Every time I tell someone that I
homeschool, I almost always hear something like this: "Oh, I could never do that. It would be way too much stress." Or, "I don't know how you do it", "do you still plan on homeschooling now that you're pregnant?" And each time I hear one of these comments, I try to convince whoever I'm talking to that homeschooling is really not that stressful. When I tell people this I'm always met with bewildered expressions that seem to say; "How can that be?"
I think people view homeschooling as a slave-like devotion to the education of your children to the exclusion of all else. I think when other mothers try to envision themselves homeschooling, they imagine a "school day" that begins at 8am and doesn't end until 3 or 4pm, leaving little or no time for housework, baby care, social pursuits, meal preparation, or free time. Visions of a house hopelessly cluttered with science projects, papers, books, and pencils seem to enter their heads, scaring off many moms from the idea.
The reality, based on my own experience and that of other
homeschool moms I've met in the community, is that homeschooling is remarkably peaceful.
There is no 7am rush to get everybody fed, dressed, combed, brushed, and out the door with permission slips signed, homework done, and show and tell items accounted for.
There is no worrying about the latest playground drama and how it will affect your child today.
There is no juggling of younger children when you go do your volunteer day in the classroom so that you can stay involved and connected to your child's education.
There are no fund raisers where you need to drive your child around the neighborhood to hawk cookie dough for money that will probably never directly benefit your child.
There is no homework after school is done! I can't imagine having to help with homework after I've put in a full day at home with younger children, housework, meals, etc. No wonder many parents end up yelling at their kids over homework! This is the most stressful part of the day for everybody. Kids are hungry, mom is trying to get dinner on the table, and dad has put in a long day at work. Not to mention the fact that the parents weren't the ones giving the initial instruction, so they have to spend twenty minutes reading the material so that they can explain the concept in a way the child will understand.
I start school at 9am and we're done at noon. I've found this to be enough time to get every subject covered and covered well. As my children grow older, I imagine they will be devoting more time to their academics. However,
they will be older, and will require less one on one instruction, and I anticipate moving into more of a guiding, than a teaching role.
Life is stressful no matter what you choose to do. I happen to believe that homeschooling offers less stress about trivial matters. If I'm going to be stressed, I'd rather be stressed about something that matters!
Until later,
Kristy
My homeschooling affidavit came in the mail a couple of weeks ago. Time to renew our legal permission to homeschool! I'm publishing this post as a reminder to get or stay legal. In most states, this is a very easy task. Make up a letter of intent to homeschool, have it notarized, and send it in to your local school district. A couple of weeks later, the school district will send a certificate of exemption, and you're good to go! Note: This is how it works in my state, your state will differ. For details on how to be legally sanctioned in your state, visit the Home School Legal Defense Association.
