Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Going Back

I registered the kids for school today.

The oldest three are going back to our parish school next year.
This was a tough decision for me but after a lot of thinking and praying I feel this is the best for our family.

The first thought that came to my mind was am I giving up? This is not some project I am working on, these are my children and doing what I think is best is not giving up in my opinion.

I think this year has been great for the kids and me. We have become closer, I have learned patience, and I have seen what my children are capable of academically. My favorite part is no homework, which will be missed.

I am so grateful to have met such wonderful families who are so supportive. I consider them my friends and I know we will continue to be even though we won’t be homeschooling anymore.

Our decision came down to what am I capable of. I have learned that I do not hold up to my own standards when it comes to teaching, and I don’t have the desire to do so. That may sound harsh but it is the truth.

I just want to be mom again. Teach my children the things that I am good at teaching and leave the rest to the professionals.

Another big part of this decision is the arrival of the new baby. Oney will be three and I will have a newborn. I look forward to just having babies in the house while the older kids are at school. It is the time where I can focus all my attention on the littlest ones.

I trust our parish school and the teachers, that made the decision a lot easier. My children have always been happy there. I do not look forward to the homework, but I think this year of homeschooling has taught me how my children learn and I think I am better equipped to have the patience and understanding it will take to get them through.

I have so much admiration for families who homeschool, it is not for everyone, but those who do it and do it well are very special people in my book.

I will treasure the last moths of homeschooling my children. I will also treasure the traditional school days my children have in their future. We have learned so much and met people who we will always cherish. This is a bittersweet change for me but I am confidant things will be alright.

6 comments:

Christine said...

Prayers to you. All my kids are at school right now. 3 in the Catholic school and one in public. We have a good school system here (praise the Lord) and my oldest is doing really well. He has good friends that he bonded with at the Catholic school. Really we hardly have any homework. Spelling words and reading.

Jamie Jo said...

Gosh, I don't think there is a homeschool mom out there who has not felt what you wrote!! You should be very proud of what you did, you tried it and that is amazing! I always say "one year at a time" When people ask how am I going to teach Albebra and other harder things. You might end up sending some and homeschooling some, depending on their personalities and yours. Do what works for you, don't feel guilty. Anyone who knows you knows that this was a prayerful decision and is the decision that is right for you and your family!

Many blessings to you and your family!

Soul Pockets said...

Thank you Christine and Jamie!

Chris said...

I think you need to do what is best for your kids and your family. What works for one doesn't always work of the other. So you shouldn't feel bad about it. You are a good mom and you are doing what is right for your kids.

Milehimama @ Mama Says said...

God always gives you the grace to do what is best for YOUR family, even if other, devout families do things differently.

May you be blessed and I hope it all goes well!

Cathy Adamkiewicz said...

I am so glad you had this great year of homeschooling. There is no guilt to be felt here - you and Dominic are such great parents. You had an awesome year, and the rest will be too!
What grades will the kids be in? Maybe we'll have some kids together!