We started the day with a bike ride around the neighborhood trail. I didn’t realize the busses were picking up elementary kids when we were leaving. As we passed by the bus stop and kids piled on, I wondered if my kids were missing out by not attending public school. Am I teaching them enough? Will they regret not attending class field trips or miss out on class holiday parties?
Then I watched them race down the hill on our trail, squealing with joy and knew in my heart this was the right place for them. At home. With me as their teacher.
I felt my step lighten as I came to this realization. I no longer care what others think about my decision as I know it’s the correct choice for us.
Niko was attending a Montessori kindergarten program in WA, but when we moved I added him to our homeschool mix. It’s been a surprisingly pleasant transition. The kids enjoy doing their work together, Suvi helps Niko with his math and is my “assistant” during his reading lessons.
We eat lunch as a family and talk about the birds in our backyard. I started a Brave Writer bookclub with a homeschool friend. We joined a homeschool co-op for next year. Our days fly by and are filled with field trips, activities and more joy and peacefulness than I imagined.
While my kids have opposite personalities, I’m finding homeschool is a good fit for each of them in their own way. Suvi is able to relax and retreat to her room to read alone when we’ve been on the go with too many field trips or group activities.
Niko is able to take frequent breaks between lessons. I feed him snacks every couple hours and teach him while he fidgets with a pencil or Hot Wheels. It works perfectly for my high-energy kid.
I don’t know what the future holds for us as a homeschool family, but I evaluate what fits our needs best each year. For us, we’re right where we need to be, growing and learning together, as a family.