“Time to upgrade our minivan,” I joked with my husband on the day we made the decision to pull our pre-teen out of public school and embrace homeschooling instead. While the minivan comment was lighthearted, the choice to homeschool was anything but. I learned quickly that this path requires a significant commitment of time and effort, particularly since our children had only experienced traditional schooling since kindergarten.
What Led Us to This Decision?
So, what led us to this decision? That’s a complex question. Our daughter had been facing challenges for about 18 months. She is respectful, imaginative, and inclusive, but we noticed her struggles reflected in her grades, teacher feedback, and the endless hours spent on homework.
Eventually, we received crucial diagnoses that illuminated our daughter’s needs. This prompted my husband and me to have a serious conversation about what would be best for her given our circumstances. Let me clarify: we are not against public schools. My husband comes from a family of public educators, and both of us attended public schools. I even taught at a public university, and two of our four school-aged kids currently thrive in a fantastic public elementary school.
Despite our backgrounds, our daughter was in distress. She used to look forward to everything about school—the bus rides, collecting keychains for her backpack, playing four-square with friends, and excelling in science and spelling. But over those 18 months, we watched her enthusiasm wane. It felt as if she had a broken leg but was expected to run a marathon alongside her peers—an impossible expectation.
A Wave of Calm
When I first suggested the idea of homeschooling, a wave of calm washed over me. Suddenly, we had a way out, a plan for relief. I know this sounds dramatic, but when your child is struggling, you instinctively switch into protective mode. It was time for a significant and positive change.
When we shared the decision to homeschool with our daughter, she beamed with joy, as if I had just gifted her a unicorn. That moment was magical, and I could sense her relief mirroring my own.
The Initial Challenges
The initial weeks of homeschooling were challenging and required adjustment. Following the advice of her doctor, we opted for workbook-based learning combined with extensive reading to enhance her vocabulary and comprehension. There are many paths for homeschooling families; some choose online schools, others join co-ops, and many mix various methods. What works best varies by child and family.
During those early days of homeschooling, which felt like they dragged on forever, I discovered what my child needed to thrive. I was able to provide that support, and her frustration began to fade. Sitting beside her at the kitchen table, I witnessed her mastery of concepts that had previously eluded her in public school. Just last week, she tackled math problems that had once seemed insurmountable and nailed 24 out of 24 triple-digit problems on her own.
Above all, she knows that I care deeply. Whenever she faces challenges, we unite to overcome them, creating an environment where she can learn effectively.
Overcoming Misconceptions
I confess that I initially felt some embarrassment when people would see my daughter with me during the day and inquire why she wasn’t in school. Would they think I was odd or anti-public education? Growing up, I had only encountered a couple of homeschooling families, leading me to form certain misconceptions.
However, I quickly realized that many people were genuinely interested, and I had a chance to enlighten them. With a smile, I’d respond, “Yes, she’s in school. We homeschool!” More often than not, this led to positive discussions, with many people sharing their own experiences or thoughts about homeschooling.
Homeschooling families come in all shapes and sizes. We are not part of a cult, nor do we believe public school is the worst option imaginable. We make this choice because we know what’s best for our children.
Embracing Our New Normal
So yes, this progressive mom of a multiracial, adoptive family embraces homeschooling. Yes, we have a minivan, which often serves as our mobile concert hall for blasting tunes while running errands. And yes, I wholeheartedly support public education and the teachers who dedicate themselves to our kids.
In this chapter of our lives, we are wholeheartedly embracing homeschooling. By 3:45 p.m. each day, my children reconvene. My middle two come home from a wonderful public elementary school, greeted by their younger sibling’s squeals of excitement. We gather around the kitchen, sharing stories about our days over snacks—a beautiful blend of diverse learning experiences.
Homeschooling has transformed our lives, allowing our pre-teen to rediscover her joy in learning. That alone makes every effort worthwhile.
Resources for Family Planning
For those interested in family planning and home insemination, you can find valuable resources at Cryobaby At-Home Insemination Kit and At-Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit. Additionally, WHO – Pregnancy offers excellent information on pregnancy and related topics.
In summary, homeschooling was a game-changer for our family, allowing us to prioritize our child’s needs and rekindle her enthusiasm for learning.
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