8.08.2009

Homeschool - The Rebuttals

"I couldn't do that!"

"Better you than me..."

"If he doesn't get a proper education, the only person you can blame is yourself."

"It takes a lot of discipline, and we're not really known for that."

Now that the decision to homeschool Andrew has been made, it seems like all the negative comments are pouring in.

Guys, let me just say that I've been praying like crazy for God to slam this door shut. The comments I've gotten are nothing I haven't said to myself. I know I'm not the most disciplined person in the world. I know taking on sole responsibility for Andrew's education is risky. I know it's not going to be easy.

I also know that there's immense Christian homeschool support available to me. I'm not perfect, I'm gonna stumble a few times. But I've got wonderful women here to pick me up, dust me off, and point me in the right direction.

I also know that homeschooling for kindergarten is not the same as homeschooling a 10th grade curriculum. The structure element is not the same. We will be using workbooks at a K and 1st grade level so I can be fairly confident that he stays challenged. Life skills are also important, and there's plenty of education to be had at the grocery store, walking through a nature center, cooking at home. And, at the end of the year, Andrew needs to be able to pass a test *that he can probably pass if taken today*

I also know what it's like to have my kid labeled. Andrew was on an IEP for his two years of preschool for attention issues. Hypothetically, I send him to kindergarten. Where they're reaching the lowest common denominator. He gets bored. Fidgety. Starts being "disruptive". My child was just released from his IEP in May, he doesn't need to be labeled again.

I also know that I look forward to being responsible for his education. Raising my hand here, I'm a product of the school system. Even the Christian school system. I'm not impressed with either. And, from what I understand, homeschooled kids are in demand in colleges these days. And why not? They've been educated in the fullest sense of the word. If they didn't understand something, school didn't pass them by. If they're advanced, school didn't dumb them down or leave them bored. They're for the most part disciplined and self-motivating. What school/college/future employer wouldn't want that?

I also know that I love my son fiercely, and want what's best for him. His education is paramount to me. And if that means that I have to make structure a habit, well, I'm gonna pull up my big girl panties and make it happen. When it comes to mandatory things, like clocking in at work, the OCD in me kicks into high gear and discipline abounds. We'll be okay in that area.

And, for those concerned about the socialization aspect, Andrew's calendar is already pretty full. Karate twice a week, AWANAS every Wednesday, Sunday School, McCHEO-sponsored gym classes/art classes/science classes, we've got annual passes to Boonshoft - we'll be lucky if we have a full day at home.

I hope everyone understands this is not a decision I took lightly. More than anyone, I was looking forward to the "me time" while someone else took responsibility for my son's future. I thank God that He used that math problem to open my eyes and see that this is an option and we need to explore it. He led me to my friend Amy, who led me to Kim, who is the county coordinator for Christian homeschool and a mom who just had her last daughter graduate from homeschooling. Anita has passed me email addresses for her son and his wife, perfect strangers, yet people who are doing it and look forward to helping someone else. Fellow Grace Baptist members, Madonna, Margie, women I'm not close to, but have still reached out in support. Even Jeanne, Andrew's substitute grandma and a woman just retired from the public school system, had nothing but encouragement for this decision.

Everywhere I've turned, homeschool moms are crawling out of the woodwork. And not one of them said, "I wish I hadn't."

I won't be the one to say "I wish I had."

11 comments:

  1. Please depend on God for your strength; pulling up your "big girl panties" won't result in life-giving education.

    I'll be on my knees for you as you move off into your God-directed journey!

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  2. I didn't read you whole post but I want you to know that I know allot of women who home schooled their children and they have grown into perfectly wonderful adults. You do whatever works for you.

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  3. While pulling up your big girl panties won't result in life-giving education (re: Dave's comment), it WILL cause you to make the right decisions based on the right reasons.

    I'm a homeschooling Mom. When I pulled them out of school in March, they were grades 3 and 5, and failing. They were pushed ahead grades when they weren't ready, and probably should have been grades 2 and 4. The school system, public and private, failed them.

    In two months of homeschooling, they have BOTH caught up to their peers. They still struggle in certain subjects, but because we are homeschooling we can place more focus on those particular subjects, instead of only an hour a day like at school.

    And forget about "homework". When homeschool is done for the day, it's done for the day. No need to "send extra work to do at home". Which means more time with the family, JUST AS IT SHOULD BE.

    Maybe I'm biased, but I think you are making the best choice and applaud you. I'm here for you to offer my support. I even have a homeschool blog here in Blogger. Check it out. It's geared more for older ages, but there may be some resources you can use.

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  4. Good for you, Girl!! I know you can do it, and as for being scared, I'm sure even IF you decided it wasn't working out as expected, you could always go ahead and enroll him into school. I think this will be a wonderful thing for you. It will definitely fill your time and give you something positive to focus on. I will be praying for you - I know you can do it! My best friend homeschooled all 6 of her kids after deciding to take them out of public school and they all excelled! Good for you girl! I know you will turn to the Lord for the strength you need, and He will give it to you!

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  5. You can do it, God won't let you down!

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  6. Good for you and kudos for you for following what you feel God is directing you to do. You're walking into this decision with your eyes wide open and I can tell that this decision didn't become lightly.

    Good luck and I will pray for your strength!

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  7. How refreshing to read your post. This is our first year homeschooling and I've come up against all the same comments from well intentioned people (I have to believe all those opinionated people are well intentioned). Maybe I should post an open letter on my blog :)

    God bless

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  8. My best friend homeschools her kids, and is far from being organized or disciplined. But it works out wonderfully for her and her family. I think the most important element to her success is joining a real life support system as well- she does follow a set curriculum (can't remember which), but is part of a local homeschool association as well. She gets a lot of ideas and support from them, as well as access to activities. And like you said, 'life lessons' are important as well!

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  9. Please tell me someone didn't actually say that 3rd quote to you!

    I'm really excited for you, and it's obvious this isn't a decision you're taking lightly.

    I think everything is working out exactly as it should :)

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  10. You want my advice? My advice is to ignore everyone elses advice because only YOU knows whats best for your son. As a former teacher, I can tell you that my students who were homeschooled were far better students when it came to academics and behavior. Socially they were a little off but you have your son in so many activities that I think he will be fine. Your son will exceed his peers and every college is going to want him because like you said he is going to be on top...I know his mama is going to make sure of that! You will love your child more than any teacher will ever love him and you will see that he gets everything he needs. :)

    So put on your big girl panties and get ready to teach! :) If you need anything, shoot me an e-mail! I have tons of info and sites from the years I taught.

    YOU CAN DO IT! :)

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