First of all, I like to check my little Cluster Map showing where people are from that view my blog. I know that mostly I get family and friends here in AZ and UT. But there are some random ones lately and its kindof exciting! :) I know who the New York one is - my sister. (By the way Jen, I didn't do what I said I was going to do this morning.
I love people! I love knowing their lives and who they are. So here is my little comment to you "lurkers" - post a comment or send me a little email. :) I'd love to hear from you too!
Now aside from the Map, I've got such random thoughts today so if I'm jumping all over and not making sense I apologize!
And here we embark on the journey that is....
Steph's Mind
Homeschooling. I've been reading a lot of blogs lately of different types of Moms across the country. One concept that we all reach at the point our children start school is homeschooling. Do we trust the "system" or ourselves? Its a big issue for Moms right now. I have my own opinion - we all do. But my overall feelings are that when you do what is right for you and your family, THAT is what is important. Too often we beat ourselves up (and others too) for choices and opinions. There are pros and cons to both sides of this issue. So I am starting a world wide debate. The "Can of Worms" has been opened.
Now mind you that when I say World Wide, I have a very small group of visitors, but feel free to pass my blog on to others who might like to add imput or just get ideas and opinions. Maybe even a good fight as this is a HOT topic! :)
Please post or send me an email as to why either Homeschooling or Public or Private or Unschooling or Ignoreschooling has worked for you. And yeah, that last one was a joke. Don't get all excited thinking that there really was a way to Ignore and school at the same time! :) Yeah, I saw you all get way to happy about that one.
Hopefully I can come up with a unbiased list of pros and cons for those Moms who are just trying to decide what will work for them.
To start it all out, I have a few pros for Public:
* The public schools NEED good parents to get involved to make it better for all children involved.
* There is TOO much emphasise on KNOWING. From day one Babies are constantly measured by how much they know. Homeschooling has become more and more about advancing beyond what the schools can provide. There is beginning to become a segregation for kids who perform above the norm. or below the norm. I like that my children get to deal with others from all walks of life AND all smarts of life. (Personally, I'm not of the smart variety) :)
* I honestly feel that it is OK to be happy in who you are as a kid! Whether that be fast learner, slow learner, or average learner. And life is not all about ABC's.
* I think its important for kids to learn to deal with the world BUT find their own peace. I'm NOT saying to feed them to the wolves to be rapped and murdered. Only that the world IS a yucky place, VERY yucky. They HAVE to be in it. I think its important to teach them to be in it and deal with the unfairness, and rotteness of it but then to be able to come home and have peace and love and joy. They need to KNOW (and I mean really KNOW) how to stand up for themselves and be strong in this world. They can do this by being in school and its a smaller version of the grown-ups.
*I read a post from a Pro School advocate that also mentioned about letting others love your kids. Mommy/Daddy love is great, so is Brother, Sister, Grandparent, etc. But having a teacher or group of teachers is another way for your child to feel love. Yes, sometimes that is not the case. But again, its another learning experience.
There are other ideas roaming through my head right now. Pros AND cons. But this particular blog is getting long and I'd like to hear what others feel. And have it understood that I'm not saying that any parent loves their children more, or will have more brilliant children or anything like that! If you get your feelings hurt, its not my fault I swear! I just want different ideas about each option.
We are all GREAT moms! You have each been chosen for YOUR kids!!! Not mine or someone elses. Heaven knows, I couldn't handle anyone elses kids and WOW, no one would want mine! :) Your babies need you for YOU. That even means your faults too. :) Even if you were perfect, like you want to be, it would be detrimental to your kids. So love yourself and your place in life. Love your kids and screw anyone else! :)
Hugs to you all!
1 comment:
I have pros and cons about public/private/charter/homeschooling. First of all, I agree that there needs to be good parents with good kids in the public school. We as parents need to be very much in valved. I do want my kids to be taught traditional concepts. And I would like them to celebrate Christmas and Easter and all the other holidays in between. If there are Jewish children in there class, lets celebrate Hanukkah too, etc. etc.!! Heck, lets still learn about it anyway, but PLEASE PLEASE don't forget Christmas too. Oh, don't forget about the Pledge of allegiance too, very important. That just doesn't make sense to me... Anyway, if things aren't going as planned in the public school, we will try charter next, then private and last resort homeschooling. But not after I have tried working with the schools and tried doing something about it. Not that said, I just want to say that this is what Kyle and I feel like is right for our little family. I have no problem with other families doing whatever they feel best about theirs. I also found a great website for homeschoolers that if we needed to i would probably use. actually, i could probably incorporate it into what my children are already learning. http://www.schoolofabraham.com
Anyway, great post Steph. By the way, you are very smart!!! No talking down about yourself allowed!!! And you have adorable children.
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