On choosing to homeschool: our progress as a homeschooling family

Following a lunch with other homeschooling moms in the area, I’ve created a google group to coordinate the activities or common interests we share. A few things were planned for this spring including a science fair, and although we don’t all share the same values or ideas, I’m glad to have met other homeschooling families. A couple of the families have been doing this for a long time – they even have kids in college in the United States – and it’s not only inspiring but they also have all the what’s and who’s when it comes to arranging things.

When we first got here and I saw all the other families we knew send their children to the CAC, all the while August was saying “this is so hard mama, I don’t want to do school” and asking “can we play with someone?” while I knew all their friends were together in school, I was seriously doubting that we were doing the right thing. I also felt that I was missing out on making friends – instead of going out to fancy ladies lunches, shopping and golf with the other mothers during school hours, I was stuck at home all day. I drafted a letter to send to the university asking them to offer the boys spots at the CAC.

Then we enrolled the boys in extra curriculum activities, they made a few friends, and I realized that there actually are other homeschooling families here. I also admitted to myself that I’m not really a fancy lunch or golfing type of mother, and that I actually love staying home with the boys – something I haven’t been able to do much in the past. Most importantly though, I noticed that both August & William are flourishing in their learning, their interest in history and science is insatiable, and August is actually getting really good at reading. I’m not saying this couldn’t have happened in a regular school, but knowing my children, I know it would have been difficult. They would certainly have enjoyed a lot more socializing, that’s true – as would I have – however the benefit in this case is far more rewarding, and well; we have great neighbors and good friends anyway.

Since Christmas I’ve been more confident about the whole arrangement, and I’ve decided not to send that letter. I can say now that I have chosen to homeschool my children for their own benefit and our – as a family - enjoyment. We can do it, so why not?