Even though it's my Zane's first day of school--EVER!--I am NOT going to take "homeschooling mom" off my profile. Because in my heart, that's still what I am..... and always will be. And a dang good one too! I've taken a lot of guff from some family and friends for my choice to homeschool over the years, but it's been one of those things I've stuck with anyway. We've homeschooled through two new babies, through my mother's cancer battle and death,through a move and a major remodel, through my bout with rheumatic fever, and through the intensity of a divorce. I never thought I'd come up against a situation that would thwart me---but having to re-plan and re-imagine our whole world turned out to be THE situation. I know I'm making the right decision for now. A year in public school with their friends will, I think, turn out to be a good thing in the long run. At least then they will always have something to compare their homeschool experience to. And I'll get to spend a little more one on one time with the little guys (who are already asking me to "have school" with them....), and I'll be able to establish a routine for my own college studies. Who knows what we'll be doing next year! If my boys really hate public school and ask to be homeschooled again, I'll find a way to do it. You betcha I will! And hopefully those of you who have read my blog for any amount of time have been able to observe that my kids are brilliant--each in their own way--- that they are not social rejects without friends or activities outside the home, we do not drink bean sprout milkshakes or wear homemade uniforms, neither of them have two heads, and that "school"--though crucial to our day-- does not occupy the majority of it. I know homeschooling isn't a choice for everyone, but if you've ever considered it, or really feel it would be in the best interest of your child--I say GO FOR IT! You'll never regret at least giving it a try!
Now will someone go get me a bucket for all these tears :( ?!
33 comments:
I can only imagine the trepidation that you are feeling as you send your children off to the great unknown. If it helps it is the same every year for me: will the teacher love them, will they take the time to get to know this special person and use that knowledge to help them learn and not conform, will they be happy? I almost hate seeing the summer end but it is all just a part of life. Hang in there, I cry buckets the first week too.
I'm sorry!!! When our oldest went to Kindergarten last year I was a total MESS that first day, wondering if we should have kept her home for homeschool, etc. I can't imagine being a homeschooling family and then going to public school. So hard to send them off. :(
Do you all have year round school because it's so early to start back. They will be fine Jennifer and it is because you have instilled such confidence in them that they will succeed and prosper this year. Pray with and over them every day as they leave the house. That's what I do with my kids. And I mean EVERY DAY before they leave we all hold hands and pray before they walk out that door.
I will be thinking of you all day!
Why, WHY is school starting in July? I am so sheltered!
I just know that he's gonna do just fine and so will you! I know that you are sad but, you are doing what any of us would do and I want to encourage you in all of those hard choices that you are making right now.
You are loved dearly!
My heart continues to go out to you. I understand that this is not the perfect choice, but it is a choice you had to make based on the circumstances you have been handed. Hang in there and they will be fine. Pray that they find favor with their peers and teachers.
Lisa Q
lifewiththequeens.blogspot.com
nester--
Debbie guess right---year round school. And my boys ended up on seperate tracks so they start at different times. Kind of a pain for now, but so goes life in an open, competitive school district!
thanks everyone for the encouragement!
I think it is great that you homeschooled. I am sure it was a great thing for them. I am sure that they will be fine now too though. They are great kids with a rock solid foundation to keep them going.
year-round seems to be good for those that are in it...though the kiddo-s don't really get a "summer vaca" bear it up jennifer, your boys will do ok...it isn't you, but they'll so ok.
my mom got guff from tons of people about home schooling her kids and my hubby was a huge antagonistic when it came to home schooling for a long time, until it came down to how terrible P.S. is and the fact that our son would be influenced by it...i think that we've come to a good compromise on the situation though.
I wish I had the patience to homeschool. I think as it is my oldest and I would just butt heads all day. But your boys will be fine. They have had more time to prepare than some of ours had.
As a k12 mom too I can completely relate to your pain. I have dealt with the whole "homeschool" stigma that people automatically associate with those of us who make this choice. If I know anything about your family your children will do great. They will thrive because of the love and support they have at home. I'll cry with you, Bailey is still at camp!
You're all going to do wonderfully! You've got great, fun kids, they are going to love it. And you will enjoy the much needed break and time with just the little ones. It's never easy to send the kids away those first few days, but then a routine happens and it's all good. Can't wait to hear how the day went.
you and the boys are going to do beautifully, just like always :)
I know you'll find a way to make this experience joyful!
