I’m a homeschooling mom to three kids, and I always envisioned this path for my family. My own school experience was marred by boredom and bullying, and I witnessed firsthand the inefficiencies as a summer teacher. I once counted the minutes spent on actual teaching versus time spent getting ready, lining up, and transitioning between classes. That’s when I realized I was only teaching for about two hours in a six-hour school day. No way was I going to put my children through that.
When I mention homeschooling to others, it often invites a barrage of unsolicited opinions. It seems everyone has an expertise on my kids’ education—except for me.
What grade are your kids in?
I can’t really say.
What do you mean you can’t say?
It’s not about keeping tabs on grades. It’s about recognizing where each of my kids is at. For instance, my 7-year-old can read The BFG and tackle Revolutionary War novels by Avi. He’s grasping addition, struggles with subtraction, and can multiply a bit. He knows how to count coins and somewhat tell time. He can share interesting historical facts, like Lafayette’s injury at the Battle of the Brandywine. So, that’s where he stands, academically.
Aren’t you concerned about socialization?
Absolutely, because traditional schools are the epitome of socialization, right? Kids are grouped by age and expected to fit in. My children interact with peers of all ages—5-year-olds, 11-year-olds—you name it. They participate in skating lessons, co-ops that offer weekly classes for homeschoolers, playdates, and kayaking. Sure, some friends live further away, but when they get together, they play without anyone telling them who should be with whom. That’s socialization, not just a gaggle of kids discussing fidget spinners.
Is this about religion?
For some families, absolutely. I think it’s unfortunate to keep kids from learning about evolution or to have them reciting Bible verses all day. For us, we enjoy our faith but that’s not the reason we homeschool. We do catechism to mostly avoid Sunday school, but it’s supplementary, not our main focus. Secular homeschooling exists, folks!
Don’t you see that you’re privileged?
Yes, I am fortunate to have the option to homeschool. That doesn’t mean I have to stick to conventional educational standards.
Don’t you realize you’re undermining public education by opting out?
These are my kids we’re discussing. I refuse to sacrifice their education for some idealistic notion. I actively support public education reform because I believe it’s in dire need of improvement. I attend rallies and contact lawmakers when necessary. No, I’m not running for school board—I’m busy educating my kids. Are you running for school board?
Homeschoolers are weird.
Not a question, but I’ll respond. Yes, my 7-year-old knows every lyric from Hamilton and enjoys playing with his Revolutionary War figurines. My 5-year-old is fascinated by dinosaurs. They also love Legos and have access to shows like Ninjago and Scooby-Doo. They may not know about fidget spinners or Pokémon, but they find joy in their passions. They’re happy, and that’s what matters.
How do you think you’re qualified to teach?
Me personally? I’m close to finishing a doctoral degree in composition and rhetoric, which is essentially about teaching methods. I have a pedagogical philosophy, but I won’t bore you with the details. For those who may not feel as qualified, there are plenty of curricula and online resources available to make homeschooling manageable. Just a heads up!
What do you do all day?
We engage in school activities. We read parts of the Aeneid, work on math, and dive into social studies and science topics. That’s about two and a half hours of structured learning. Afterward, we have lunch and get dressed, which is why you might see me at Target with my kids at 1 PM or at the splash pad by 2. School doesn’t take all day, allowing us to explore hobbies, go frog hunting, take skating lessons, and express creativity—even if that means smearing paint around the bathroom. We do school and enjoy life together.
Summary:
In this candid discussion, a homeschooling mom shares her experiences and insights about her unconventional educational choices. She addresses common questions and misconceptions about homeschooling, emphasizing the importance of personalized learning, socialization, and the joy of teaching her children. By prioritizing their interests and well-being, she creates a fulfilling and enriching environment that extends beyond traditional schooling.
Keyphrase: homeschooling insights
Tags: home insemination kit, home insemination syringe, self insemination