Hey there! So, guess what? My kids, ages 13 and 10, were once regular public schoolers until we took the leap into the wild world of home schooling this January. After a ton of research, heartfelt discussions, and a few tears, my partner and I decided that pulling them from school was what we needed as a family. It’s been one of the most rewarding, chaotic, and at times, overwhelming choices we’ve ever made together, and I’ve picked up some valuable insights along the way.
1. Home and School Are One and the Same.
You’d think that home schooling would mean a clear division between home life and learning. Ha! I find myself asking, “Is this how you acted at school?” about five times a day. Kids will always revert to their comfortable selves at home, which means they’re still going to whine about math or ask why they need to know about parallelograms. And don’t even get me started on the endless bathroom and snack breaks!
2. Trial and Error Is Part of the Process.
At first, we tried one of those online programs where everything was laid out for us—teachers, schedules, the whole shebang. Two weeks in, and everyone was miserable! We were stuck in front of screens from 9 to 5, and it just wasn’t working. We ditched it, explored other curricula, and after about four months, we finally settled on a routine that fits our family. It’s a journey, and perfection is a moving target, but when you hit that sweet spot, it feels amazing.
3. Finding a Community Is Essential.
Initially, I wasn’t worried about socialization since my kids were coming from public school. However, two weeks into home schooling, I realized that being cooped up at home wasn’t good for anyone. I found a local home schooling group that meets weekly, and it’s been fantastic! They organize field trips, park days, and picnics, which get us out of the house and socializing with other home schoolers. Plus, I’ve met a bunch of like-minded moms—what I affectionately call “Misfit Moms.” We’re all about embracing the quirks!
4. Letting Kids Choose Fuels Their Passion.
After we scrapped the online program, I printed out a list of subjects for each grade level. At first, I told the kids what we were going to cover, and all I got were groans. So, I flipped the script and let them choose. Their faces lit up! Suddenly, topics they previously rolled their eyes at became exciting when they had a say. Now, my 13-year-old is diving into crime scene investigations, and my 10-year-old has even started his own YouTube channel about stop motion animation. It’s incredible how much they’ve grown just by following their interests.
5. Home-Schooled Kids Are Uniquely Awesome.
Since joining the home schooling community, I’ve met some truly remarkable kids. From a 15-year-old taking college courses to a preteen who passionately advocates for LGBT rights, these kids are anything but “normal.” They are thinkers, creators, and innovators who have the freedom to chase their passions. I’m not saying these kids don’t exist in public school, but home schooling seems to give them a bit more room to explore.
In summary, our home schooling journey has had its ups and downs, but it’s a learning experience for the whole family. If you’re curious about more insights into home insemination or fertility, check out this other blog post for some great tips. If you’re looking for an authority on the topic, make sure to visit this site for useful information. Remember, every family’s path is unique, and it’s about finding what works best for you.