The thing I enjoy the most is all this extra time I get with Jeannie, even on the rough days. The most difficult part for me is how isolated I feel she is. The second hardest thing is putting together her lessons, since I have to most of it from scratch.
I love the fact that I get to see the "ah ha" moments I like chalenging them, however one of the downfalls is when they challenge me.... not with questions but behavior. I like doing special projects with them. I love the fact that I can do stuff with them when I want. I don't have to pack a lunch, sign permission slips, buy the "trendy" clothes or expensive uniforms. One of the other downfalls is being around them so much, I thrive on my time away. I also hate that we don't have as much space as I wish we had to set up all the school things, maps, globes, puzzles, alphabet board, word wall etc..... I have a small chalk board and a small white board. and an easel with both. I don't have a way to seperate them if they aren't getting along.
The main advantages are being with them a lot, seeing them grow up, seeing the moments when they "get it" with something, sharing their excitement with something they've learned, being the one that teaches them to read, sharing the frustrations of things they are struggling with, hearing them say, "I'm homeschooled" and can tell they're proud of that fact, as they grow and mature---seeing them learn and apply the values I so want them to learn, and not the ps system values!!! The disadvantages are very few. Probably the main one is the same as the main advantage: being with them a lot. We can start to get on each others nerves, and sometimes I need a break. I can't just "run to the store" cuz I always have the kids. But my husband is good about watchiing them so I can get out, so this doesn't happen often. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with all I feel I need to do to get them to learn all I want them to learn! I love homeschooling! I love having my kids with me! I love it that they are independent, choosing things based on the values they are learning, not based on peer pressure! And I love that each one is choosing to follow God and be good Christians!
I guess the thing I dislike most is when they struggle and I don't know how to make them grasp it. What I like best is the time I have with my kids, the ugly stuff they don't know ( I see that all the time and even at church too. Kids know things that just sound terrible). The safety of home is the biggest advantage. I don't have to wonder if my child will be killed today in school. I actually like making my own studies up too. That way we can study what they want to.
Melinda... I have found the longer we homeschool the scales are not tipped evenly. Quite the contrary, our list for *loves* of homeschooling is so weighed down...the other side seems like a feather..:lol: That is the way I feel now... What I like the most is that our family has been strengthened in our relationship with each other and with God. Looking back, teaching them to read, how to write, and math seems to start paling into insignificance when you see their relationship with God grow. Too, when they are not tainted by the world around them, but are growing up to be the compassionate, worldly wise, and caring adults you want them to be, the reward is beyond words. The downside for me changed over the years.. What I dislike the most is finding out how much you can branch off on topics and realizing that you only have so much to learn all of it... We just really touch the tip of the iceberg when it comes to knowing... Yes, I too am completely in love with homeschooling. The time,toil and tears have all been so worth it!
I have to agree with Tina 100 percent. It's just so wonderful to have the children home with me and watching them grow and learn right with me is so much fun.
I'm with Amy...those "Ah-ha!!!" moments. I loved them when I was in a classroom and would see one in my students; how much greater when it's your own kids.
The thing I enjoy most is I get to be there during the great moments and the not so great moments. Rather than someone else, who's values I don't know being there when my kids do something great or something downright stupid, it's me. I can make an impact right then. If it's something great, I get to celebrate, if it's not, we get to talk it over right away, find out what was wrong and make a plan for it to not happen again. To me, my entire goal in raising my children, which includes homeschooling, is to raise adults who can know and make right decisions, no matter how hard they are. If they go to college, become famous, or are even happy in life would be perks, but not my main goal. What I dislike? Over the years that has changed. When my children were younger, it was my lack of free time. Now, it's my lack of time with them! They both are going in totally opposite directions and I have to stay in the middle and I don't want too! I know I have to start letting go, but I think that's so with any parent. My other dislike is I don't have enough money to buy what I truly want for them. But I really don't think this has anything to do with my widowhood or stay-at-home decision. I'm guessing every homeschooler on this board will say the same thing. There is not enough money to buy all the books we want.....Yes, my name is Libi and I'm a bookaholic.
The best part of homeschooling to me is the "freedom". The freedom to work when you like, play when you like, study what you like, etc. I didn't have that freedom really when I taught in ps. The thing I dislike the most is not getting a good break every day from the kids where I'm not responsible for there well-being. DH travels and works late. If he is home, many times he is tired or stressed. I wish I could have like an hour each evening of quiet time where he was in charge. I love being at home with my kids, don't get me wrong. If I didn't , I wouldn't have quit my own job when my dd was a baby to stay home with her. I just think everyone deserves a little time off for mental recouperation. KWIM?
