Never say never!

Becoming a mother changes a lot of things.

Things you never thought would change...

Through my 5 years of parenting I have said, "I told you so", I have let me child wear "dress up" to the grocery store, I sometimes to forget to brush their teeth, I have forgotten to feed them lunch, I have gone more then 48 hours without a shower, I have let my kids eat foods that have dropped on the floor...the list goes on and on and these are things that I SWORE would NEVER do...here is the most recent "I'd never" that has been discussed at our house.

****Homeschooling****

Is that weird? Here I am a certificated school teacher. I LOVED teaching! I thought the best place for your child was in MY room. Not because I was the best teacher but because I would do ANYTHING I could to get your child to succeed. My job was not done until I met your exceptions and you saw how excited your child was about learning. Even though sometimes my job also included teaching the parents, I ALWAYS loved my job! Then I had kids....

and my job changed...

While teaching in the public schools, more specifically THE public school my own daughter attends, I spoke loudly about homeschools, charter schools, private school, any alternative education. I was against homeschooling except for those extreme cases...

I was AGAINST it...

Can you hear that? I say it now and it tastes horrible...how could I have been against something I didn't understand? What I can't get past is that I am still against it??? But not for my kids, and not for those kids I know and can understand why...does that I mean I am open minded to only those people I know and love and judgmental towards strangers?

So what does it mean to homeschool?

I am qualified to educate my own kids and your kids, technically, through 6th grade. I am also credentialed to teach English up through 9th grade. I am deemed culturally sensitive and trained for both underachievers and gifted students, I can analyze data and plan future lessons to obtain the results I'm looking for. I can backwards plan and formulate BIG ideas and SMART goals. I can reflect, self assess and be part of a professional learning community. I'm even qualified and credentialed to be a principal.

Does that mean I can replace a school?

That is where I am stuck....I know I can teach my kids, at least as well as the teacher I get the privilege of selecting. I know I can handle the behavior, the pace, the assessments and data. I know they'll be academically sound and probably advanced among public school peers...

But can I replace the "package"?

The idea of "team" a student shares with their class. Dealing with the kid that always breaks the rules and having to see their consequences. What about learning how to focus when the other 5 year olds are loud and tapping their pencils? What about the feeling of knowing more then your peers in math but realizing your slower then your peers in reading? What about when you HAVE to learn something that isn't relevant but part of the public curriculum?

When we apply those life skills outside of the classroom I think our kids would be more successful in LIFE.

I have been reading this book called "Free Range Kids" or something like that. It talks about teaching our kids life skills, safety skills and "street smarts". I want my girls to be prepared for the world...not just be an excellent reader.

If I could have my way, I would teach my child the academics, then send them off to a social skills school - where they can be part of the masses and learn those social behaviors that I feel inadequate to teach at my kitchen table.

My momma instincts think keep my kids home, teach them what they need to know, keep them in sports, girl scouts, church, playgroups, etc...if you have met my kids they are very social.

They have heard the *butt* word plenty and have been taught we prefer bum bum, or bottom. They know who Sponge Bob is but know that our TV won't be showing that channel. They listen to the radio, sing along to Taylor Swift, they dress up in chiffon and high heels, they even play with *gasp* BARBIE dolls who dress inappropriately. My older daughter even asked if she could have a skirt like the one her Barbie had - definitely NOT! But don't we as women, have to learn the women we see in magazines and on TV are fictional and not reality? Don't ALL women learn the difference between reality and Barbies?

My momma instinct sees the flexibility, the family bond, the academic attention, but something in me is holding onto our neighborhood school.

The public school is a harder choice for me. I have to worry about influences, a loss of control, another adult mentor, more contact with public/strangers, etc...

So why don't I order my curriculum kit and pull her out tomorrow?

I ask you? What is holding me back when all I want to do is keep my child home???