I never thought in my life I would be homeschooling my kids! I thought it was only for extremely religious people or people who wanted complete control over their kids. And now here I am a homeschooling mom! Why do I do it? Lots of reasons, but these are the top few:
I am more interested in my kids being happy, caring, productive members of society than getting good grades. I think music, art, nature, learning compassion by volunteering, etc, are just as important as letters and numbers. Schools, at least here in California, have cut so many artistic programs and stress testing so much and at an earlier and earlier age! I don’t think that pressure is healthy or necessary. I want my kids to always hunger for learning and enjoy it, as they do now. Learning is our lifestyle, not something you do for a few hours a day then stop because you’re not at school. I want them to know learning can be anytime, anywhere, in a wide variety of ways!
Also, I am giving my kids the wonderful, irreplaceable gift of time! Time to sleep when they need it, relax and read when they want, time to delve into subjects they are interested in for as long as they want, go on many more field trips, out into nature, or just to play and be kids! They’ll have time to find their passions in life and try them out long before they need to pick a college major. (I hope). At least they’ll have much more time to try the things they like.
I liked this post for her answers on common questions people ask homeschool parents. My answers would be very similar, in case you were wondering:
http://blog.sukiwessling.com/2012/03/the-questions-the-answers/
I also love that my kids don’t feel they have to conform to the norm. They can learn at their own pace and take as much or little time as they need. They are learning to get along with people of all ages, not just their own age. Though we are also around lots of kids his own age many days of the week. There are so many great classes, event, field trips, and more for homeschoolers around here. Also, they’re more often learning from good roll models, not quite so much from their peers.
I read somewhere that “World Learner” would be a better title than “Homeschooler”. It would be more fitting! We are out in the real world learning in so many ways, so much more than can be taught in a classroom. We definitely don’t sit at home alone at the table doing worksheets all day! And I still have to work, read, and have a life outside of homeschooling.
I don’t think homeschooling is the only way or even the best way in many families to a good education, but it’s what is best for my family. At least for now. We’re open to changing if it ever stops working for us. Although I don’t think the school system is great, I know there are many fabulous teachers who do the best they can within the system and everyone needs to do what is best in their own situation. I just love that right now I am able to give these gifts to my kids while I can.
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