To homeschool or not to homeschool?

[DreamsAreFree]

I've homeschooled for over a decade then had to stop while I recovered my health after illness. Over that time I've become qualified in a field I'm passionate about. Now that I'm recovered I'm feeling torn. I'd love to go back to homeschooling but I also want to do some further study in the area I've been working in. I really don't know how to resolve this. On one hand, the children aren't young for long. On the other, I'm not getting any younger either and while I put off my own things easily the first time, I don't know that I could go back to it if I put it all aside again now. My children always come first, they aren't unhappy at school at all and there are positives on both sides of the educational equation, I've only worked in school hours and gone on all the outings and helped in the classroom so I've still managed to be there fully as a mother. I do think homeschooling is the ideal option for them and love the easy lifestyle it brings but I want to have space to do my things too. How can I resolve this? Any thoughts? Am I just being selfish?

 

[.chrys.]

I'm uncertain as to the best solution for you, but remember that decisions are not always final--life is flexible. Every child, every school, every parent, every teacher is different one from another. Often the choice for what is best is really a choice for what is best for "right now".

I've been a homeschooling parent for 6 years now. I understand the very real need for a fulfilling "adult" life as well. Perhaps there is some sort of compromise you can make in achieving your dreams while maintaining an active role in your children's education. A volunteer position, maybe? Or something part-time?

 

[DreamsAreFree]

I'm uncertain as to the best solution for you, but remember that decisions are not always final--life is flexible. Every child, every school, every parent, every teacher is different one from another. Often the choice for what is best is really a choice for what is best for "right now".

I've been a homeschooling parent for 6 years now. I understand the very real need for a fulfilling "adult" life as well. Perhaps there is some sort of compromise you can make in achieving your dreams while maintaining an active role in your children's education. A volunteer position, maybe? Or something part-time?

I've only been doing two days - and studying distance - but that is no longer possible if I'm to continue. The main problem is that *someone* has to watch the younger children when I'm doing whatever voluntary - and I don't have family around to help me do that. I certainly never thought I'd be in this position.

 

[.chrys.]

I didn't realize it was a matter of still studying. Sorry, I misunderstood that aspect. I read In My Wildest Dreams by Gail Blanke a number of years ago. In the book, Ms. Blanke talks about fulfiling our wildest dreams through compromise--it's a good read.