I often 2nd guess my own decisions I made.
I hope the year is a smooth one for all of you- xo Diana
I commend you for your decision...you are the parent and it should be up to you...not be pressured by others. You know what's best for Q! Have a great day!! Pretty flowers by the way!!
I'm glad to see this post. I've been thinking about/praying about homeschooling and haven't made a decision yet. I'm doing preschool at home with my daughter now, but haven't decided anything more after that. I see pros and cons to both sides so I'm just seeking the Lord's will on the matter.
The biggest draw back that people are quick to point out to me is the "socialization" thing. Stating that homeschooled kids act "strange." But I think that's silly. I've always been under the impression that homeschool kids are generally more polite, respectful, and aware of others around them than main stream kids. I don't see anything strange about that at all. And I always come back to the point that you made, back in the day homeschool was the norm, I believe that's actually how God intended it to be originally, and those generations turned out just fine.
Anyways, I'm glad to see someone not caving to "popular opinion" and going with their gut instinct on this issue. Best wishes to you.
I commend you for that! In this day and age I would definitely home school.
Good for you, Elaine!!
You go for it!
Homeschooling is a great blessing.
love..Trish
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