Yesterday I spent seven hours away from the house running errands. Yes, that’s a long time, but that’s kinda how it goes when you have three children still in car seats. There’s no “let me run in for just a second” store trips, and in fact every stop takes double to triple the time it would alone. There’s also a whole array of pitstops, detours, and minor misshaps as you go along. I can’t even count how many times someone has puked, pooped, or both in their car seat.
I guess I probably look pretty pitiful dragging my crew everywhere I go, and many times throughout any given day I will hear “can I help you with that?” And I appreciate any extra hand I can get, even if it comes with a look of pity on the side. I hear plenty of “you’ve got your hands full” with sweet smiles, and I always agree that yes I do!
I’ve gotten pretty used to the stares I receive, though, when I grocery shop with three children under five, and it doesn’t bother me at all. I chose this life, and it’s certainly abundant to me. My kids are adorable, loud, and ummm, energetic, so they easily attract attention in public settings, and that’s fine too. But yesterday was a little different.
My five year old is tall for her age, and for the first time in our little brood’s life I guess it’s becoming obvious to those around us that she is school-aged. Since school is starting soon for a great many that was something we heard a lot yesterday.
“You’re about to start school soon, huh?”
Or
“Are you ready to go back to school?”
And of course
“So where do you go to school?”
My child initially answered quickly with “I just got done” or “at home,” but after several incredulous looks she began to glance at me for help with how to answer. At one stop in the post office a woman even looked at her like she was dense while asking me, “what in the world is she talking about?!”
So at least half a dozen times yesterday I explained to well-meaning strangers that my child was homeschooled and our schedule differed from that of the local public schools. People were very nice and no one made me feel weird, but it did become obvious that our decision to educate at home was not a conventional one.
I think even my daughter has noticed the wide-eyed reaction of so many when she says, “I’m homeschooled.” It doesn’t seem to bother her at this time, and I hope she’ll always understand why mom and dad wish to teach her beyond a “worldly” standard.
At one point yesterday, also, I drove past a local public school. I saw many cars present, and aside from realizing they were starting back soon, I also recalled hearing that they would be going to school year round this school year. I wondered who made these decisions for the schools, and why they wanted to take more time out of parent’s hands?
I will never judge a parent’s decision to public school their child anymore than I would want someone to judge me for my decision to homeschool. It’s not that I’m saying my way is best, but instead I’m explaining why I choose to go against the grain of what’s normal in today’s society. Not everyone can teach their children at home. I’m just glad I can.
I know some fabulous teachers I would trust to mold my child’s mind for eight hours a day, but I honestly know a few I wouldn’t want impressing my young one’s thoughts for even a day. I see laws change and it makes me glad I have decided to educate at home. I see the public curriculum and testing requirements become more and more advanced, and I watch my stepdaughter spend a full day away from the home, but then also a full night on required homework assignments. It just makes me wonder where the time is allocated for being a kid? What about being a family?
I’m aware my decision to homeschool isn’t a majority decision. I see many friends who desire more one-on-one time with their babies, but feel like there isn’t any other way for them than daycare and public school. I think for many of those it’s simply because they assume public education and crying at kindergarten drop-off is how it’s supposed to be. It’s what everyone does. I guess I always have been a square peg.
They worry their kid will be an outcast or have problems socializing, but some of the ways I see children socialize with their phones nowadays makes me realize I really have less to worry about homeschooling than I think.
I understand my life is not conventional, but I’m so glad God had led me to it. For us, I know it is best. It’s not for everyone, but maybe some of you feel an urge to go against the status quo, and if so feel free to contact me. I’ll be glad to point you towards the right resources. We have roughly 7000 days with our children until they leave the nest, and for some parents you may decide you too want more of those hours together as a family. Just know there’s nothing wrong with that.
Lisa G. says
I was fortunate to be able to put two of my kids in private school, then home school three when the third became school age, and after changing states, I put them in public school. Although each has it’s own positives and negatives, home schooling was by the far the best experience and they still appreciate it (they are 25, 28 & 30 now). You will not be disappointed at the precious time God is giving you teaching them and sharing with them.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you!
Sukie Low says
Are you working as a nurse and home schooling?
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
I am! I only work two days a week as a nurse, though.
Ljones says
I so agree with what you are doing. The time you have with your little ones goes so fast and we have to make every minute count and enjoy it. When we get older we realize just how brief those precious years are and how ripe those years are for teaching and shaping. Keep up the good work!!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you!
Chrissy says
It’s me again. Would not believe an old, single nurse might have some encouragement on this, but I have two favorable thoughts on homeschooling. As for socialization, I have found that children who are home schooled can interact more comfortably with a wider range of ages. And there is such a time waste to public school. I mean, it takes less time per day, per year for children in home school, over public school. Life skills are integrated more easily, as well. Kids get to be kids. You really can teach your children by the best methods they learn. I guess that’s more than two thoughts 🙂 You get the idea.
You go, girl!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you!