I never set out to be a homeschooler.
In fact, the few experiences I’d had with homeschoolers prior to becoming a homeschooling parent myself were a little, how shall I say it? Odd.
I remember one of my friends in high school whose parents pulled her out to homeschool, and the great pity I felt for her situation as a social 16-year-old.
So how did I find myself a homeschooler? Well, through a series of events including having a first child who was an early reader, not living in a great school district, moving mid-year across the country, and the chance meeting of a family whose homeschooled kids impressed us beyond belief, I woke up one day and said to my husband, “What do you think about homeschooling?”
We figured we’d try it for a year. The early days were fraught with wonder and questions — questions from the librarian who asked why we came in so often during school hours, from the checker at the grocery store who felt the need to quiz my young son publicly, and even from extended family members. There was wonder over watching my child sound out his first words, learn simple addition, and conduct messy “science experiments” in our kitchen.
7 Responses
You go, Mama! My son is only 14 months old but I have frequently gone back and forth in my head about homeschooling. I think that with love in our hearts and hard work, we can do it. It’s so important to do what’s best for our own families, even if it’s not the “norm” in society. I think you’re so brave and strong to take on this endeavor and you are a better Mom because of it! I hope that other Moms who are considering homeschooling will be inspired by reading this and take a leap of faith too! And to the Moms who are skeptical or judgmental about homeschooling, I hope they learn something from your post, willing to be more understanding of your choices. Please share more! I’m so interested in where this adventure takes you!
Wow! Thank you so much for the wonderful comment. Made my day! And as for your son, I’d say go for it! My oldest is now 24 and I’m so thankful I had all those wonderful days with him when he was young. 🙂 Blessings to you~Jen
Aww I love hearing that I made your day! It’s really Moms like you that inspire me to offer kindness and support to our community. 🙂
Great article! May the eyes of many be opened.
Thank you! We do what we can.
Love it, Jen! We did the “we’ll try it for a year” thing, too…and now I have a sophomore and a sixth grader in homeschool. 🙂
Isn’t it funny how that happens!!