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Each new school year brings a huge mixture of emotions in this house. The kids are anxious and excited - they're ready to see their friends again, ready to meet their teachers, and ready to get back to that familiar routine. I, on the other hand, am constantly combating feelings of uncertainty. There is always an uneasiness that takes over.
"Is this what's right for us?"
My kids have always gone to public schools. At age 4 they start the awesome Pre-K program we have and the they continue on year after year. I have to say, we've had great experiences. Amazing teachers, great friends made, fun activities, no getting into trouble, getting left behind, or anything like that. The kids enjoy school - especially Carter. There are no tears when it's time to go, no one whines to stay home. They really, honestly, enjoy it.
So, where does this feeling in my gut come from? Why do I always wonder "should I look into bringing them home?"
I called a good friend of mine, that's done home schooling and public schooling, and has settled on home schooling this year, to talk out my issues. I was amazed when she said, "I never know what's right either... I question myself just like you do."
Wow.. really?! I assumed that if you made the choice to home school, you'd feel sure about it. But, I'm finding more and more moms that honestly say, "I really don't know if this is best for them... or best for me. It's just the decision we made."
What's a mom to do?
For me, there's no question my kids are starting school this Thursday. We'll see how the year goes. I really feel like we're just taking it a day at a time, a month at a time, a year at a time. Maybe they'll start, love it, and I'll love it, too. Maybe this will be the year that doesn't go so well... and things change around here. I don't know - but it feels awful to question such a big decision.
Is anyone else on the fence about public school vs. home schooling - even though you've had children in school for years? (my oldest is going to 4th.) I know it's the socially acceptable way to do it... kids just go to school... but I can't help but step back and wonder if MY kids are getting the best they can from school, or if they'd get more from home. Could I teach them as well as their teachers have? Would I turn them into the stereo-typical "weird home schooled kids"? (please don't think I think home schooled kids are weird.. I know a whole herd of them and they are NOT. But, you know how people think..) I honestly don't know the answer to these questions.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
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6 comments:
Me either but if someone comments with "the answer" please be sure to forward it on!
In my opinion...
It's all about taking it one day at a time exactly as you're doing. God will give you peace if and/or when it's time to do something different. As long as you're seeking His direction.
I have no children so I don't have personal experience to share. I had a friend who was just uncomfortable with sending her kid to school. So, she homeschooled in kindergarten. In first grade, she and her husband, after much prayer, decided it was right to send her to public school.
The devil LOVE LOVE LOVES to get in our minds and make us question ourselves ESPECIALLY if we know we're seeking the Lord because often then we can be fooled into thinking Satan's sly moves are from God.
there is no way i could do better by my kids. but i also have always lived in places with good schools.
at the same point, school teaches kids about socialization and dealing with other people/problems that arise. kids don't get that when they are homeschooled.
Hello, as a mom who homeschooled for 8 years, I have to say it was one of the craziest, most enjoyable, most insane times of our lives! I started out HS because my 2nd child was entering middle school and I did not want her there. She also was a very gifted ADHD student who thought she was stupid because she couldn't keep up in the classroom (too distracted). My son was in 3rd and my youngest was starting 1st grade. I realized later on that my youngest was also ADHD, and not as high an IQ as my other daughter and she struggled and would have had major difficulty in public school.
We HS until the day that God wrote it on the wall it was time for them to go back. I always said that is waht it would take and we were having some difficulties and my husband said, send them to school. I started to open my mouth to protest, but just as quickly a peace came over me. So they went to high school, with a strong foundation. Was it easy? Did they do everything right? No. They have both graduated now. The older daughter actually got her GED at 17 and went on to college. She currently works in the theater, TV and movies as technical support. The other 2 are attending technical school.
It is a choice that each family has to make. And you want to research your state as each state is different. Also, fyi, I saw on one of your other pages that you have foster kids. I know in the state of GA you cannot homeschool your foster kids. Don't know what your full situation is, but you want to get the facts up front, especially if you are not sure that God is calling you to this.
PRAY! That's the first step! I left a message at Mckmama's, but wanted to say it here too.
We are long time homeschoolers now, and it feels right 90% of the time, but there are still moments, days and even weeks, when I say "What were you thinking?!". When we started, I just kept reminding myself that it wasn't permanent. I didn't have to decide for their whole lives, or even the whole year. I could put them in, or pull them out, if it wasn't working. If you want to to try, you can send them while you get ready, then pull them out and get started. If it doesn't work out, put them back in!
I needed this tonight! I have been trying to make the same decision since the beginning of last year. This is our first year in the school system and we are going to wait and see. I have this lump in my chest type feeling when I think about him there but then I doubt myself and if I could give him everything he needs to learn at home. We can have peace in knowing we have another person feeling ths same thing. I agree with the above comment that the devil is in this trying to confuse me. Thank you for your honesty!
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