Back-to-School Adventures
One of the unique things about me is that I’m a second-generation homeschooling momma. That means I was homeschooled and now homeschool my kiddos. Yesterday morning, my heart was in my throat as I watched my baby girl board the school bus. She may be 13, almost 14, but this was the first time she’s stepped outside our homeschool to take classes. Let me tell you, it’
s a big step.
And for this mom who went from homeschooling to a community college a lot smaller than her high school, it’s a wee bit daunting. So why are we taking this step?
1) I try to hold homeschooling with an open hand. It’s not who I am but part of what I do.
Don’t get me wrong, we’re still very much a homeschooling family. Our daughter is taking two classes at the high school and the rest at home. But about three or four years ago, a trusted friend asked why we homeschool if our lives were bordering on chaotic? That’s when I realized I needed to make sure my identity wasn’t wrapped up in homeschooling. My identity should be firmly rooted in who I am as God’s daughter, not one of my roles here on earth. That’s impacted how I walk this journey — even though we still homeschool.
2) Each child is different. Our daughter wants to be a flight nurse (think life flight helicopters). This takes a certain set of science skills I can’t necessarily give her. The high school has a 4 year bio-med program for students who want to go into medical fields. So for her, this makes total and complete sense. And…
3) This fills in my weaknesses with another’s strengths. There are many reasons I went to law school instead of medical school. Science is a leading one. Don’t get me wrong — I do well in science — but I made it through undergrad without dissecting anything that had blood pumping through its veins at any point in time. Shudder. Last semester our babysitter dissected all kinds of “fun” things with the kids while I taught at Purdue. I came home to a cleaned up house and candles burning. Of course my oldest two are headed into STEM fields. Yet God has provided avenues to shore up my weaknesses. And I’m willing to ask for the help. I’m so excited our daughter gets to take classes with the bio-med teacher. That woman is passionate and enthusiastic about science. The perfect antidote for me!
4) Stretching is a good thing. My husband and I asked our 13 year old if she was excited or nervous. She said she’d been nervous all week, but was a good actress. I know she’ll do great. We wouldn’t let her go if we didn’t think she’d thrive. So this is a good time to let her stretch and learn that those stretching times are good and healthy.
As school starts all over the country, what tips do you have for kids that are launching into a new endeavor? What’s your favorite back-to-school advice?
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I’m a retired public school teacher. I read your well written post with interest because I’ve friends who are home schooling. I’ll pass your address on to them.
Thanks, Meredith. I appreciate you joining the conversation!
You’re blessed to live in state that will permit you to do that. VA is not so willing to be open to home schoolers. In my county at least.
Norma, I realize how very blessed we are! This wasn’t an option when I was homeschooled.
I’m also a second generation homeschool mama. We’re homeschooling our oldest (4th grade), but our second daughter will still be in private school this year, and our boys will start preschool three afternoons a week. I used to think we would homeschool all four, full time. However, numerous things transpired to make me realize I also needed to hold homeschooling with an open hand and take one year at a time. Next year, things will look different for our family, because each child had different needs. One of my twin boys looks like he’ll flourish in preschool, but one might struggle. So we’ll have to decide if we’ll homeschool both, or if one will stay home and the other go to the private school next year for Kindergarten. This homeschooling journey is my manna. I have to trust God daily to give me what I need, not only to teach, but make wise decisions for our family as a whole, and as individuals. Good job doing the same, Cara. I’ll be praying for your daughter today!
Parenting and educating our kids is such a day by day journey. Homeschooling is such a faith journey. Thanks for the prayers for Abigail, Gabrielle!
Cara, I loved this, “My identity should be firmly rooted in who I am as God’s daughter, not one of my roles here on earth.” So true for all of us!
It is a truth I still wrestle with, Becky. I pray some day it will be firmly rooted inside me. Hard for a people pleaser!
“My identity should be firmly rooted in who I am as God’s daughter, not one of my roles here on earth.” I love that sentiment too — so important to remember, but ironically, so easy to forget as well. Thanks for the reminder.
I work as a librarian in a public school system but I have to say I really respect homeschoolers and I love the way society is slowly starting to not be threatened by it. I think you have more freedoms with it in the states than we do in Canada, at least in Ontario where I live, and I love that you have the option to send your daughter to school for some courses. That would not happen here. Blessings to your whole family this school year.
I think you’re right that it’s easier to homeschool in most states than it is in Canada, Kav. You’ve got a key job, too! Thanks for introducing kids to great fiction!
Cara, my youngest daughter homeschooled her four for quite a few years. Her oldest, now a senior in college, started full time public school as a freshman. He thrived. As for science, not my bailiwick either. I even refused to dissect a frog back in high school. My lab partner did it and I watched. No med school for me, obviously. Give me History and English any day of the week. Funny thing is, both of my daughters studied/are studying for science related degrees. If they didn’t both look so much like me, I would wonder where they came from.
Robin, I so know that feeling! Fortunately, all my kids are readers, so I know they get something from me. The science bents? Not so much!
Homeschooling was never heard of when I was a child – what patience it must take, to say nothing of time and intelligence, to be a homeschooling mom and I so admire those who are. I can remember my impatience when my mom would have to read the last 2 chapters of my textbook in order to help me with my homework, LOL!!
But public schools have changed much from the days when skipping a class or smoking a cigarette were the greatest infractions by a student. There are so many educational advantages and opportunities for those whose moms can’t homeschool. There are also more opportunities for temptations and personal problems. However, birds must learn to fly and having Christian parents and growing up in a Christian home are the very best preparations.
Cara and Gabrielle, I’m amazed at how you even find the time to homeschool!! And Cara – I totally get the blood thing, I’m the biggest wimp, ever, when it come to that and hated science in school. God will bless you homeschooling moms, and your children, for your time and dedication with your children. I’m saying a prayer for both of you and your families!! Hugs!!
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Bonnie, You just do the next thing put in front of you and hope you do it all well!
Hi Cara! I read your post with great interest.
There is not the amount of home schooling over here, in fact one rarely hears about it but I am sure there must be benefits for both:). Apart from Station Homesteads in the outback, where there is usually a school room with a Governess for children on the property, or a room set up for the children to tune in to “School of The Air” via the radio, most of our children would do their secondary schooling at Boarding school, or in cases of schools in neighbouring towns even 50 /70 kilometres away, they would hop on the school bus! Can you imagine the poor bus drivers by the end of the day? LOL They are worth their weight in gold.!!
In the case of my husband when he was teaching, he drove the school bus as well…..such an early start for the children and for him. Nevertheless he was happy to do it and the rapport with the children was fantastic,both in and out of the school settings.
I was also involved as a school dental nurse in the outback (way back in the dim dark ages) and we had to use pedal radios..what a hoot but so essential…now the kids use Skype…Modern tech at it’s best!:)
I wish your daughter all the very best Cara , and I applaud you for being such a sensible and brave Mom. It’s not easy to let go of your fledglings but so essential for them to experience the best of both worlds.
Cheers
Rosie