The Simple Homemaker

Homeschooling, What it means to me.....

I am so very grateful that we as parents have the right and choice to homeschool our children.  To me it seems to be the most natural thing to do.  I am already their teacher of so many things, why not their academics?  Our chilldren were in public school for several years.  I volunteered and was there everyday to check their progress.  Our children are very bright individuals, however they simply were not happy and doing what they even felt could be their best.  They love to learn.  So, we removed them from school and began this wonderful journey. 

I often do not talk about homeschooling because I do not believe it is for everyone.  Some are unable due to financial constraints.  I understand nor do I push it onto others.  Like some have stated thank goodness we have the freedom in this country....However, I do take offense to those who are ignorant to the lives we choose to live.  I have had people just so rude they ask questions about socialization in front of my children!  Now let me ask you this,  "Who needs a lesson on how to behave?" 

My children are now receiving a much more enriched education.  They are now exposed to more arts/cutures then the public school could ever offer.  They also are enjoying their time as children.  They are exposed to general play and not just video games.  They have a love and appreciation for the outdoors and others feelings....  Yes, I know that the argument is there if parents/guardians all helped out we could improve our schools.  I did that for five years.....During that time I watched my children slowly slip away.  I chose not wait until the school district could get it right. 

I am very passionate about this and pray for God's strength when dealing with other's perceptions.  Actually, it is not the perceptions that bother me, it 's the words and advice that are unsolicited that attack our family that do.  I truly feel sorry for those who do this.  Those who feel the need to judge others.  Those who say mean and hurtful things.  What are they trying to accomplish? Do they feel any better?  I think not.....

Homeschooling, what it means to me.....I feel so privileged and blessed to be with my children.  I am challenged everyday with new and exciting things and most importantly the children are thriving!

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11:38, Saturday, April 5, 2008 .. Posted by Schatzi

Thanks for the great post....we homeschooled our girls for seven years. Then we moved and they wanted to attend public school. Our oldest is special needs and she went into a special program...she loved it....our daughter started grade 10 after being homeschooled from grade two....and our other daughter we held her back a year and put her in grade seven and our son in Kindergarten....it was a huge adjustment, but I can say that they all did amazing...was it perfect ...definately NO...we had lots of stress that our children had not been exposed to before....bullying was the biggest...we had lots of meetings with principals and teachers...but they survived with lots of prayers....they were on the honour roll every term and two have now graduated and our youngest bio daughter is in grade 11. We wanted to put her in a private christian school, but she did not want to she said....."Mom, I need to be a light in a school that is filled with darkness....if I leave then that is one less light shining for God". Our daughter attends a school that is almost 60% East Indian and Muslim....

Then we adopted our children from African and decided to homeschool them....we tried the public school first...sorry this is a long story, so I will make it quickl....my children hated being homeschooled....they were so incredibly lonely that I thought they would die of loneliness...so I went to a different school, very small and talked with the principal....they are doing absolutely amazing. They come from an orphanage of 500-600 children and they were not use to being home with just mom and their special needs 22 year old sister....

So I appreciated what you said about living in a "free country"...where we as parents can decide what is best for our children....afterall, isn't it about the children???

But I will say that when we moved across the river, all our homeschool friends disowned us and never spoke to us again...they said our children would taint them because they attended public school. Well, I can tell you our children are ALL serving the Lord and have not done drugs, drinking, sex and all the other things....only by the grace of God can I say that....but you are right DO NOT JUDGE anyone for the decisions they feel are best for THEIR children.

Sorry this went on, but it was a great post.

Blessings,

Connie

I agree

03:32, Saturday, April 5, 2008 .. Posted by TheGoodLife

Our dd wanted to try school alst year - we let her - she saw both sides & decided to come home (no home works & she actually missed her hs curriculum mathusee & apologia)

I am greatful we are home schooling.

Yesterday ds & dh were up in roof space laying rat bate - we have visitors. They found a huge birds nest. DS had just learnt about nests in apologia this week & went on to tell his dad about apartments - a good feeling for all.


Love Leanne

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01:49, Sunday, April 6, 2008 .. Posted by a1health

I have been a homeschooling parent in the past and am now a parent of children in the public school system because of my son's learning disability (that was the only way to get his services for free). I think we should all respect eachother's reasonings for both. I love homeschooling, but I now am able to fulfill my husbands wants for me to do for him, which makes him happy.
Blessings for your week.
~Farrah

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10:15, Monday, April 7, 2008 .. Posted by OklahomaSweetPea06

I believe the Lord is leading a lot of HIS Children to bring their children home to be schooled, so they may know of HIM in all things and not just" Sunday Worship", to often our kids are sent out to be whatever in the light to others but they are just as immature as the next kid. My two kids especially my DD went from loving school to dreading it, that was hard to see. I know the Lord has plans otherwise He wouldnt have taken me their mother to be lead down this path, I believe we all learn when we all home school not just the "struggling" former PS kid but the parents too. Bless you on your decision to have home schooled your kiddo's

Great post...

07:44, Wednesday, April 9, 2008 .. Posted by Glammon

My extended family is always very generous to share their opinions, so I can just imagine if we have kids (they will be homeschooled) what fun things my family will say to us. A cousin of mine already intends to homeschool, and I support her 100% with her decision. It's not an easy decision to make or follow through with, but well worth the effort. IMO

Have a great day!
~Gretchen