In Prayer as to Whether to Homeschool or Not?

i completely agree with T F. i'm not a teacher, my kid needs more than books, and i will never homeschool.

Hi M.,

My children have always attended private christian school and this coming year will be attending public for the first time due to finances. It was a difficult decision. I did consider home schooling but honestly my youngest doesnt learn from me as well as my oldest does. She responds better with other people teaching her. I respect that so made the decision to enroll them. I intend on being very involved in the class room and teaching religion 3 times a week at home. This compromise has given everyone peace. During the summer we have school 3 times a week and even though we are extremely active in extracurricular activities and vacations they get excited about school. Do you live in a bad school district? My point is there is nothing wrong with homeschool, as long as everyone is happy about the idea ( to include the kids) they will learn better if they are happy.

I wish you had written why you are choosing homeschooling over public school. Is it for you or your daughter? If my daughter was a good student, enjoyed school and had no problems besides the norm, I can't imagine that I would do anything to disrupt that situation. I'm all for protecting my children, but if they don't have the opportunity to face people and ideas that differ from how they are raised, then how do you expect your daughter to be able to make good decisions? Sorry if I offended you by saying that or maybe that has nothing to do with your decision, I just know that is the reason for lots of parents to choose homeschooling. Lastly, I must add one thing in response to the mom who had so little respect for teachers like you and I. Most teachers do care about children and want to help them succeed beyond the TAKS test, but have limited resources, little parental support and little administrative support. If we want to make our schools a better place for our children to learn then we have to support our teachers and give them the help they need to educate our children. Good luck with whatever you choose. You sound like a caring parent and in the end, that's all that matters!

Are you ladies kidding me? I would say the majority of teachers teaching now are not qualified to teach I don't care how much schooling they have! And the ones that are spend most of thier day correcting and redirecting those students whose parents don't care about thier education and sometimes at the expense of those that do behave. There are so many resources out there for when you are teaching something that is a little challenging. I am not trying to be hateful at all, I just don't think you should judge those that choose to homeschool. With that said, M., I think that everyone should make the best choice for their family. I want to be able to teach my children the values that most public schools leave out! I think that if this is what you feel that God is wanting you to do then everything will fall into place. I also believe that if you do choose to homeschool that you should make sure that you involve your daughters in extracurricular activities and/or a coop so that they are exposed to others as well as for the support. Use your wonderful resources (church friends) that God has placed in your life! God Bless you and your decision!

I am not sure what your reasons are for home schooling is it just because your friends are doing it? I am a teacher and now stay at home with my children. I taught 7th grade for 5 years and I don't feel like I am qualified to home school my children. If your child is in a wonderful school and doing great why change it? You can still be a christian mom and teach your childe religion at home after school and on weekends. You need to stop and ask yourself are you doing it for them or for you???

I think that homeschooling is a very personal decision. I love my children very much and as much as I dislike the public schools in our area, I am not a person that would enjoy homeschooling my kids. My oldest son needs the social interaction - he is quite shy and it has helped him tremendously to be in MDO over the last two years. I have a 4 year old, an 18 month old and one due in September. I cannot imagine having the time to spend time adequtely with all three teaching different age groups, so for me, it is not an option. I do respect people's decisions to home school their kids. We are currently looking for new home in Northwest ISD, because I don't love the public schools in our area. I love my kids, I love raising them and being a SAHM, but I just don't see how I would be able to make it work. It sounds like you have the appropriate support that you need, so follow your heart and do what you think is best for your children. That is all we can do as parents!

I had the same worry when I pulled my kids out of public school. I did not want them to be sad about it. I decided to put on an act and be upbeat about it, and their reaction was really good, they couldn't wait to try it, it was not the reaction I was expecting. And once I found support groups around the area that go out on park days and other outings during the week, they where excited. They have made better friends now than what they had in public school. There's so many things that they can do now that they couldn't do before. We travel more, spend more time together, learn more things. The pressure that they had from school is off so now they are calmer, more relaxed.

I have 3 children who are 7, 4 and 1.

My son went to part-time preschool. Right before his K year, I told him that I was going to be his teacher from then on. He loved the idea. His friends we have known since he was a baby all go to school, and I thought he might struggle with wanting to try it as well, but he has absolutely no desire to.

He knows that we have more flexibility and more free time than his friends do. We have found a school routine that works for us, and we love it.

We we began homeschooling, it was just something I felt led to try. After that first year, I never looked back. If you and your husband have decided you want to try it, then go for it. Sometimes we see the fruits others are reaping from their choices and want to try it for ourselves. There's nothing wrong with that.

You sound really excited about your decision. If you share that excitement with your daughter she will probably be glad to try homeschooling. Find a support group and go to park days and field trips. Let her take a peek at some of the books you'll be reading. Tell her about some of the activities you have planned.

Since you are a former teacher, remember that homeschooling does not have to look like traditional school. There are many different ways to teach. Make sure you find the one that's right for you.

Here is some information on homeschooling methods:
http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/homeschooling-met...

Good luck!

I have been homeschooling for 10 years. My oldest is an honors student in college. My 17 yo daughter was also in the gifted and talented when she was in public school, yet we started homeschooling after her first grade year. She will be a senior in high school (homeschool) and is already taking college courses for dual credit (and has a 4.0 at the college). She will graduate with around 25 college credits. There are SO many options for homeschooling. One of the greatest blessings I have had with homeschooling is the awesome relationship with my kids. I have 2 daughters and everyone used to always say to me, "Just wait until they're teens!" You know what? I have enjoyed all my time with them and wouldn't trade it for the world. I did not have all the problems that everyone said I'd have with teen girls.

