When You Feel Like Putting Your Kids in Public School

It wasn’t that long ago that people would say,

“Homeschooling?  What is that?”

Homeschooling was not talked about much until the 80’s, although there were already articles and books being written on the problems of traditional education in the 60’s and 70’s from a few notables such as John Holt and Dr. Raymond Moore.  Dr. Dobson even had a program with Dr. Moore back in 1979 but it wasn’t until the 80’s that homeschooling really started to become a movement.

So homeschooling in the way that we know it today really hasn’t been around a very long time.  Many battles have been fought to give us this right to teach our children the way we feel best and using the materials that best suit our beliefs and educational philosophy.

So why are parents turning back and sending their kids back into the public school system? Or putting their kids in K12 or some other type of government funded cyber school?  Why are we now turning back to something we felt was wrong all those years ago when we first began homeschooling?  What really has changed?

I don’t purport to know all the reasons but here are some I have heard.

1. They feel they cannot give their kids a proper education and conversely the school system can do it better.

2. They don’t have the patience.

3. They cannot stay consistent.

4. They don’t want their whole day taken up. They want “me” time.

 

I ask you,

Has public education improved?

Is it really a more wholesome environment for our children?

 

If you can answer yes to both of those questions then I grant that public school may be the way to go.  But if you answer no to one or both of these questions then why do we think with longing of what it would be like to send our children into that situation?

Our children’s childhoods are precious.  Don’t get caught up in thinking that your situation would be so much better if they were at school.

Let’s take each of the objections I have heard used when parents choose to send their kids away from home and see if we can look at our situation a little differently.

1. They feel they cannot give their kids a proper education and conversely the school system can do it better. – I’m going to step out on a limb and say no school can do a better job of teaching your child.  The school system is built around one type of learner and if you’re not that type, school can become quite a struggle and drudge.  A one-on-one environment is just what children need when they have a problem.  A teacher does not have the time to focus on children individually and therefore, a child may be quite far behind before a problem is recognized.

For example, my son has had a difficult time memorizing his times tables but you would never know it because he tries to figure out the problem in other ways.  This kind of scenario could happen in any subject -not just math.

There is a tremendous amount of material available to the homeschooler that is excellent and able to help those that struggle. Yes, it does take time on your part to find the material that fits your child, and time with the child to help them through these humps of learning but you can do it.

This might become your life verse. 🙂

 

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

2. Some mom’s might feel they don’t have the patience.  If you were to ask around I’m sure you would find that most mom’s don’t feel they have limitless patience.  Anything can try your patience if it happens repeatedly and trust me, homeschooling your child can test, stretch and challenge you.  But where’s that verse again? Oh yes, Phillipans 4:13

 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

 

3. What if you feel you cannot be consistent?  Take a look at the schedule you have going with your family.  How many days of the week are you home?  Do you need to cut back and say, “No” to some extracurricular activities?

In order to homeschool, you will need to be available to actually do just that.

Also look over your school schedule.  Maybe you need to trim things back a little so that the schedule you have set before you each day does not daunt you and cause you to avoid it.

4. And then there are mom’s who really have no interest in homeschooling because they would rather spend time on their own interests/hobbies. I can’t say that if you homeschool you will have lots of time to pursue your interests but I can tell you that if you get your kids in a routine, you will have more free time than if you are constantly having to remind them or following up on what they have and are doing.

It’s very similar to child training.  In the beginning it can take the majority of your time as you teach your child proper behavior but after you have taught them what behavior is acceptable or not, you make for yourself much more pleasant days and your time spent correcting those behaviors is less.

Some Suggestions for the Homeschooling Mother Who Really Would Like to Quit

Remember we have all felt like giving up at some point.  Homeschooling is not always easy but remember why you started in the beginning.  Write it out (when you’re feeling positive) and during those time of stress go back to that written statement and reread it.

Build some quiet time into your day where the children do not interrupt you. During their quiet time, they can read or draw while they are in their rooms but they are not to interrupt you. Use that time to recharge.

Be sure your schedule is doable and not overcrowded with too many outings.

Read Dr. Raymond Moore’s books.  Dr. Moore was a firm believer in not pushing children in the early years.  He and his wife had tremendous wisdom in regards to homeschooling and even the rearing of children.  They have both passed on but their educational philosophy is still gold.  Reading their books will help you realize that homeschooling does not have to be the following of textbooks nor a mini public school.

Go to a good homeschool convention.  Ours here in Arizona is tremendous.  If you must choose between going to the curriculum hall and hearing the speakers, I suggest skipping the curriculum hall.  Many of the early homeschoolers, before there was such a plethora of homeschooling curriculum, had only their library to depend upon for good books and the student didn’t seem to suffer. Again, read Dr. Moore’s books if you’re feeling unsure of yourself and if you feel the education you’re giving your child is not up to par.

Listen to or read books from motivating speakers on the subject of homeschooling and parenting.

Ask God for patience, wisdom and strength for the journey.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:19

 

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man… Ephesians 3:16

 

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

 

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9

Press on!

Be a Winston Churchill.

“Never give in, never give in, never; never; never; – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense”