Let me start by saying this: I love homeschool.
Life has not proceeded the way I had hoped this year. Ever since Cooper was about three months old, the days have become more and more difficult for various reasons. Everything has suffered because of matters both in and out of my control. I spend many of my days feeling quite defeated and discouraged. When I look at the litany of problems, they seem overwhelming.
The laundry piles up every week.
The house is dirty way beyond my comfort level.
There is no food in the kitchen. There is no menu. There is no time for shopping or menu planning. There is no time or desire to cook. Yet, everyone always want to eat.
We haven’t studied any history, piano and preschool are history, RE is restricted to Sunday school, and science consists of Bill Nye videos.
It would be an absolute lie to say that I have not thought more than once that Alex would be better off in public school this year. But then I consider the option not as one of defeat, but one of actual consequence. Would he really be better off? Would carting kids back and forth every day really make this season in life easier?
In honesty, Alex’s skills are truly not progressing as fast as last year. But they are progressing, especially math and spelling. He still has an insatiable zeal for learning. He still devours books when I provide them. He still likes school…and his teacher.
As difficult as this has been so far, I believe home is still the best place for him. And I knew this day would come. Seasoned homeschoolers will always be there to give you the cold, hard truth that not every day, month, or even year of this journey will be easy. While I still can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, I know there will be easier times ahead. So we forge ever onward, seeking God’s grace and maybe a nap.
~ Catie
I dont ever wish ill will, hard times or a heavy heart on anyone ever. But I do feel a little better knowing I am not the only one feeling what you are feeling and going through. I have a 13 year old in public school, and this is my first year homeschooling my 5 year old. I have a two year old and an 8 month old. I try so hard to get everything done every day, and am left feeling defeated, tired and angry some days. I know this is not how I am supposed to be doing this. But I am kind of at a loss on how to fix it. I feel as though I need to rearrange my priorities, but I am not the type of person who can just sit back and let the housework pile up. What to do, Im not sure yet, but as you said, easier times ahead, and we will forge on with lots of prayers! Gods blessings to you and your beautiful family.
Coming from another homeschool mom who knows hard times ( the past 6 yrs have been tough for us since my youngest was born. She was born with a host of medical problems. We did at one point thing that things would be better if we put our other three in school, and we did, private school. And honestly it didn’t make my life any easier at all. Actually made it more complicated than it should have been. Life is always full of ups and downs. We’ve had good years and not so good years. But having homeschooled for 8 yrs. I’ve learned that my daughters learn best at home and no matter how hard life gets,, brick and mortar school isn’t going to solve the problem. Hang in there and no your children are getting an excellent education at home and that your bad times are only temporary and good times will eventually make their way back into your lives once again.
It does always seem that the laundry piles up and the house is never quite as organized or clean as we would like. I try to remember that one day these days will be gone. We will have all the time then to keep the house and laundry clean.
I just discovered your blog. I nominated you for a homeschooling blog award.
http://mountainofgracehomeschooling.blogspot.com/2013/03/my-second-blog-award-homeschool.html