1 month down

Our classroom is ever evolving. I am able to knock out math and core subjects quickly so we have time for the other subjects - Spanish, critical thinking, life skills, health, and RECESS! The boys made vision boards. We also are planning to write a book so several times each week we spend time brainstorming and planning. I feel so much peace in the classroom. I am able to zip past the items that my boys have mastered and spend more time on the things that are more difficult for them. I taught the boys how to tell time and I taught Harrison how to finally understand subtracting with carrying (not the easiest thing to teach!) I also love the dedicated 1 on 1 time that I get to spend with them. I feel so rewarded and zen. I can only hope that they will continue to choose this for their education.

Several people think homeschooling must be very stressful. I have actually found its the opposite in my case! There are so many difficult things that were a part of my life that instantly vanished when I made the decision to homeschool.

1) I don't miss waking up at 6 am to rush around making breakfast, lunch, snacks, waters, make sure backpacks are ready and zip them off to 2 different schools. It usually involves me ending up yelling because of the length of time it takes to make this all happen. Instead we wake up when we wake up. Instead of just frozen waffles, I have time to make them something more substantial. We go to the classroom after that, but no rush. Our schedule is based on our needs, not someone else's.

2) No more emails from teachers, parent council, the school district, I could go on but everyone knows what I am talking about. The different themed outfits for each day of a week are a favorite - ha! Its endless. And a lot of times its pointless. I need a planner just to keep up with all the things I am required to do for my kids to go to school.

3) The boys were typically grouchy and exhausted when I picked them up for our ride home. Its a long day for a kid. Not an ideal time to have quality time.

4) Vacations! No more planning vacations around specific dates that are always overpriced! We can go whenever we want! (and make it a learning experience too)

5) I don't miss the constant worry...Did my kid pay attention today? Did that kid steal his pokemon cards today? Is he actually learning? What is he learning? (because he won't tell me). Why doesn't the science teacher know how to communicate with parents? Also why is she a jerk? Why do my kids have to do this project that doesn't make any sense? Is the campus safe enough? What are their emergency procedures? I could literally write a book but this is what goes on in a mother's head (or some version of it) every day.

6) Sickness. So many sicks kids at school. I don't have that yucky thought of snot getting on my child anymore.

So yes, this sounds like its all about ME, ME, ME. Well Mom's happiness is pretty important but the kids have less stress too. More importantly I am able to teach them twice the curriculum than what they can learn at school simply because its 1 on 3 (sometimes 1 on 1) instead of 1 on 24. My boys will each complete 2 grades this school year. No transitions. No busy work. Its amazing how much can be taught when all that other stuff is removed. I feel so calm these days because our lives are just more...efficient.

Do they miss hanging out with their friends at school? Harrison misses a special few but the twins could care less. They all still get to see their friends. Its just at different times than school. Between our upcoming coding class, soccer, football, and playdates, socialization is not an issue. They get more free time now and that makes them very happy.

I know its not for everybody but I am very glad that we found what works for us! You just don't know until you try!