Because I don’t want to.
I just saved you a few minutes of your life. You can move on with the rest of your day if you don’t feel like reading the rest of the post. HA!
Okay seriously…I get asked this question a loooooot.
I know, I know…I fit the stereotypical homeschooling mom vibe.
I don’t have a 9-5.
I breastfed and cloth diapered my kids.
I’m pretty alternative in so many ways.
I gave birth at the crib.
I’m all about natural and holistic living, blah blah bah.
So I can see why people assume this about me. And for the longest, I tried to convince myself that maybe this was a lifestyle I needed to entertain. I mean, I totally GET why people do it. Especially for parents raising the next Olympians. Or for children who need to be taught a very specific way. Or for parents who feel that they can educate their kids better than public and private schools can. There are so many reasons and they all make sense to me.
However –
I don’t feel like it, y’all. I’m a lazy mother fu–haha, just kidding. But you know what I mean, right? I want my children to have the best education and right now, in the current life that we lead, I ain’t the best educator. I can’t even regularly get enough sleep but yet I’m supposed to regularly do a lesson plan? With my ZERO experience in early childhood education? Pfft.
“Duh Brit…you can always unschool and NOT have a lesson plan.”
Yeah, no thanks. I can understand the appeal of that lifestyle but, I can’t. Our family does best with routine and knowing what to expect. We enjoy carefree days like everyone else but my daughter’s personality craves structure. I’d have to force myself to constantly explore teaching styles just to keep her engaged. I don’t think I have it in me. Yeah, I’m smart but am I interested in re-learning things from my childhood so that I can effectively teach them to my child? And am I actually good at teaching my child the way that fits her?
Nope. Not right now.
I want my children to have educators who are excited. Who LOVE thinking of activities to do with them. I want educators who can see my children’s’ potential and know how to help them succeed. And just because I’m their mother, that does not mean I’m the best person to teach them.
“But but but…you’re their first teacher.”
You’re right. But I’m not their best teacher. And I want my babies to have the best. I’m so grateful we live in an area with good schools. I’m grateful that their teachers communicate to me their strengths and struggles. I’m grateful that my husband and I value education enough to know that we play a huge role in it, too. That every day we push our daughter to be a critical thinker, active listener, and confident orator. We work with her, we support her and we will always work with her teachers and schools to advocate on her behalf.
Maybe things will be different. She’s only 4 right now and we haven’t hit the public school system. Maybe experiences will change our thinking down the line but for right now, we’re happy to send her to a private preschool that can pour into her.
And thank the Lawd because as much as I love my sweet EB, I have a haaaaard time working with her sometimes. Preschool teachers are angels because to be around my kid with all of that energy all day and every day? *faints*
Also, mommy and daddy both have to work many hours to pay off student loan debt and save for our kids’ college tuition so that they don’t end up like us – in their 30’s paying off mistakes they made at the tender age of 18 years old.
So yeah…there’s another huge reason why we can’t homeschool. We can’t afford it. We both gots to work – most times out of the home.
So, you homeschooolers, have fun.
I love what you guys are doing!
I salute you.
I just – I don’t wanna…
Sending lots of love to Mabel’s Labels for sponsoring this post. We’ve been using their labels since EB was a BABY (they were slathered on her baby bottles) and we were so thrilled when they reached out to us and wanted to send us more labels just in time for her new school year. Perfect for daycare kids, camp kids, college kids and even grown up’s, I love that you can affordably customize stickers that can go on everything from bags to clothes, folders and shoes.
Would love to know your thoughts. Are you homeschooling? Not for it? Were you homeschooled as a kid?
FTC Disclosure: Mabel’s Labels sent us press samples but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’m totally not crunchy. I’m more of a soggy mom (ok well I did cloth diaper one, and I breastfed both until 1.5 BUT) I’ll say you may change your mind. I didn’t EVER think I’d homeschool, but I felt inspired and sorta leaped. No idea how long we’ll do it or if I’ll even keep it up when my son starts kinder.
Haha! I’ve never heard of soggy mom. I really like that. And you’re right – I could very well change my mind. Especially when they’re older and don’t need me hovering as much. We can travel and I won’t be so hard on myself with “what to do” because they can tell me what they’d like. I just think it’s so cool that we have options, you know? So many parents don’t.
Girl…like I said before you are my BFF in my ideas. I stated my college courses thinking I wanted to teach and after one semester (heck half way through) with 3rd and 4th graders I quickly changed my major from elementary ed. No way I could homeschool my little hesthens…I mean angels!
Hahahaaaa! Teachers are great, right? I am not one. Although I did dabble with tutoring to 3rd and 4th graders and they were my favorite. It’s those little kids that bug me (mine included) – the whining and the constant questions, touching and fussing, the germs and just uggghhhhh.
Love this post! We homeschool. Did it during full time law school. I had no intention of doing it… ever… so all three of mine were in school before. But you gotta do what you gotta do, so we do. LOL! Also… lesson plans are the worst.
You certainly do what you have to do. That’s like a mother’s motto, right? I think it’s cool that your kids got both experiences.
Oh my goodness this was SO good! My little one is 2 and from the time we found out I was pregnant, we said we’re homeschooling. Butterrummm… you just described me to a T! I’ve never thought I was good with kids, still don’t LOL! (with the exception of mine) But all the stuff you mentioned, I’ve been struggling with recently. So, THANK YOU for sharing!
You know what, though? We surprise ourselves. Which is why I won’t say, “I will NEVER homeschool.” I am open to the possibility while being very honest with our present situation, you know? And if you have the option to do one or the other, man, you’re in a great situation.
I agree with you 100%! It’s just not the lifestyle for me. Plus my son really blossomed when he was around more children his age. I fear he would be socially awkward if he didn’t have a ton of children around him at his age.
Plus, while I love my son, mommy needs time to herself.
Your son sounds like my daughter. She thrives off of being around other people. She needs it and she wouldn’t get it with my introverted self. Ha! And yes, I absolutely agree. Mamas always need a little time to themselves.
Soooo your writing style and story telling is amazing lol. I didnt even need pictures. Honestly great read ans i feel tje exact way about home schooling. Homework is enough. Blessings
Thank you so much, Ebony! I really appreciate that. And girl, yes. I know sometimes homework may be essential but whyyyyyy do these kids get so much of it? I don’t get it.
YES. TO. THIS! I don’t live 100% holistically or anything, but I love children. Along with my own, I have taught other kids Kindergarten lessons, and to spell and write their names and numbers before they began K. I love teaching! I have multiple family members who have asked and are surprised that I choose not to homeschool. My main reasons are lack of personal structure (I’m a free-spirit! Lol) and I would rather assist their teachers and help enhance the knowledge they gain from a pro rather than being solely responsible for their education. The thought almost sends me into a panic! LOL I’m in college (again) to become an ART teacher. Not primary lol. It has been well. I am their first unofficial teacher, but I’m not the only and that’s perfectly fine with me.
You said it, sister! It takes a village, right? I will happily support my kids’ educators. And good luck becoming an art teacher. We SO need y’all.
This post is EVERYTHING!!!!!!
Thank you so much. I really appreciate it!
Thank you for interesting post. My wife was pregnant. I love teaching and I will teach my children as best I can.
Good for you!