Home School

I have debated with myself on whether or not to write a post on this subject. I have decided to do it and will probably regret it. I do not have one single homeschool workbook or "how to" guide, however I consider myself (and most other parents) a homeschool parent. We read, investigate, go on "field trips". They do "work" they ask for help with and advice on and approval of and what not. It's just plain parenting, which is a large responsibility.
I take my children to the doctor for well checks and when I think they are ill. I take primary care of their health and medical needs. I take primary care of their educational needs as well, but I am willing to consult the experts in the field on a regular basis- especially when they are offering their services to me with no copays expected. The schools my children attend supplement the education they receive at home. They are better equipped with supplies than I am home. They have "toys" we do not. They sing songs we do not know. They read books we have never heard of before. They have a variety of muscial instruments I do not have access to or the funds to purchase. (However, we do have instruments at home and they get played often-especially when Kenny busts out the guitar.) They have tumbling mats, basketball courts, baseball diamonds- I do not, nor do I have enough players to play these games. I am pretty sure that Emma would never actually play football, hockey, baseball and who knows what else if she did not attend school. She may not love those sports after she learns the basics of them, but she has been exposed to them. Exposure to multiple points of view and experiences helps to make a person "well rounded". I would say that that is one of my goals in sending them to school- to aid in their well roundedness.

I know- What about all the horrible, dreadful, terrible things they are exposed to? My basic answer to that question is 1. it's not as horrible, dreadful and terrible and you may want to believe and 2. bad things mold us, change us, and "round" us out as much or more than the good things. Last year, Emma was invited to a birthday party for a girl in her class. She said she did not want to go. I knew the little girl because I helped in her class in a regular basis. I knew that this particular little girl was loud and bossy. Emma had experienced her enough to make that determination. I think that is a good characteristic to have. I think she can't learn that from a book or by being around children on a limited basis (an hour or so a week). She is learning that there are many kinds of people in the world. Some she will enjoy and others she won't. I can take Emma to 7-11 with a dollar and let her chose something. It's not the same as giving her a dollar to keep safe and determine how to spend it at the "Snack Bar" at school-without me looking over her shoulder. She is in a controlled environment making personal decisions about the person she is. She takes what she has learned at home and has a "playground" to try it out on. She has other adults, besides her parents, responding to her in a positive way.
My final thought is this: whatever educational avenue you choose- be involved in it. Be active. Know what is going on.
Before you comment- and I welcome your comments- please do not lump me or anyone else in with parents who sit their kids in front of the TV 24-7 and send them to Kindergarten without a clue as to what a pair of scissors is. AND I will not lump you (home school parents) in with poor psychologically unstable women who drown their children in the bathtub.