I just realized that the school kids in my area had their last day of school today. I feel like maybe I didn't do enough "schooling" this year. This is our first year of homeschooling. In school age my son would be considered done with 1st grade and going into 2nd grade. In some areas I know he's still at a 1st grade level though. I guess that's the beauty of hsing. Anyway, I know I shouldn't worry about what others think, but I am. My neighbor works at the local school (the one my son attended for kindergarten) and tonight we have the children's neighborhood softball/t-ball practice. I'm getting nervous about getting together with all of the other non homeschooling families. I just hope I don't get any questions or snide comments about homeschooling. I guess I have to take some deep breaths and calm myself down. I know I'm doing the right thing with home educating my son. I just have to keep telling myself that I can do it and I won't fail him. I can't let other people's comments bother me either. Anyone else feel this way???? Is this normal for a newbie homeschooler? Is it normal even for a veteran homeschooler?
Yep...totally normal. Hold your head up high at t-ball!!! Just remember that your son is learning at his pace (whether that is slower or faster than the kids down the street). And look, you're socializing, so no one should ask about "socialization".....when you're right there doing it!! Deep breath and enjoy t-ball! Rhonda
You are very welcome. We've only been hsing for 14 months so I'm still new enough to relate. Fortunately for us, we moved here and started homeschooling so most of our circle of friends are from church and co-op (co-op meets at our church)....so I haven't had a ton of those issues except at Girl Scouts. My 2 girls are the only homeschoolers in a large troop. Most questions come from the girls their age when they realize that my girls went on a "trip" or something while they were at school all day Most seem to think its neat though.
Like the the old saying, "Opinions are like, , everyone has one". Don't worry about what anyone says, it is JUST their opinion, you know the truth and you owe them nothing. Have a great time! Edited to say: We hs'd my ds' from K-12, they just graduated. One of my sil's was against hs-ing from the start and let her opinion be known. Anyway, my kids sent her an announcement and of all their aunts and uncles, she was the only one who did not acknowledge them, her loss! You can't always change how some people feel, kwim?
Yes, I think that's normal. I feel that way, too, wondering if my kids "got" as much out of this year as their schooled friends did. It's so hard NOT to compare my kids to others. It's funny that, when they were in school, I never questioned where they were at the end of the year. I just trusted that the school had done its job. When I started teaching Zach at home, I realized how much he'd just been passed through concepts and lessons that he'd never truly learned. So I reassure myself now with the fact that even if we didn't cover every little thing the schools covered, what we did cover, he LEARNED. It's a big thing that we're doing, and I think it's totally normal to question oneself when attempting big things. I'd like to think it would get easier over time, but I'm not yet certain that's the case! LOL
It went very well! Thank you for asking. My kids had a great time and learned a lot about playing softball. I underestimated the adults that I was going to be with. They were a great bunch of people. My hubby said that the guys were actually joking around about how mean the local school principal is. I still worry about how my son's homeschooling is going, but I guess that's normal. Thank you all for the supportive words.:angel:
I would like to throw out there all the incredibly successful homeschooled kids. The author of the Eragon books. I just found an article about a homeschool robotics team that took the world championship. Closer to home is my family. When my mother pulled us out of school the pricipal of the elementary where my youngest sister was in K, told her that she would fail. My sister graduated highschool at 14. She has self published a chilrens book triliogy. She is currantly pursuing her interest in art through college correspondence. Stick with it, PRAY and you will go above and beyond your expectations.
Opinions are just that I felt the same apprehensions when we put dd back in school here. I was so worried that she'd have a lot of social issues- she is a little immature in that area. I was worried she'd be behind- only some gaps in math and nothing that can't be fixed quickly over the summer. But alas she is doing swimmingly and I've had no problems reported from the teacher. Enjoy Tball and don't worry about what others might think. You may get an opposite reaction of what you're expecting. You never know!
Yes, it's just their opinion. Your opinion has higher priority, because this is YOUR family! It's true, ps kids may LOOK like they're ahead in some things, but many of the kids are just rushed through everything so the teacher can get through the book by the end of the year! Your children will go at the pace that suits them, and will learn WELL! So, in the long-run, your children will have a much stronger base that will help them succeed!
hey now, mines in public school now! Course I'll still be adding things at home LOL. The first thing I've noticed to go down the tube is her handwriting. Yikes! So we will be working on that. And not ALL public schools are bad just so ya'll know.
You're right. We're generalizing to make a point. But some kids and/or parents do NOT do better in homeschooling. When they're put in school they do well! My ds17 got to a point last year where he was just floating along, not putting forth effort, and not getting things accomplished. When we made the decision to put him in the Christian school it was TOUGH! BUT, he has flourished there! As much as I'd LIKE to say homeschooling is great and the best choice for everyone, I know I can't, and I know that's not true! So, if your kids are in school, take what we say with a grain of salt. We're sincere in that some of us have had very poor experiences with ps, but we know that as a concerned parent, you should do what you feel is best for your child! Kim, I am soooo glad your dd is doing so well there! I've been praying for her and you! I will continue to pray that next year goes just as well!
You're right, every child is different. There are some parents that should not hs simply because they lack the commitment. Others use it as a way to control their family in an unhealthy way. However, these are the oddballs. They are not the norm in hs families. Unfortunately, they are the ones the media loves to point out. There are bad examples in every walk of life.
