Replies to 'Stay At Home Moms'

My girls are 2 1/2 and 4 1/2 and though my oldest will be attending a Christian Preschool this fall, we are considereing on home schooling, We are sending her to preschool becasue she wants to be like her friends and go to school. I think homeschooling is a wonderful thing and believe that some children would benefit more from it then the other options that we have to choose from. We all learn differently and at different paces and in different surroundings and with our children's interests and learning abilities in mind, then we as the parents can decide what is best for our own children. I do know what you mean about the reactions that you get from some people, the first thing I always hear is that "children need the social skills that they get from the public school settings", which is nothing but a bunch of malarky to me. we, as the parents are responsible and should count it as a privelege to provide the social skills that our children need. I have been a stay at home mom since the day my girls were born and they are the most socialable little ones that you would ever meet, they don't know a stranger and has absolutely no problem going to a sitters or even to a church that we are visiting, if there are kids, they are ready to play and the first thing out of their mouths, is "bye bye mommy", but then as soon as we walk in the door to pick them up, they come running to us with hugs and kisses and ready to go home. We also do the library story times, the parks, church outings, gonna get my oldest in dance as well as that is all she talks about. My oldest is also reading and sounding out three letter words and three word sentences. She works on a math website and already adding single digits, some one gave her a calculator just today and she is learning to use it as well. She loves going to the science museum and she wants to be a painter (artist) when she grows up and she might just well be as she adds details already to her drawings. My little one is not as far as advance but she is catching on now that she is 2 in a half. I love the idea of homeschooling as I believe children can get more on hands experience and can get more "people involved" then they can get in the school system. My children are also involved in community service which involves meeting and helping people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds. Don't have to worry about my kids when it comes to social and learning skills. They are developing it just fine. And every one has days that don't always work out the way they plan, we all have our off days but in all honesty, I have more good days then off days and as my dad always says," I don't have bad days, just some days are better then others". I have also found that taking time for myself is an ok thing to do and we all need that "me" time, EVEN our husbands who work a full time job as I am aware of my hubbys needs and try my best to help meet his as well as mine. One of the most imporant things we can do for our children, is to give them the best education that we can offer them so we as parents need to figure what that is for our own children and at the same time we should respect and support others in their choices as we each know our own kids better then any one else. What is best for one child may not be the best for another,it is a great thing to be able to choose the "best" route for our own children.

     

  I agree with you I too am a stay at home mom that homeschools, and I find that I have some of the same reactions from people. It is very hard to make some adult friends, and like you say "connect" with other people. Just because we choose not to do things the way that other people do them we and chose to go a more traditional/ Biblical route we are "weird". I say AMEN to you for staying home and also for Homeschooling....Keep it up, and God Bless you!! 

I was admiring your ability to stay at home with your kids, and also homeschool them.  I think that's an advantage that alot of people dont have.  I do wonder though, how do the children learn to socialize with other kids outside the home? How do they grow up with friends and learn to deal with enemies-how do they  bond with other kids besides the ones at home?  Will they graduate in a "class" full of friends or have a high school sweet heart, or was homeschooling something you planned on doing through the elementary years?  I'm not criticizing you at all, but I have often wondered about the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling. Kids learn so much from other kids and I just think they need time away from "us" parents.  Sports, beta clubs, and all of the other parts of socialization they get in school. .....although it also avoids the peer pressure of drugs and alcohol being at home.  The family bond you have is special Im sure, but again I wonder is this best for our kids.  Again I admire what you do-really. 

Do you think that the children benefit socially better in this home enviornment? My son has special needs and is in school, thought about home school, but wanted him to meet friends and grow social relationships, it helps. My question for you though is what are the benefits to the children , not freedom, being with mom all day, or those examples. Also, they need independence as well, and being home with parent 24/7 cannot help. You have to get your children ready for the world....not the world ready for them.  Thanks