Fitting OUT of the box

Hey there, folks! Today, I wanted to share with you why my family has chosen the path of homeschooling for our children. Let me preface this by saying that this isn't meant to criticize traditional schooling or anyone who opts for it. Just like everything else on my blog, I aim to offer another perspective and share our reasons for choosing this unconventional route.

Let's rewind to the whirlwind that was 2020. It was a year of unprecedented challenges, forcing many of us to reassess various aspects of our lives, including education. While I've previously mentioned withdrawing my youngest from public school due to his ADHD just before the pandemic hit, I haven't delved into my daughter's journey. Despite being a stellar student in most regards—enrolled in gifted classes and excelling across the board—her struggles with certain aspects like reading and memorization, coupled with her perfectionist tendencies, became increasingly apparent. Her ADHD, compounded by a wheat allergy affecting her short-term memory, made certain tasks feel like insurmountable mountains. Witnessing her anxiety over simple homework assignments was heart-wrenching.

Education isn't a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Children develop at their own pace, each with unique strengths and challenges. So, when virtual schooling didn't prove conducive to our children's needs, a friend suggested homeschooling, and I decided to take the plunge. Little did I know, homeschooling isn't a walk in the park—but not for the reasons you might think. Here's what I've learned along the way:

1. **Natural Curiosity Reigns**: My kids are like pint-sized scientists, thriving when given the freedom to learn how and when they want. Case in point: my daughter delved into astronomy and is currently tackling an aeronautics course with gusto.

2. **Education Extends Beyond Classroom Walls**: The kitchen became our classroom for fractions, multiplication, and division lessons. Plus, I got cookies out of it—a win-win!

3. **Life Skills Matter**: Homeschooling provides opportunities for my son to navigate social interactions at his own pace, sans the overwhelming pressure of traditional school settings.

4. **I'm Not the Teacher, I'm the Facilitator**: My daughter taught herself animation—a skill I'm still wrapping my head around. It's a reminder that education isn't confined to textbooks and lectures.

5. **Tailored Education, Time to Be Kids**: Homeschooling allows me to tailor education to my children's needs, rather than forcing them to conform to a rigid curriculum. Plus, they have ample time to simply be kids—a luxury often overlooked in traditional schooling.

Despite the myriad benefits, there are moments of doubt and fear—what some might call "mom guilt." I recently succumbed to this pressure and hastily enrolled my kids back into public school, only to be met with a series of signs urging me to reconsider. Thankfully, my daughter's subsequent illness, albeit a scare, served as a stark reminder of why we chose homeschooling in the first place.

So, to all the parents out there navigating the choppy waters of education, know that it's okay to feel uncertain. It's a sign of your passion and dedication to your children's well-being. And remember, whether it's homeschooling or choose traditional schooling, what matters most is finding an approach that works best for your family.

With love,

Sam