School is back in session!

Winter break is over here in NY and school is back in session!!! I know that sounds strange coming from me because my kids are always home. Even though my children are homeschooled, the dynamics of a school day verses a vacation day are very different. As I prepared my children’s lessons for the day today, I reflected on how incredible and rewarding this homeschool journey has been for all of us and decided to share with all of you.

When my husband and I first got married and started a family, I never imagined I would be homeschooling my children. In all honesty, I could never understand how people could do such a thing. I was closed minded and followed the mentality of the crowd. I would look at the people that homeschooled their children and feel as if they were depriving their children of a childhood. Granted, I had more understanding for those that did it to be in a serious sport that took many hours of their day to train. It made sense to me in those situations, but it didn’t make sense to me for the people that did it just to do it. I remember looking at my oldest daughter when she was a toddler and dreading that first day of kindergarten drop off that I knew would inevitably occur.

So, how did I end up where I am now? It’s simple. Covid happened and it completely changed my world as I am sure it has changed everything about your world. Prior to the pandemic, my oldest daughter attended pre-school in a Catholic school. I even had the joy of being her class mom and I enjoyed every second of it. I had every intention to follow down the path of traditional school. Then all of a sudden, BOOM!! The world went virtual, and my husband and children were home with me. Even though so many horrible things were happening in the world, I enjoyed the little bubble we created in our house and the precious moments that we got to share.

As September approached, I felt conflicted on what to do regarding my child’s education. She was supposed to start kindergarten and I was concerned for so many reasons. My dad has a health condition where he doesn’t have enough white blood cells in his body to fight infections and illness. My children are extremely close to both my parents, so I am very cautious with the things that we do in order to keep my parents safe. With the uncertainty of the illness and knowing that kids spread germs in the classroom, we decided to homeschool. That year was an eye opener!! I never knew how rewarding and beautiful homeschooling could be.

I understand that homeschooling isn’t for everyone. Every family has their own dynamics and homeschooling may not always fit into everyone’s life. I was fortunate that it worked out for us. My husband is very supportive and works extra hard so that I can stay home with the children to do what I do. It’s definitely not easy being on one salary, but we try and make it work as best as we can. I am also extremely fortunate to have two daughters that are self-disciplined and focused. They enjoy learning from home and understand that there is school time and play time. I have never once had to redirect them to focus on their studies or force them to do their work. They know their routine and they are grateful to learn with me each day.

For me, the biggest challenge on this homeschooling journey has been acceptance from family and friends. I am constantly being judged and told what I should be doing. I often hear that my kids are being deprived of a childhood and that they need to be with other children. I rarely get an acknowledgement for the sacrifices I have made to give my children the best life possible. In our family, homeschooling brings my children so much peace and happiness. As a mother, that is all I want for my children. As each year passes, the criticisms grow more and more. I am evolving during this journey myself. In the past, I was so afraid of what others would think of me and I tried to please everyone around me. I have now learned that I need to make myself happy first, and if those around me can’t accept me, they don’t truly love me.

So, in conclusion, we homeschool because it works for our family. My children get plenty of time with peers through all the extracurricular activities that they are involved in. They also get the time during the day to independently explore and spend time with family. I am excited to start up “school” with then today after a week off and I look forward to watching them grow and learn new things.

Today’s Deals

I went searching on Amazon today and found a few deals for you guys that I think you will like. Hope you all have a great day and accomplish whatever goals you set for yourself!

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