It’s Either the Nut-House or a Pedestal
Filed Under: Freedom & Politics, Homeschooling, Parenting, Thriving
I just read an awesome post at the Imperfect Genius blog, where Susan discusses her intrinsic motivations for homeschooling. She ponders how others view homeschooling as something done sacrificially for the children, when in reality there are just as many benefits for the parents. Her post made me think about the various reactions I get from people when I discuss homeschooling.
Whenever someone comments to me, “Oh, I could never homeschool, I don’t have the patience,” or “That’s quite a commitment and a lot of hard work,” I often think to myself, REALLY? I see it the other way around. I could never send my kids to school because I don’t have the patience to deal with schedules, meaningless homework, fundraisers, or, well, insert an infinite number of annoyances. A big commitment and a lot of hard work? Not really. Many people might be pleasantly surprised at how adept a child is at teaching himself. Most of what I do is just being available - just spending my days *being* the type of person I want my kids to become. Let me tell you, they catch on quick.
Don’t put me on a pedestal. I am not a smarter, more loving, or more patient parent because I homeschool my children. And don’t put me in the nut-house. I’m not wacky, crunchy, conservative or religious either. We all want our children to be happy and successful. I simply have a different philosophy regarding the best way to achieve that result.
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A couple random notes: (1) Lucy Lawless was the first runner up on Celebrity Duets. 
But, damn, did you hear Alfonso Ribeiro (who DID win) belt out “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me?” Not bad. (2) This week PHAT Daddy bought a camcorder and an iPod, and is researching a new car. This from a man who rarely buys anything. Hmmm… somethin’s up. (3) I’m off tomorrow for a full day of scrapbooking. I LOVE my scrapbooking days. AND I get to stay the night in a hotel with free wireless internet in the room. Um, 24 hours of peace and quiet… Scrapbooking vs blogging… Tough call.
PHAT = Parenting, Homeschooling And Technology. That about sums up my life at the moment. 
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Susan | Sep 30, 2006 | Reply
Yep, you’ve said it well. I don’t think I’m intellectually superior or more patient than other parents. I’ve met so many moms & dads who are just absolutely convinced that in order to homeschool they need to be geniuses or something.
I know it’s a weird concept for lots of folks, but children - when given space, opportunity, and support - are wonderfully curious, self-directed learners. As much as I’d like to take credit for my kids’ achievements, I don’t really *teach* them anything. They learn because they’re interested.
I guess some people, based on what happens at their house after school, must imagine homeschooling to be a full day of struggling to get kids to do lots and lots of homework.
Homeschooling in our house is a day at the beach compared to that notion. It’s not always easy, but it’s so much more doable that people assume.
Ariannah Armstrong | Sep 30, 2006 | Reply
The fact that homeschooling is really relaxing and refreshing is one of the best-kept secrets. I, too hear, “Oh I could never do that, I am not the type.”
I’m not a “saint”, I don’t have “incredible patience” (although I know many school teachers who do!). They’re just my kids, with whom hanging out is natural, and I enjoy them.
Angela, Mother Crone | Sep 30, 2006 | Reply
I loved this thread, too! BTW
Angela | Sep 30, 2006 | Reply
I have been reading your blog for awhile. I really enjoy it and I like the new colors. Thanks for link about why homeschool motivation. It was great.
Jill | Oct 1, 2006 | Reply
Hey Shannon -
I can’t find your email address but I wanted to let you know our local homeschool group sponsors a Ski Club at Blue Mtn. I know sign ups are happening now, so if you wanted to email me I’ll hook you up with the leader of that Ski Club.
petite mommy | Oct 2, 2006 | Reply
you’ve said so much of what I feel. Living in a small town, you either looked at as weird or a religious freak for homeschooling and everyone thinks it’s just too hard.
I’ll be checking out that site.
Laurel | Oct 2, 2006 | Reply
The feasibility of homeschooling depends mostly on parenting style, I think. For a lot of us, homeschooling just seems so natural.
I do think that a lot of commitment is required too. Maybe that’s partly because my child is only five and very intense in her desire to learn, and I’m the one who has to do her reading for her. As with most decisions, I’ve given up something and gained something too. I’m hoping, though, that I’ll give up a bit less once my daughter’s reading skills mature.
Laurel
shell | Jun 15, 2007 | Reply
My words exactly! Being tied to the public school schedule, would drive me nuts, it almost did, till I figured out, “hey, we don’t need them”.
Great article!