As I gently rocked my little girl to sleep, tears streamed down my face. I mourned for the victims, students, parents, and teachers affected by the tragic events at STEM Highlands Ranch. I wept for every child who now grows up believing that school shootings are a normal part of life.
Yet again, another school shooting. Another senseless act of violence rooted in our inability to enact stricter gun control laws to keep our children safe. This time, the incident felt particularly close to home—just a 20-minute drive away. We know several students at that school, and we anxiously awaited news from our friends to confirm their children were okay and together again. The waiting was agonizing, and I can only imagine the horror felt by the parents involved. I never want to experience that.
Currently, my children aren’t of school age yet. We have two more years before we should send our eldest to kindergarten. Still, that moment looms on the horizon, and I face a significant choice. Just last week, we had considered STEM Highlands Ranch for our son, who loves building and experimenting. It seemed like the perfect fit for his inquisitive mind. But now, the mere thought of sending my children to any public or private school fills me with dread. I can’t fathom the idea of them leaving for school without knowing if they will return home safely.
Homeschooling was never on my radar until recently. The landscape of school safety has changed dramatically, and nothing substantial has been done to address gun access or ensure safety in schools. Before Columbine—when my own school went into lockdown and we watched in disbelief as events unfolded on TV—schools felt like sanctuaries. You didn’t worry about your child’s safety in a place meant for learning and growth. It was simply unimaginable. Sadly, those who perpetrate such violence see no boundaries.
I feel powerless to influence the government’s approach to gun laws and the safety of schools. I’ve reached out to my state representatives and congressmen, pleading for action to protect us and to help desperate parents like me end school shootings. Yet, my voice seems to fall on deaf ears. With no other viable options, homeschooling appears to be my only recourse to shield my children from potential violence at school. And I know I’m not alone in contemplating homeschooling as a solution. Many parents feel lost, unsure of how to make our concerns heard by those in power.
Homeschooling isn’t an easy path, nor is it the solution I truly desire. However, it would alleviate the anxiety my children might feel each morning when they leave for school—wondering if they will see me, their dad, or their siblings again. I wouldn’t have to worry about saying goodbye and wondering if it might be the last time. As heartbreaking as it is, I feel that homeschooling has become my only option at this juncture.
We are mothers with diverse experiences united by the journey of motherhood. We seek a community to discuss more than just parenting. For those whose children are out of diapers and daycare, our resourceful platform offers insights and support for navigating the challenging tween and teen years. You can also find valuable information about pregnancy and home insemination on our related blogs, such as Intracervical Insemination and Make A Mom.
In conclusion, the current state of school safety has driven me to consider homeschooling as a protective measure for my children, a decision no parent should have to make.