Before delving into the realm of homeschooling, let me share a glimpse of my schooling experience during my formative years. My educational journey began in a public school during my kindergarten year, and I vividly recall the taste of hairspray lingering in my mouth as I walked the halls on that inaugural day.
For the most part, my time in public school wasn’t terrible, except for the occasional reluctance to attend and the unwarranted bullying from a girl named Megan, who seemed to consider tormenting me and other classmates her favorite pastime.
Come first grade, I transitioned to a Christian private school, where my dad held the position of principal, and my mom was a teacher. This environment felt somewhat akin to a homeschool setting for me. It was during these years that I discovered my love for basketball, a passion I pursued from 3rd grade all the way through high school, creating some of the most cherished memories of my life. Go Eagles!
Embarking on the homeschooling journey with my eldest, Gage, commenced after his completion of 1st grade.
This wasn’t an entirely new concept for me, given that I had been actively involved in his education since he was just a few months old, up until he entered Kindergarten at the age of 6.
While the idea of being a homeschool mom resonated with me, I grappled with concerns about potentially depriving my kids of certain experiences. To address these apprehensions, I opted to give the public school system a shot for a year or two, with the intent to reevaluate afterward.
Gage’s Kindergarten year proved to be an enjoyable experience. His teacher, a seasoned educator with 50 years of teaching under her belt, made it a memorable time. I was deeply engaged throughout the year, participating in every activity, and providing snacks and juice boxes. Regularly, I joined him for lunch, volunteered for field trips, and eagerly signed up for school parties.
After a successful Kindergarten year, we decided to continue the public school route for another academic term. However, there was a significant change as he moved to a different school. Despite the new school’s impressive rank as the #1 school in the state, it didn’t live up to the positive experience of his previous institution.
The atmosphere at this school felt off, and even my son began developing a dislike for it. The school had a stringent approach, while I leaned more toward a playful and engaging learning style. I believe in the importance of maintaining a sense of fun in education, even in moments of seriousness. Unfortunately, this particular school seemed to drain the joy out of the learning environment.
Furthermore, the lack of parental involvement was a stark contrast to my previous experiences. Although I was asked to assist with an event once, it was a rare occurrence. What truly pushed me towards considering homeschooling was the realization that my son felt constrained and unable to express his true self in this environment.
It became evident that the school environment was not conducive to my son’s well-being. He came home in tears one day because he had to move his card from green to red for needing to use the restroom. Punishing a 7-year-old for a basic biological need like going to the bathroom seemed absurd to me.
Moreover, he frequently mentioned having to discard half of his food because of strict time constraints during lunch. As a concerned mother, the thought of my child going hungry due to a rigid schedule was distressing.
The breaking point came when my son shared an incident where an entire class was penalized for one student’s actions. Instead of addressing the specific behavior, the teacher implemented a punishment that affected everyone—boys and girls were separated during recess.
Instances like these convinced me that the public school system was not aligned with my values, and I reached the conclusion that I could no longer subject my child to such an environment.
After my son successfully completed 1st grade, he expressed his reluctance to return to public school. This sentiment, combined with my own concerns about the school environment, led my husband and me to make the decision to homeschool all three of our children.
Now, as a homeschool mom, I embrace the freedom to shape our daily learning experiences. It’s not about perfection; some days are messier than others, and organization isn’t always at the forefront. However, the joy of being their teacher and witnessing their intellectual growth firsthand is immensely rewarding.
Homeschooling offers a unique opportunity to tailor our curriculum to the interests and needs of each child. My 7-year-old daughter, Italie, and our 6-year-old son, Kaizen, have been homeschooled their entire lives, and they absolutely love it.
Contrary to the misconception that homeschooling hinders social development, I firmly believe it provides ample socialization opportunities, contributing positively to their overall growth.
Our kids thrive in various social activities—from parks and play centers to MMA and museums. They naturally approach other children, initiating friendships wherever we go. One of our concerns about traditional schooling was the potential impact on their individuality, influencing them to conform to peer pressures. This fear was a significant factor in our decision to homeschool and keep them close during these formative years.
Homeschooling is not only our choice but also a fulfilling experience for many parents who prioritize a personalized and flexible approach to education. While I don’t regret exploring public school, the decision to homeschool has brought unparalleled joy and rich experiences into our lives. If, as our children grow, they express a desire for traditional schooling, we’ll certainly listen. For now, we cherish every moment of the homeschooling journey and the unique adventures it unfolds.
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