Diving in

Earlier this year we made the decision that felt right for our family to move into homeschooling.
For us, the decision came after almost 2 years of re-evaluating and researching what education options were available to us . I know so many of you are finding yourselves entering these same new waters this school year. This is a game changing year for many families and we are all seeking to make the decision that best works for each of us. Just like any and all decisions we make as parents, we have chosen one that feels right for our family at this time in our life. Whatever you decide to do will be great and you can always pivot throughout the year, as these are unprecedented times.

In the months since we began letting friends and family know our move into this new phase, I have been inundated with messages from other parents with questions such as:
”How will you manage?”
”How do you know what to teach?”
”Won’t you get sick of your kids?”
”I could never do that! My kids wouldn’t listen to me.”
etc. etc. etc.

Let’s be clear - I am not naive enough to think everyday is going to be rainbows and sunshine - when is that ever the case with kids? But my husband and I were their first teachers. We have been teaching them since the day they were born. Guiding them, letting them explore their world and follow their interests. So why not me? Who is more qualified than I am to lead here?

As for getting sick of them-absolutely there will be moments we all need time apart. They get sick of me too. Just because we’re schooling together, doesn’t mean we have to be together every single moment of the day. But I feel the need to distinguish between that and what has become “Mom Wine” culture. I had children because I wanted to be with kids. They are 2 of the coolest people I know - absolutely I want to soak them all in. Being a parent is an honor I feel grateful for everyday - even the challenging ones.

For those of you wanting to know more about the homeschooling, distance learning and shared responsibility options available to you, every state/province has their own laws and regulations around homeschooling.

If you are in Canada, go here.

If you are in the US, go here.

For those of you who have chosen to dive head on into this journey as well - keep an eye out for part 2 of this post, with resources that have been useful to us thus far.

Whatever you decide is the right decision for your family. Full stop. No one else has the right to weigh in on that. You are the most qualified person to make this decision.