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This post is supposed to be about why we homeschool, and there are so, so many wonderful reasons to homeschool. However, even now, as we are just getting started formally homeschooling, I see so many hurdles. So I wanted to write a post about the drawbacks of homeschooling as seen by a newbie homeschooler. These are in no particular order as on any given day one may be worse then another.
So now you are probably thinking,
“WHAT DID I GET MYSELF INTO!”
At least I know I think this at least once a day! But even now, when we have barely begun, I can see things improving. I can see that I have had to get to know even more about my kids and my own personality to choose an option to fit their learning style, my teaching style, and our own situation. I can see that not everyone is judgmental when they question you; some actually admire you and tell you to keep up the good work. I can see that although we are pressed for time now, we will never get the time with our kids back, so a lot of my time can wait. I can see that although life can seem chaotic, organization will really only come with practice and discipline (which we all need to learn). And I can see that I still have a huge responsibility to my kids to raise them and teach them to become kind, responsible adults who seek to do the right thing even when others do wrong because that is more important then academics or “fitting in” with their peers.
So I guess all the “drawbacks” also have some positives to go with them; it is all a matter of perspective. And from my perspective, all the “drawbacks” are worth it!
A classic strong-willed child, Ashley fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian in 2005 only to realize a new dream had formed, having a family with her husband (another strong-willed child). After much heartache, they were blessed with 2 daughters and a son, who are all proving to be just as spirited as their parents! Though she is still working part-time, she fills her days off with fun activities and lots of learning with her three kids. And this is where the blog comes in, Life with Moore Babies is where she documents the activities they do and the places they go in hopes that someone might be inspired to do some “fun learning” with their kids. You can find Ashley on Facebook, Pinterest, Google +, and Twitter.
Erin D says
Great post! The time challenges and the built-in mess from 5 people being home all the time were a big adjustment for me, but it’s still without a doubt the best things we ever did for our family.
Erika ~ Prey Species @ www.preyspecies.com says
Great post 🙂 I think it takes great strength and faith to commit to an educational option that you think is best for your children and family and go for it with your whole heart 🙂 Your family is so lucky to have you!
Ashley says
Not sure why it won’t let me reply to you two, but thank you so much for taking the time to read it! I really appreciate your encouragement!
Jennifer - The Deliberate Mom says
This was such a great post. We just started homeschooling my daughter this year. I love it… I use a lot of my early childhood education skills to implement curriculum and so far it’s worked beautifully.
I love going at our own pace and allowing my child to have some “control” over her preferred ways of learning.
Thanks again!
xoxo
Lisa -The Domestic Life Stylist says
I so appreciate your candor Ashley. My family and I are still considering homeschooling as a option and it’s nice to hear from a “newbie” that you share some of those same thoughts that I do.
Ashley says
I wish it would let me reply to you all individually, but for some reason my computer won’t! Thank you both for the encouraging words, and yes, it is nice to know others feel the same from time to time!
Kristina Manscill says
Awe man…you got me with the first two! I was home schooled up until 3rd grade and have considered doing it with my own kids but I am terrible at being organized!
Kristina@ mothersniche.com
Sparkling says
It’s interesting to hear this from a homeschooling parent. As a teacher, trained, educated and well-practiced, I often wonder how parents do it. I teach one subject and I am certainly no expert. Teaching all of the subjects, or finding qualified people who can, must be very overwhelming for homeschooling parents. Especially as the kids get into older grades.
I wonder, with you having so many questions and feeling not confident enough, why you are forcing yourself to homeschool? It sounds like it might not be right for you yet. Like you want to do it but realize it’s going to be a lot of work!
Ashley says
Kristina, it will take time, but you can figure it out in time. If it is what you feel you should do I would go for it!
Sparkling, we are barely starting on our journey. I feel God has led me to this decision and will bring me through it despite difficulties along the way. I love the time with my kids and watching them learn. No one should go into without thinking there will be problems though; just like anything else in life. If I avoided doing everything I wasn’t confident in I would have never graduated vet school, got married, or had kids because I wasn’t sure exactly what I was doing when I began. You have to learn sometime, and no matter when you start it will take time.
Beth Gorden says
Great honest look at Homeschooling. We love it, but it is a LOT of work & time. It’s good for people to not just see the warm & fuzzy part before they decide to jump in.
Thanks for linking up to TGIF! Hope to see you linked up again today =)
Have a great weekend,
Beth =)
Allison says
Very well written. Like Beth said we LOVE homeschooling, but it is definitely a ton of work and responsibility.
Jennifer Hughes says
Visiting from the Sunday Showcase. I’d love for you to share your family-friendly crafts and ideas at Monday Kid Corner at thejennyevolution.com. See you at the party!
Jennifer
Kylee Shaw says
I am seriously considering homeschooling either next year for 1st grade or for 2nd grade… and you just NAILED all of my concerns! Thanks for helping me wrap my head around all the randomn thoughts floating around!