Awwww...*BIG HUGS*
Oh...I'm saying an extra special prayer for you and your Zane today. Must be very hard but you sound like you are making the right decision...and YOU know what's best :) Maybe you should make a run to Sam's or Costco for some tissue :)
I think its great that you homeschooled your kids! I also think its great that your sending them to public school because im SURE it will be a good experience! Its good that they can having something to compare their homeschooling with and to see what works best for their learning.
Ive also had many, many people frown apon me for being a homeschooler. And its really tough because most of my friends attend private Christian schools. But in the end, im so glad to be homeschooled...i love it :)...of course i still miss going to school every now and then however
From what I have read of your children, they seem to be very resilient and wonderfully gifted. You have prepared them for moments such as these and are demonstrating to them how to make wise choices even when you would rather do something else. I pray that their time in public school will only help to affirm their character and build them up as men.
From one homeschooler to another - you have to do what is right for your situation. We homeschool Katie. But Madalyn is in public school. And both are where they need to be. Both for themselves and for me. I am sure your kids will do great!
I cannot believe that they seperated your kids on different tracks. I think I would be making a stink about it. But that is me and I tend to burn, bomb, and otherwise make sure that my bridges are left not standing. Mother Bear in me.
Have your HT give them a blessing before school starts and you too. Even us mom's that are going back to school need those blessings from above. It has always helped me to do better.
Check out my blog, I pay tribute to you in a weird sorda way, hope you do not mind but I think that we are sister's in the demented arena.
I've known a couple people who homeschooled their kids and they were very intelligent. Back where we lived in Florida -- the school system wasn't too good(I am not saying that was true of all of Florida -- just where we lived). I always said that if I had kids while living there I would homeschool them.
Now we live in Kansas and the school system here is fantastic. I work at one and I am amazed at what these kids learn. I would have no problem putting my future kids(if we still live here) in school here.
I think it is smart of you to just give it a try and see how it works. And you are right -- you can always go back to homeschooling.
Barack Obama was homeschooled !
Jennifer! You are the second blog I've read this week with "going back to school" blues by the mommies. I think yours is exceptionally sad however, due to the fact that you love to home school and you love your kids more than anyone else will (as all mommies do). I am still in blissful denial that my son is going off to first grade this year...all day. I've never had a moment to really take it in. I'm sure that as soon as his full day starts, you will be reading all about my "first day of school" mommy blues.
When I first read your blog (secretly), one of your first posts was about homeschoolers. It was hilarious. I think the video went along with the Brady Bunch theme song or something (I, unlike you, have a horrid memory!). Anyway, you put me at ease. The kids who were homeschooled in our tinsy winsy town fit some of the stereotypes. Yours don't, and you are just like me, fabulously normal and nuts! Best wishes to their first school year! I hope Ethan makes a caveman face at at least one friend and makes them roll on the floor with laughter. It was too funny.
I will give you a bucket for your tears and then an award for doing the homeschool thing in the first place. I don't have the patience for it.
I just wanted to check in on you and let you know I was thinking of you. Let us know how the day went.
Oh man, don't even start Jennifer-- I am so beginning the fret about sending Josh AWAY to school this year. My little baby, away with other ratbags who will tease him, and other teachers... I am going to cry and cry I just know it!
oohh good luck zane on your first day of school!!i hope it goes well!!
Thanks for the encouragement. This is a decision that I'm just now starting to wrestle with so it's so nice to hear from people who are encouraging.
The day went really well. I walked him to class and met his teacher--making sure she knew he'd NEVER been to school and to help keep an eye on him. He was making friends even as I left. My heart was sad and happy at the same time! He ended up having a lot of fun, but said he missed us a lot and can't wait for Saturday! Oh--he did get left out on the playground because he didn't know what the bell was for---but they found him! :)
lol...so cute. I'm sure he'll "get" the bell next time. I'm really glad it went well.
I am just starting to homeschool and i am so excited! My daughter, Madelyn had Kgarten in public school and loved it..but I am going to start homeschooling this coming month. I got the 1st grade My Fathers World curriculum and am soo soo excited!
It's funny...when people ask me why I am homeschooling...they always look at me like i am INSANE!
You're their number-one teacher, no matter how much time they spend in public school. They are lucky kids to have you...
Jen...hugs to you for being so strong!!! I know it must be hard and I am sure it will be for me too when Tres goes off to school, but I am glad that you are moving on and trying something new!!! I am sure so many doors will open up for you and it will be a glorious thing!!!! If not, the love you and your boys share will sustain you!!!
Much love,
Sonya
I just found your blog and am so touched by your story! I have 4 kids that I homeschooled (for 3 months) until this past week! I loved it and hated it all at the same time. After reading your story, I feel like the biggest wimp! You are truly an amazing person, hang in there.
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