“Looks like it’s time for a larger minivan,” I joked with my partner the day we decided to withdraw our pre-teen from public school and transition to homeschooling. While my comment about the van was lighthearted, the decision to homeschool was anything but trivial. I quickly learned that homeschooling involves a significant time commitment and requires a considerable adjustment, especially since our children had only experienced public education since kindergarten.
What Prompted This Change?
So, what prompted this change? That’s a complex question. Our child had faced challenges for about a year and a half. She is kind, imaginative, and welcoming, but her academic struggles became evident through her grades, teacher feedback, and the extensive time spent on homework each evening. After receiving several enlightening diagnoses, we finally understood her specific needs. It was then that my partner and I had a serious discussion: What was truly best for her in this moment of our lives?
Let me clarify—we are not against public schooling. My partner’s parents were both public school teachers, and we both attended public schools ourselves. Moreover, I previously taught at a public university, and two of our four school-aged children are thriving at a fantastic public elementary school. However, despite our backgrounds, our daughter was in distress. She once enjoyed every aspect of school, from the bus rides and her ever-growing backpack keychain collection to playing four-square at recess and excelling in science and spelling tests. But over the past year and a half, we witnessed her descending into a dark place through no fault of hers.
It felt like expecting my child, who had a broken leg, to run a marathon alongside her peers—a completely unreasonable demand. The moment I proposed homeschooling, a wave of tranquility washed over me. Suddenly, we had a way out, a plan for safety and relief. I know this sounds dramatic, but when your child is hurting, you naturally go into protective mode. It was time for a significant and positive change.
The Joy of Transition
When we informed our daughter about our decision to homeschool, her joy was palpable; she beamed as if I had just gifted her a pet unicorn. That moment was truly magical. The relief I felt? She shared it too.
The initial weeks of homeschooling required considerable time and adjustment. Following her doctor’s advice, we opted for workbook learning and plenty of reading to enhance vocabulary and comprehension skills—just one of many available approaches. Some families prefer online schools, while others join homeschooling co-ops or mix various methods. As with everything, different strategies suit different children and families.
During those early days of homeschooling, which seemed to stretch on forever, I discovered exactly what my child needed to thrive. I could provide her with those essential resources. Her frustrations began to dissipate. I watched her absorb concepts and successfully complete tasks that had been nearly impossible for her in the traditional school environment. Just last week, she tackled math problems that had caused her years of anguish, and she completed all 24 triple-digit problems correctly.
Building a Supportive Environment
Most importantly, she understands I am invested in her learning. Whenever she has a need, we collaborate to address it, allowing her to flourish academically. I admit that, due to my initial misconceptions about homeschooling, I felt awkward when someone would notice my pre-teen with me during the day and ask why she wasn’t at school. Would they think I was unconventional? Anti-public school? Growing up, I only knew a couple of homeschooling families, and I had formed some assumptions based on that limited experience.
What I soon realized is that people are genuinely interested, and I had the chance to educate them. I would greet their inquiry with a smile, saying, “Yes, she’s in school. We homeschool!” More often than not, they would share that they had considered homeschooling themselves or had positive experiences to recount.
Homeschooling families come in many forms. We’re not all part of a cult, nor do we believe that public schooling is the epitome of failure. We simply make choices based on what we know is best for our child(ren). So yes, this progressive mom of a multiracial, adoptive family embraces homeschooling. Yes, I drive a minivan, which is our go-to vehicle for blasting tunes while running errands. And yes, I wholeheartedly support public education and its teachers.
Embracing Our New Normal
In this chapter of our lives, we are fully embracing homeschooling. By 3:45 p.m. every day, all my children reunite. My two middle kids arrive home from school, having enjoyed their day at a wonderful public elementary school with dedicated teachers. The youngest squeals with joy and runs to hug them, and we gather around the kitchen bar to share our day over snacks. It’s a beautiful celebration of the diverse ways my children learn.
Homeschooling has transformed our family dynamic, and we are grateful for this option. It has rekindled our tween’s joy and passion for learning, and that makes every sacrifice worthwhile. For more insights on similar topics, you might find our blog post about couples’ fertility journeys helpful. Additionally, for those interested in home insemination, check out this authoritative source. If you’re looking for a comprehensive overview of fertility options, you can also visit this excellent resource on IVF.
Conclusion
In summary, our decision to homeschool has been a life-changing choice that has positively impacted our family. It has allowed us to cater to our child’s unique needs and rekindle her love for learning.
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