So. Met a bunch of moms from the Christian home schooler’s group last night for dinner, book-sharing, and general, friendly chat. And it was. I don’t know what it is with this group, but I’m having a heck of a time getting to know these people.
It’s not that they’re not friendly, it’s just been slow going. I suspect it’s because they are all busy home schooling their kids and they have no time for the likes of me. This was also a rare occasion of us getting together without kids. I find it difficult to have meaningful conversation when my children are around. Too distracting.
I love talking to the moms who are nearing the finish line with their home schooling journey. One mom, her face just lit up when I asked her what it was like to be in the home stretch, to be almost done. She said she was retiring.
And educating your kids really is like a full-time job, so it makes sense to look at it that way. She’s got five years to go. I figure I’ve got at least 13, Lord willing.
If you home school your children, how long to do plan to do so?
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I plan to go all the way through high school. assuming that the boys want to do it that way. If they chose another schooling option I’d press them to be as sure of their reasons as possible, but certainly wouldn’t keep them someplace they didn’t want to be. I’ve been very clear with them on that. My older ones are in 4th grade, but the youngers are just finishing kindergarten so I’ve got 12 years to go.
You are sooooooo right about it being a full-time pursuit!
Me too. I want to go all the way through high school.
It sound like we in the same place parenting-wise, Amy. My eldest is in 4th too, except my baby is only barely 3.
We are lifetime homeschoolers, so we’re in it for all the way through. I suppose if one of them really, really wanted to go to high school, I’d be OK with that. My oldest is a 9th/10th grader and has absolutely no desire to go to public school, but he will be taking dual-enrollment classes at our local community college starting in the fall.
What I’m really curious about, from a support group leader’s POV, is why you are having trouble breaking into this group? We are starting a mentoring program this fall, so I’m always looking for ways that moms can feel more at ease among other HS moms.
I’m not sure, SmallWorld. Is it me? Is it them? When I first started homeschooling four years ago, I envisioned all the deep friendships I would make with all the moms in the group.
The more I think about it, the more I’m convinced that at our age (30s, 40s) friendships are set for life. They simply are not looking to add more to their plate. I don’t know. Maybe I’m just a lonely home school mom and I need to just get over it. Or be more proactive and have at least one mom over for coffee. Life gets in the way and it never happens. Anyway. I’m still working through all of this. Thanks for asking, it’s nice to know I could help someone else…
Hey, just found your site via 5minutesformom.
I’m also a homeschooler, planning to go all the way. My oldest is in 4th grade, but my youngest won’t be born until July, so I have about 18 years left!
I can empathize with having a hard time making friends in a homeschool group. I have a condition called social phobia (it’s like an extreme form of shyness, to the point of being an anxiety disorder — it’s NOT the same as being an introvert), so I have a very hard time making friends in any group. For the group leader seeking advice, if you have any shy members, be proactive. People who are shy or suffering from social phobia have a hard time calling other people or making plans. (I’m always afraid I’m bugging people.) Encourage the people who are more outgoing to be the ones to make the first moves.
HI, Michelle. I have two July babies, and if you know anything about the summer in this part of the US, it’s so humid. I remember those last few days of my pregnancy – with no air conditioning. I’m guessing it doesn’t get that humid in Ireland. Thanks for your comment about shyness. That is something to consider, isn’t it?
LOL, I definitely know from humidity. (You’ve probably guessed that since we cleared up the Ireland / Texas thing. Last year on my due date, the humidity was up to 94%!) Fortunately *no one* goes without air conditioning here.
Last year! Michelle! Will this be Irish twins with the birth of this little one?
Oh, LOL, no I misspoke.
What I meant was, “last year on July 18th, which is my due date this time.” These two will be 19 months apart.
Michelle Potter’s last blog post..Best Shot Monday: Impromptu Nap
Oh!
My oldest is in 6th grade and has Aspergers Syndrome. This is our second full year out of public school. He is thriving with homeschooling and as long as he does I am more than willing to teach him.
So glad to have you as a Twitter friend!
Stephanie’s last blog post..Home-schooling and my snoring dog ramblings
Good for you, Stephanie. And great for your boy. Our Children’s pastor has an autistic boy, I think he is doing okay with PS, but I wish they would home school.
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