Recently had an inquiry from a friend who loved what I was doing with my kids and gave me some encouraging words related to my blog and website. She was interested in the drawbacks to homeschooling. Here is my response to her:
"Thanks for all your uplifting words and encouragement on my blog / webpage... I hear what you are saying; the more I home school, the more I hear about public schools / kids bullying / lack of learning... I'm glad we are doing it! It is a decision that has really enlightened me as to what is best for me / our family. My kids can learn without fear of ridicule of being a 'nerd', and learn in a fun and interactive manner! They can continue to have the feeling that learning is fun!
Our obstacles are 1. income (which God has really taken care of us as we step out in faith to do what we felt was best... And, financially, we don't get to purchase things we did without thinking like when I worked at the hospital or even as a teacher... We keep a tight budget - like hardly ever eating out!! Eating out was one cut back that was easy to make, since I'm home and can cook ....and I can shop more diligently at the grocery store.)
Another challenge is always thinking you are behind what the other kids are learning or feeling as though you are completely responsible for their learning... There is no one to blame if they don't know their multiplication tables but me (LOL). And as they get older, this will be more of a challenge; however, we have found some terrific curriculum that is engaging and easy to understand. It is not like doing homework with your child. You are in charge of finding resources you approve of (like worksheets, a website, or a library books) and that your kids will enjoy.
Another challenge is being home with them all day. It is heavenly 95% of the time; however, the other 5% is hair - pulling. LOL. I am much more relaxed with the kids when we are having fun; when I try to push them or get frustrated about something, I just put it away till tomorrow or next week and we work on another topic. When you are with them all the time, you do miss going to work or at least hanging out with grownups.....
Lastly, I'd say finding the right curriculum to satisfy you and your child. This is quite challenging, cause there are so many options, and it seems every family does something different. I've been doing this for three years and have had 3 different science, history, math, and language curricula. Each year, I try something new (or even in the middle of the year I've switched because the books/computer software/curriculum was not engaging and/or worthy??? I hope I have explained this one right....
We have a new support group for our county (that I've headed up with a few other moms - one other is a WV certified teacher too) that has activities, moms meetings/support/etc. This will help with the socialization which everyone is so afraid the child will not get. We have several field trips for the spring (and summer activities of 4H pool so far).
As far as me home schooling, I do that! I have one other child. I only school her 3 days/week - Tues-Thurs. I charge $20/day. I would have to let you know, that I would prefer your child be in the same grade as one of my others or very close so we can school history and science together, you know. I have an 8th grader who mostly does her work independently and asks me questions when needed. She uses the computer, workbooks, library books, and I've even created a curriculum for her in WV History.
My other kids are 4th,3rd,& 2nd. I actually have an application if you would like to consider this option. BUT I would urge you to school her yourself and do some work from home if you can...or quit all together. LOL!!! It would be worth it. I may go back to work after my kids are grown, but I may just home school their kids - I love it so much....
If you want to meet or come over, ...you are welcome to do so! We can discuss it further and you can get a better idea of what we do / ask questions.... Talk to you soon. (Sorry to be so long winded!!!)"
What would you add to these drawbacks if you currently home school?
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