After several self-deprecating posts about my spiritual walk, I feel it’s necessary to put some thoughts down about something that’s going well in my life. I, the admittedly reluctant home schooler, am learning to enjoy home schooling my kids. Yes, these are words I never thought were going to come from me. I’ve never been vehemently opposed to public school. I even have a secondary English degree. As a child, I loved school, the people, the atmosphere and even organizing my school supplies. My husband finds this very weird, but…oh well. Anyway, when we moved out here I substitute taught for a little while. I was amazed at how different it was from when I was a kid in a small farm school. This is a larger city and, at the risk of sounding ancient, times have changed. Other factors went into our decision to home school, financial, spiritual, and practical. It’s not that I’m against home schooling either. I know some really sharp families that home school. I also know some…well…not so sharp ones. It truly is a tough decision when you are responsible for how your child is educated. I love planning the year, and getting ready for lessons. I love getting supplies organized and knowing exactly what my child is learning, but I have fears too. Fear of messing them up. Fear that my kids won’t be able to spell or think or handle themselves in public somehow. For instance my middle daughter is a lot like me in personality. That’s good and bad. She gets easily distracted and easily frustrated and requires a lot more explanation than I seem to have time to give her. Then I get frustrated because she’s so frustrated. That’s what lead to our decision to switch her to video school after Christmas break. It’s only been a couple of weeks, but I can already tell that she’s thriving better. This is such a relief to me that I can hardly explain it.
So here is a list of what I’m loving about home schooling:
- I know exactly what my kids are learning.
- I get to use my love of teaching
- I get to be with my kids
- We laugh a lot
- I love seeing the light bulb go off when they “get” it.
- It’s amazing to watch a child start to read
- Let’s be honest, we don’t have to be ready by 7 am. To go anywhere
- We have flexibility to go with 2nd man when he goes out of town
- We can adjust our schedules if we need to.
- We can go places on weekdays like The Incredible Pizza Co. and have the place to ourselves because everyone else is in school.
- I can make sure to take the time and make sure that they “get it.”
- I’m relearning some things too.
- They’ll be healthier than if they ate school lunches
- They’re protected during these crucial foundational years
- My kids like each other because they are their only classmates
- They still get chances to play sports and have social friends through church as well
- No snow days to interrupt us.
- The teacher to student ratio is ideal
- We can have Home Economics days
- Field trips are cool
I don’t think home schooling is the only way. Or even the best way for everyone, but I’m learning more and more to appreciate it. I’m thankful for the opportunity and Hopefully, I’ll make the best of it.
2ndmanswife 
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to see how you work and learn so much!
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Nice one! If I could write like this I would be well chuffed. The more I read articles of such quality as this (which is rare), the more I think there might be a future for the Net. Keep it up, as it were.
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Well, thanks for the kind remarks. I hope I'm growing in my writing, as well as all areas of my life. I have to admit 2nd man and I had to look up the word chuffed. Think it will be our "word for the day" tomorrow 🙂 Would you mind sharing where you are from? Not crucial, but I'm just so curious about anyone that honors me with a click, let alone a comment. Thanks again!!
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Thank you for creating this web site! I am so happy to be able to watch the progress of this restoration. I am filled with admiration for what you are doing! Best of luck with your work.
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Aw, this was a really quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this also – taking time and real effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and never seem to get anything done… Regards…
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Good luck getting people behind this one. Though you make some VERY fascinating points, youre going to have to do more than bring up a few things that may be different than what weve already heard. What are trying to say here? What do you want us to think? It seems like you cant really get behind a unique thought. Anyway, thats just my opinion.
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Many thanks for the article. I will have a link back to this information from our fresh blog. Thanks again.
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This post is impressive! I’m gonna put this in the bookmarks before I lose the link I don’t believe I’ll ever find my way back here again otherwise
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Brilliant blog post, lots of helpful knowledge.
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Great job on the blog, it looks great. I am going to bookmark it and will make sure to check back weekly
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It was really inspiring I loved it, thanks a ton to bring me back and more closer to my real self and my family.
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People like this… sad to say – have no life, and can only complain about people that are actually doing something with theirs!! Anyway, that's just MY opinion!! Keep writing – the rest of us are thoroughly enjoying your blog!!!
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I have been homeschooled nearly all of my life and I wouldn't want to change back-EVER!!
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