This one really hit home. With one baby, one preschooler, and two magnet school students, mornings were crazy around here during school. My preschooler had to be at school at 8:15 and dismissed at 11:15--up town. My elementary school student had to be at school at 8:00 and dismissed at 2:30--CLEAR across town. I passed FOUR other elementary schools to get to this one! My middle school student had to be at school by 8:15 and dismissed at 3:30--all the way back toward our home. And, we always got a late start for so many reasons. "Hurry up" was a phrase I said everyday and sometimes 10 times in one morning. My stress was stressing the kids. Then in the evenings, at bedtime, we went through it all again. Everyday my barked orders were coated in "hurry up." Then if we went somewhere it was the same way. I always had stuff that I needed to do. I am slowly learning how to just relax. I don't want my kids to be stressed out and I don't want them to grow up and be like me. I actually knew I felt this way before I found this article, but when I did find it, it was gold!
The Day I Stopped Saying 'Hurry Up'
This article sums up a lot of the reasons I chose to homeschool. It wasn't because I hated public schools, I just hated the way we lived our everyday lives. I hated that my girls always had to compete with other students when raising their hand and sharing the correct answer. I hated it when they weren't chosen for something. And, I love to be around my kids. I miss them during the day, and I want to see them read their first words or launch their first rocket! I want them to be free of the pressures; free to be who they want to be because it's what makes them happy. When I started listing pros about homeschooling, they greatly outweighed the cons....not really sure I had many cons....except for maybe missing out on public school. But, school can be so bad for kids anyway. Mainly during that awkward period in their life when they are changing and finding their cliques. And since girls are more likely to experience the bad stuff, like mean girls and low self-esteem, that made homeschool look even better! I'm no doctor or lawyer, but this article did touch on many of my feelings.
18 Reasons Why Doctors and Lawyers Homeschool Their Children
The next article really helped push me over the fence when I was trying to decide to homeschool or not. I love what she says about socialization. It really just makes sense!
Why I Homeschool
These articles really got me going on my search for answers. It has links to other great articles that help a person decide if homeschooling is right for them. It was a very important find that helped me when I needed it!
Should I Homeschool Or Not? — Part One
Should I Homeschool Or Not? – Part Two
The following articles also helped me in pursuit of something better. I tried to find out everything I could about homeschooling before I decided that I wanted to go for it. If you are unsure, please read them! I know they will help you decide if it's right for you.
Comparing Homeschooling vs Public Schooling:
Ten Reasons for Homeschooling Children
HOME-SCHOOLING: Socialization not a problem
What About Socialization?
3 Reasons NOT to Homeschool
Ten Good Reasons to Homeschool
Cost of Homeschooling VS Public School
Is Homeschool for You?
The Worst Reason to Homeschool
Homeschool Hubbub: Am I Qualified to Teach?
Notes from a homeschooling mom: I am not qualified to homeschool