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Why I’m Not Home-Schooling My Kids
You know, there’s been a lot of chatter around me about the downsides of public schools lately. I also have a bunch of friends who are all about home-schooling their kids, and as I sip on my Diet Coke, I can’t help but feel like I might be missing something.
This morning, my partner, Jake, was working late, which meant I had to get the kids off to school all by myself. Here’s how that went: “Emma! Put your shoes on! Emma! Comb your hair! What is that? Did you just wipe your nose in your bangs? You’re 10; why am I putting your shoes on? Noah, eat your toast! No, you can’t have three bananas for a snack. Why? Because you didn’t even touch the one I packed yesterday, and then you’ll have a stomach ache for days! Noah, where are your library books? They’re exactly where I told you to put them last night, next to the fish tank that has seen better days. They’re not there? Where did they go? And how is that fish still alive?”
Then I glance at the clock and mutter something under my breath. The stress level rises, and I morph from a laid-back mom into a scene straight out of a military film.
I finally pull out of the driveway, only to realize I’ve left a half-empty cup of water on the car roof. My neighbor waves at me, probably thinking I need to pick it up, but I just pretend I don’t see him and speed off.
At the carpool line, we’re stuck in the back, and I switch to my “drill sergeant” voice: “KIDS! GET OUT OF THE CAR! YOU’RE GOING TO BE LATE!” Noah struggles with the heavy door, which just slams back on him. I know the rule: you can’t get out of the car in the carpool line, so I plead with Emma to help him. (Maybe I just made a case for home-schooling, huh?)
Asher starts crying, and Emma finally opens the door for him. “MOMMY! I HAAAAAAATE YOUR VAN DOOR!” I zoom down the lane, frustration bubbling inside me.
Then I spot one of my favorite teachers waving at me, and I can see her thoughts—probably vowing never to be in my shoes. I can’t tell if her smile is sympathetic or a bit condescending.
Once home, I tackle the chaos that is my three-year-old, Lily, who is currently navigating a dirty diaper situation.
My sister-in-law, who is the epitome of organization and perfection, home-schools her kids. Their home looks like a magazine spread, and they host parties regularly. It’s hard not to feel a little inadequate when I compare myself to her.
For a while, I felt guilty for not home-schooling my children, but then I realized it just isn’t right for us at this moment. Plus, I recently learned that “alot” is actually two words. Would you trust me with your kids?
I have a teaching degree, but my training included more fluff than practical skills for life. I got into teaching because I genuinely cared about kids, but I realize now I can still teach my children valuable lessons outside of traditional academics. I teach them how to help around the house and the importance of personal hygiene. I teach them that being kind and genuine is more important than memorizing facts.
Life lessons are crucial. They’re what matter most. So, I’m letting go of the guilt around home-schooling—right now, it’s just not for us. I’ll leave the teaching to the professionals while I focus on mastering the art of getting my kids to school.
For more insights into home schooling, check out this post on home insemination. And if you’re interested in fertility topics, Make a Mom has great resources. Also, this WebMD article provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, I’ve decided that for now, I’m content to let the teachers do their jobs while I focus on the everyday life lessons that truly matter.