Homeschooling Pros/Cons 4: Odds, Ends, & Updates

I really did intend to finish this series in a timely manner.  

Meanwhile, we made a decision about what we'll do for Aubree's school next year (update at the end) and suddenly the urgent need to ferret out every possible pro and con vanished.  So, better late than never, right?

Here are some of the more random, but often weighty, considerations...

*When I am newly pregnant or have a new baby, sometimes school becomes less of a priority and we end up doing just the bare minimum.  Some people might argue that, "the baby is the lesson," and suggest the other kids learn great life skills by being a part of that process.  I agree to an extent, but the fact remains that public school teachers are more likely to be consistent and follow through with academic tasks regardless of what might be happening externally. 

Graham with his adoring fan club

* I've addressed the issue of time previously, but didn't discuss the "problem" of having less time to focus on the younger kids because of continued obligations to older children and their academic needs.  For example, I've done co-op preschools for both Aubree and Bryce, but it would be much harder to do the same thing for Thane and Graham because I'll have all my kids with me.  

*Further, the question should be asked: is it better for each child to have the opportunity to be the oldest at home?  

*And since I always have all my kids, it makes some tasks much more complicated to complete, things like: visiting teaching, play dates, doctor appointments, errands, etc.  That's a con, but a positive result of that reality is that by being in those settings frequently, my kids learn how to behave in those situations and I  am forced to learn to handle it too.

When Aubree was a baby, I refused to take her grocery shopping because I found it too distracting and stressful.  Now that I have four, I always take them grocery shopping with me and the vast majority of the time they do great.  In fact, they look forward to our trips to Costco and Winco.

Graham is always strapped on in my Ergo

*By homeschooling, we are not tied to the school's schedule (both day-to-day timing and vacation planning).  This is a MAJOR plus in my book.  We can start our days when we want.  We can take field trips whenever we want.  Last year we took a two week trip in May to California for my sister's wedding.  No big deal.  I love that!

PE fun and games

*Two words: no homework (yeah, yeah, I get the irony there).

*Two more words: no fundraisers!

*There is a very real possibility of burn-out among homeschooling parents.  There is no "break" from the needs and demands of needy and demanding little people. (But to be honest, sometimes I wonder if the idea of needing a "break" from our kids is a 20th/21st century, First-World idea. But that is a very undeveloped thought and perhaps a subject/question for another post).

Getting ready for a Medieval Feast

* I don't have to pack lunches or pay for school lunches.  

*One reason I decided to homeschool was because I really wanted my kids to be great friends with their siblings.  I'm not suggesting that kids who go to public school aren't friends with their siblings, but having my kids together all day, every day gives them more opportunities to interact. Since their siblings are their primary playmates, they tend to seek them out, even when given other choices.  I've also noticed that they often get along the worst after spending time with friends.

* After my last homeschool post, the concern of lack of exposure to different people and ideas was raised.  Great point!  I do worry about the often homogeneous environment among homeschool circles.  I want my kids to be able to have close associations with individuals with varying backgrounds, beliefs, socioeconomic levels, etc. 

 I am not as concerned with them being exposed to different ideas and beliefs at an organizational level.  A common criticism frequently lobbied against homeschooling parents sounds something like, "you're too close-minded, you shouldn't be afraid to expose your child to different (usually secular) philosophies."  

I wonder, "Hmmm... I don't see those secular parents choosing to send their kids to a private catholic school as a means to 'expose them' either."  Does it only go one way?  

Reader's theater

******

Okay... so now that I've gone into way too much detail and FINALLY finished (cheers all around!), here's an update on our plans for next school year...

Aubree did get into the program I mentioned at the beginning of this odyssey.  I talked to a bunch of parents who had kids go through the program, and without exception, they raved about it.  We met the teachers and the students and were duly impressed.  It's very fast-paced, student-led, application oriented, with tons of art, reading, and fun projects.  So, come fall, Aubree will be a full-time public school student.

trying to grind corn

I can't say I completely love the idea, but I'm really excited for her and I think it will be a wonderful experience.  I had a lot of great things planned for her in the Fall, but I don't think this is an opportunity we can duplicate or pass up.  And, as Mark pointed out, "We can always choose to pull her out if it doesn't work out, but we can't choose to put her in later."  

Bryce will still be homeschooled for Kindergarten and I've set-up a preschool co-op for Thane (just once a week).  There will be a lot of changes for our little family, but I feel a lot of peace about these choices, and I couldn't ask for more.