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The hardest thing for me has been to find a schedule that works...seems like each Semester I am having to tweak it to make it work for everyone...
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| posted by Hayley on 04/08/2008 01:20 PM
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| I think the hardest things for me have been people not understanding that just because we're not sitting down with school books, that doesn't mean we're not schooling. Also, people think I have tons of time to clean and cook. Ugh. |
| posted by Gidget on 04/08/2008 02:37 PM
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| Oh, I also have had a hard time dealing with people saying that I've wasted a $35K education. That just makes me angry though...don't know that it's a "difficulty." |
| posted by Gidget on 04/08/2008 02:39 PM
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| LOL...that's for sure...what do people think...we have tons of stuff to do...that they don't have to worry about since their kids are in school...making the messes there, not in the house! LOL |
| posted by Hayley on 04/08/2008 02:40 PM
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In the beginning for me it was wondering if I was doing it right. I thought it had to be school at home. Boy did I get burned out quickly. My oldest didn't like it too much either. Now in our third year (this year) things are going along great and I realize just how much the boy's learn without worrying about how much book work they are doing.
I think a difficulty now would be (all though it's really not a difficulty more of an annoyance) how people that don't know anything about homeschooling make uneducated assumptions about homeschooling. Like we never go out of the house to play with other kids or how we need teacher credentials to teach. Just get's irritating after a while. Mostly it's what I read on the Internet though and not people around here so that's good anyway. |
| posted by Jody on 04/08/2008 02:45 PM
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| I haven't even formally started yet or told anyone any definite decisions, but the hardest part for me is criticism from others. I am a certified teacher and the biggest criticism I get is from teacher friends who are still working! Then there's criticism the other way around like if I mention to anyone that I might give public school a try at first and then decide whether to supplement that education or do it all myself. I can't win, so I must remember that God is in charge and I don't need PEOPLES' approval, only God's ultimately. |
| posted by Stacia on 04/08/2008 04:25 PM
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Think of all the schoolwork that is sent home with children today in the Public School...one parent told me who's kids were in public school at the time...I feel like I am homeschooling them...they end up having so much schoolwork to do when they get home, that they need help with, because it wasn't thoroughly explained at school...it can be overwhelming!
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| posted by Hayley on 04/08/2008 04:30 PM
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| Stacie, you won't have to worry about being judged here in this group. I think we can all understand that we just want what's best for our families and for each family it's different. If you send your children to public school or if you homeschool them you are not a bad mom. Don't let what other's might tell you make you feel less than. No one knows your family more than you do. |
| posted by Jody on 04/08/2008 05:12 PM
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| Ooops sorry I called you by the wrong name lol not Stacie but Stacia I mean hehe. Forgive me please LOL. |
| posted by Jody on 04/08/2008 05:13 PM
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That's right Stacia! Every family is different...I hope noone was offended by something I shared...I in no way am saying that those who chose not to homeschool are wrong...each family has to do what is best for each of their families, we as mom's and dad's know what is best for each of the children we have been blessed with. :D
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| posted by Hayley on 04/08/2008 05:18 PM
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| Hayley, I don't think your comment at all was taken like that. I think she is just saying that in general that is what happens to her because she was a teacher and now she wants to homeschool her children. So I think she is just saying she feels like she doesn't fit in with either group of people? Your comment wasn't bad :D. Stacia just remember (all other people that feel this way too) we are a support group no matter what path you have chosen to take. All you have to do to be a part of this group is be interested in homeschooling, are homeschooling or have homeschooled in the past. So please feel free to post away :D we are here for everyone. |
| posted by Jody on 04/08/2008 05:23 PM
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Thank you Jody for clarifying...you are so kind! This is a great group!
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| posted by Hayley on 04/08/2008 05:24 PM
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| Your welcome and I am glad you are enjoying the group!! |
| posted by Jody on 04/08/2008 05:31 PM
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Stacia, I completely understand where you're coming from. I was a teacher for a Head Start program before starting to homeschool. My dad is a public school teacher and I have several teacher friends. Most of them had pretty strong opinions against homeschooling. After a year of teaching MY kids, most of those have at least told me what a great job I'm doing. My dad even told me he's proud of the job I'm doing with my son.
If homeschooling is what you feel you should do for your family, don't let anyone tell you different!
BTW, my dad and best friend both told me I was wasting a $35,000 education by homeschooling. Personally, I think this year of teaching my boys has been worth every penny of that education! |
| posted by Gidget on 04/09/2008 09:30 AM
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At first, my biggest difficulty was time because I was still working 7:30 am - 4:30 pm five days a week as a single parent. My son was 13 and did the majority of his work at home while I was at work. Then when I got home I checked what he had done and helped him with concepts he wasn't getting...and will still had catch up to do each evening.
My biggest beef now about homeschooling is that if someone finds out I'm homeschooling I have to listen to their six-foot long list of why homeschooling wouldn't work for them, or their story about how their aunt's best friend's step-sister homeschooled her kids who ended up socially backwards and failures in public school. It's like because I'm homeschooling I'm going to automatically judge others who aren't, or whatever! |
| posted by Kelly on 04/10/2008 03:51 PM
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My biggest challenge is trying to find balance. I make school with my oldest a priority most of the time, but then everything else slides, cleaning, cooking, the time I should be spending with the other 3. Then when I try to catch up on everything, I feel like I'm going to forget something important for his education. (I know that's not true, but that is how I always feel.)
As far as criticism, I get looks when we are out during the normal school hours, but noone has said anything yet. I almost feel a need to explain that we are homeschooling, not just playing hooky. I think I need to get over it. I also can't really talk to my in-laws about it. They are very traditional, and can't really think outside the box. They are very stressed out by what we are doing. Of course, they think that about about much of our parenting decisions. It's amazing our son has survived to the ripe old age of 8! |
| posted by Anna on 04/12/2008 09:56 AM
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Anna, is this your first year of homeschooling? If so your feelings are so normal!! Even if it's not your first year it's normal. I remember when we started three years ago there were times where I thought what am I doing? How can I do this? Even now there are times I have worry about it. But when I look back on what my children know now and how much hey have grown not only in knowledge but in compassion and as a person I know we have done the right thing.
I know it's hard but try not to worry about what other's think. My mom at first was totally against me homeschooling. Then as time went on and she seen not only the statistic's of homeschooling but also the results by watching what my children were learning and doing she totally changed her mind and now supports us 100%. Not saying your family will but you know in your heart and mind that it's right for your family. If you ever do decide to put your children in public./private school let it be because that is what you think is best for your children and not because of what everyone else thinks. If you ever need encouragement this group will be here for you. I know it's just online but we do know what you are going through :D. |
| posted by Jody on 04/12/2008 10:06 AM
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Thanks for the encouragement, Jody. It is my first year-- actually we have just been doing it since the end of February. There have been a few times that I have wondered if we are doing the right thing, but overall it has been great. I think my son is learning more, and we have seen an improvement in his behavior as well.(Not that he was really bad, but he did pick up things from other kids.)
I just need to remember not to worry about other people. I act like I don't, but then I second guess myself in private. |
| posted by Anna on 04/13/2008 09:42 AM
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I totally understand what you mean. Sometimes I have had my doubts too but that's what these support groups are for :D. I don't think there is any of us that can say we haven't had our moments. I just don't want you to feel alone in this. It does get easier with time but there will probably be always times where you wonder. It's natural but that doesn't mean we should give up.
That is so great you started this year. It really sounds like you are doing well. Trust your instincts no matter where they lead you becuse in the long run they are usually right. Things will get easier with time. |
| posted by Jody on 04/13/2008 12:25 PM
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