One of my patients recently asked me what made me decide to homeschool. I told him: “I honestly don’t know”. I was never homeschooled and it wasn’t something I thought I would ever do with my kids. But when my daughter was in Kindergarten our family was just in this cycle. Rush off to school in the morning and not see each other all day then home to do homework, play, eat and go to bed. Life kind of revolved around the schools schedule. There were no field trips but 4 fund raisers. I just missed her and she missed me. Then my sitter for my youngest closed so I started temporarily working weekend nights until we found other options. Then during the summer I realized how much I loved being with my kids and It did not feel right to send her back to school. I have no specific thing against schools and this decision was not based on anything but my personal family’s situation and beliefs.
I felt inadequate, scared and it was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make. I still have times where I feel inadequate and scared! It wasn’t a light decision this was my child’s life, her future, her education- all things I take very seriously! But 2 years later it is- so far- the best decision I’ve ever made!
I don’t think it would have worked without the large number of homeschool mommas that as it turned out were everywhere in my hometown!
I’m still taking it one year at a time but each day while it brings it’s own frustrations is precious to me and I wouldn’t trade this time with my kids for anything. Not even the 15-20k a year that I’m loosing from not working as much as I was. And that is a hard pill to swallow even now typing that number but my husband and I both agree that what we are doing right now is without a doubt what it right for us. Not to say that won’t change, we do re-assess and pray often. But I don’t think I’ll look back on my life in 20 years and say I wish I had made more money. I’ve seen many people on their death beds as a nurse and they want more time with their loved ones. There will never be enough money and there are other ways of making money. I will not let it decide how I live my life any more than I can help it. I want to walk the path God has laid out for my family and trust Him to take care of the details and our future. Easier said than done but so worth the struggle!
