I have been debating (with myself) over the last year, what I wanted to do about schooling for my daughters. Now that Kenzie is almost 3 it was time to make a decision. Would we be sending her to the local preschool and beyond for public education, or would I be keeping her home with me and making a go of homeschooling?
I've FINALLY decided. After a TON of internet research, speaking with other moms who homeschool, and a little soul searching, I've decided to homeschool my kids. This may sound crazy to some of you, as it's not as common in the small towns where we live, but I am very confident in my decision. Why, you ask?
While having a conversation with my own mom during one of her visits I blurted out something profound that I just couldn't stop revisiting thereafter. We were discussing the pros and cons of homeschooling and I surprised myself by saying that "every bad, negative, depressing moment and poor choice I made during those years of my life, stemmed from something at school." This really got me thinking back and stirred up a lot of good and bad emotions.
I still value many of the lessons I learned and friends I made during my school years, but after dwelling on my own revelation, I've come to see that those same formative lessons could have been learned in a much safer and more productive way, and that almost all of those friendships have disappeared as we've aged. The negative experiences, in the same sense, could have been avoided all together.
I'm sure everyone remembers high school. Elementary seems like a blur, and middle school is pretty foggy, but high school is crystal clear. While I do remember some wonderful moments, I seem to remember a lot more awful ones. I would say I was a typical female high school student. I had a lot of friends, dated the popular athletes, and was involved in a LOT of activities. Even so, I don't look back on high school with fondness now that I'm older. What I do remember, I don't want my girls to experience.
I remember feeling insecure. ALWAYS having to have the right clothes, the best hair, a good body, and a great complexion, all while still getting good grades and excelling in my after school activities of choice. I remember comparing myself to other girls, especially the ones my "boyfriend" couldn't help but check out, and comparing my family to everyone else's when I met someone who lived in a bigger house or drove a better car. I'm sure my parents could tell you their bank account didn't appreciate it either. I EXPECTED to get a car when I got my license, I expected my own cell phone, and I didn't even blink an eye at demanding my mom take me to the MOA to buy that ridiculously expensive prom dress so that I was sure NO ONE ELSE would have the same one on. I was snotty in high school at times, and I can't say I'm proud of that.
I remember peer pressure. I wanted to be liked and I wanted to be "cool," just as badly as everyone else. For the most part I succeeded, but to the detriment of my own character. Looking back, I wouldn't have done many of the things I did, had it not been for the sake of "fitting in." I experimented with alcohol WAY too young, felt pressured to have a boyfriend (and not lose him), broke curfew, broke laws, and broke some hearts along the way, my parents' included. Sure my mom can tell you a few hilarious stories about my drunken escapades and the scared high school boys running full speed away from my dad, but I sort of doubt she thought it was quite as funny that night.
I remember fights with friends, cliques, rumors and break ups. I remember dealing with so many of these things before I think I was mature enough to handle them, and having to sort it out publicly with everyone in the school aware of my business.
I don't want my girls to grow up that quickly.
I've also chosen to homeschool because of our current lifestyle. I'm a stay at home mom so of course I have "nothing better to do," :) but with my husband's work and travel schedule it will make a lot more sense for our family. My kids will be in school year round (so none of that forgetting things over break) which will allow us to take a day off when Daddy has one, and travel with him when he has to (field trip!)
Of course I'm biased, but my kids are clearly geniuses, so I am excited for them to also be able to learn at their own pace. There are so many tools out there now for homeschooling, both online for students and parents, that I don't have to worry about them losing interest in a subject because they simply had a poor teacher!
We will also be able to incorporate our faith into their education, something I feel strongly about, focus on subjects that they enjoy or excel in, and have more control over the influences they're exposed to.
I worried for a bit if my kids would end up "weird." The one thing they'll be missing, and that everyone points out, is the social interaction of school. To this I say, so what! Not much positive interaction happens there between peers anyway. My kids aren't going to be hermits. I plan to enroll them in every sport and activity they want to pursue, host plenty of play dates, sleep overs, and parties and encourage every friendship they develop. They'll be interacting with MANY people beyond ourselves, the rest of their family, their teammates, their coaches, and all of the interesting people and tutors they're going to meet along the way.
I've also been asked, "what about college?" I've thought about this too. Turns out colleges are actually seeking out and recruiting homeschooled students because they're typically better educated and more self motivated. Who knew!
I don't hope to convince anyone else that homeschooling is the "right" choice. It's simply "right" for our family at this point. If you are interested in homeschooling, or have questions, I am no expert, but I can certainly point you to some of the information I've been reading. I hope to blog about our adventures with it and maybe make it a bit more accepted in our area.
Here also is a list of some very important and famous individuals who were actually homeschooled. A few might surprise you!
Important and Famous Homeschooled Individuals
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