I would be happy to talk to you and answer any questions you have. Also, my homeschool group is offering a Great Starts "seminar" for anyone new or interested in homeschooling. Here is the information:

Great Starts For New Homeschoolers

July 19, 2008

Water's Edge Church
5475 Coit Rd.
Frisco, TX 75035

9:00am - 5:00pm

Registration begins at 8:30

Can I really Homeschool?
How to get it all done!
What about Socialization?
Curriculum, Curriculum, Curriculum
Wife, Mom, Teacher & Me
Q&A Time with Veteran Homeschool Moms

What to bring: $10 per person
Sack Lunch
Notebook
Pens

We regret that we can not provide childcare at this meeting.
Nursing babies welcome.

Blessings!

M.

These thoughts come to my mind regarding your post. I mean nothing negative toward any homeschooler. It is a very personal choice for each family. This is just my perspective. Let the hate mail begin.....

I AM NOT JUDGING ANYONE ON PERSONAL CHOICE. THIS IS A FORUM FOR OPINIONS AND I SIMPLY GAVE MY OPINION. HOWEVER, I PICK UP SOME JUDGING OF THOSE OF US WHO CHOOSE NOT TO HOMESCHOOL. THERE IS NO REASON TO SLAM TEACHERS. YES THERE ARE SOME EXCELLENT ONES AND YES THERE ARE SOME THAT DO NOT DESERVE TO HAVE THEIR DEGREE. AS A PARENT, I MONITOR WHAT GOES ON IN MY DAUGHTER'S CLASSROOM....THAT IS PART OF MY RESPONSIBILITY.

Why do you want to homeschool? Why do you want to take her out of something she has been in for a couple of years and change everything? I don't understand changing things if you don't have a problem. I do agree with the other poster that IF you choose to do this, have a practice run.

Social stimulation is as important as the educational process. Someone might have the highest quality homeschool and when the child is ready to go out into the world they are in shock.

I look at it this way....I am not a trained teacher. I prefer a trained educator to work with my child. Yes, I am a smart person, college grad and I substitute teach but I would not base my child's entire education on textbooks from home. I am not a trained surgeon. If I needed some sort of surgery, I am not going to do it myself just because I think I can do it better? Same basis for homeschooling.

You can still be a Christain mom and teach your child your religon. I just question why you want to do this and for whom?

Bless you in whatever you choose is right for your family.

Let me encourage you regarding home-schooling. We have four children that I have home-schooled. Now, I am not the most organized nor the best at being a disciplinarian, however God's grace is sufficient. This opportunity has enabled me to: encourage, support, love and instill "made in His image" value in our children.

They have always known in their core that they have worth and that they have a purpose and a calling on their life that is their responsibility to fulfill. Each one took this knowledge and at an early age gave their heart fully to the Lord and in service to Him. It has made raising our children a joy!

I serve in a ministry that has many young people who do not realize their value. You can discern their empty and hurt feelings from being overlooked by different people in their lives. They call me "Mama" because I listen, support and encourage them. I truly cannot do what a parent can do but I do what I can.

I think many times parents do not realize how important their role is as a parent. Further, what a tremendous impact they have over their children. Moreover, how much power they have in their words.. whether they be life breathing or words that bring death to their child's spirit.. In fact as a mother, we have the ability to affect the atmosphere and attitude of the home. So we have to be prayerful and choose our words carefully, ensuring they are bringing life, hope and compassion.

So yes.. I encourage you.. spend as much time as possible investing in your children.. You’ll never be disappointed for the time you gave to them. Even if that means you'll be "poorer" so to speak for a while (due to lack of 2nd income) ... your family will ultimately not care if they don't have the latest and greatest.. and I have personally found the Lord supplies all our needs according to His riches and glory in heaven. Sooo.. with that said.. your children will most assuredly be much happier because they are with you and they'll gleam from that love you show them and return it to you many times over. Because you are someone who truly cares for them and for their future.. You are innately invested in seeing them be all they are called to be.

In personal reflection I noticed that each of our children have a strong desire to serve in outreach and missions. I know this was encouraged by what they saw in our home. Moreover, we have able to show them the value in continuing their education so they could take that passion to serve along with their skills out to the mission’s field. So it's been exciting watching grow in the things of the Lord.

In our family our 26 yr old is a stay at home M. of my first two grandbabies.. (3rd on the way) she and her husband met at Christ for the Nations and our 21 yr old daughter is about to graduate from ACU and is going on into Occupational Therapy. Our 20 yr old daughter is a senior at ACU and is a PreMed major. Our 14 yr old son makes us proud and happy to have a son every day. = ) It's exciting to see the fruit produced because of investment you make into their lives. The charge we're given to raise them up in the way they should go.. suddenly takes on new and powerful meaning and responsibility!!! And.. it's all worth it!!!

I believe the blessings continue for a lifetime!

Connie

Your kids will follow your lead. If you are excited they likely will be too. I struggle with this decision too. It is my opinion that 8 hours is too long to be seperated from your children but I personally do not feel a strong desire to home school. I wish there was another good choice I would like for schol to be a few hours/day and just teach the core. No busy work or fun time work. Just the meat. I could then do the elective religious and creative things with my child. Join groups for fun social interaction etc. I want to be the main influence in my childrens lives (and Dad) but that is an uphill battle if they spend most of the awake and best hours elsewhere. After working w/ teens I can safely say most are more influenced by friends and not parents. That is really scary. I really consider opening a private school with short hours.

Hi M., maybe you could try a " practice run " during these summer months, just to give you and your daughter a taste of what will be in store for the school year ahead. That way if all goes well then your daughter will be excited about the new change, but if it does not work out like you had planned then it will not be too late to enroll her in public school. Just a thought, good luck!