An Education

We recently began our adventure through Homeschool Land! This is all new to us. I was personally schooled at home from 2nd-12th grade, my hubby was home mostly through high school. So, no, it is not comepletely foreign. However, it is all new for me to be the Home school MOM.

The Home school mom is a tough women. I have been struggling to figure out who I am in all of this. I worry constantly about cirriculum, field trips, I am continually looking out for an educational experience. I worry I do not have enough to teach. Am I strong, smart, confident, patient enough?! So many questions! I am working it out day by day speaking to other families in my same situation trying to gleen from their experiences.

The mockery. Oh the mockery. I realize other people will not, do not, agree with this particular style of education. Most of the people who are so hard against the idea, have very little understanding of all that it entails. I was at my sons football practice yesterday and got into a convo involving all our kids and their first week at school. UGH! They were all complaining about teachers, class sizes and resources..blah blah blah. They then got to me. I began to feel my heart pounding in my chest, when I answered. "we have chosen to Home school this year." Rutro. Now, they pounced! One question after the next, " why. why not private, charter?" " How can you stand to have them home all day?" " Don't you want them around other kids?" " you're one of those moms who just can't let go?!" Wow, I was standing there kinda stunned. I had sat through many convos of my mom and other people discussing why she home schooled us, you know, it was easier being the kid:) I am not one to be overly concerned with other peoples opinions of how I live my life, but this involves my kids. Some people are just so inconsiderate and harsh.

Personally I hate it when people tell me how frustrating/annoying it must be to have so many kids, or to have them around all the time. I think it is mean to my children to say those things. Am I wrong? Is it not offensive to ask me infront of my children "How can you stand to have them around?" Are you kidding me!? Yes, parenting is tough, the toughest job there is. NO, I do not regret any of my babies! I cherish my children and feel it is my (and my husbands) soul priority to raise them well. I do not think that everyone must home school or should. I feel it is right for us, for now. We have many reasons for doing this.

I Do Not think My kids are deprived, in any way, for not attending school this year. If anything, they are in better shape for it.

I will forever be in debt to my mother who poured hours upon hours , days upon days, years upon years ,into me as I grew up. She nurtured me emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically. I was well cared for. I do not ever regret being home schooled, as those were the best days of my life. Sure, I feel some things could, and probably should, have been done differently. Who doesn't feel some things could have been different in their past?

I do what I do, because my convictions lead me there.