Now is the time of year that many parents start to reconsider their options when it comes to their children's educations. There is about two weeks left of school here in NB, and it's exam time and report card time. For some, the year was a total disaster-- maybe there were bullies, maybe academic progress wasn't what was expected, or maybe they discovered some teaching content that they were entirely uncomfortable with. For others, the year went too well-- yes, too well. Their kids weren't challenged academically, and they've experienced the frustration of knowing what boredom can do to the best of scholars. Maybe there are even some middle-of-the-road parents, who have just realized that while things have seemed like pretty smooth sailing, they don't even really know their kids anymore, and want to change that before it's too late and they're grown. Well, in the words of the immortal Bob the Tomato.... "Have we got a show for you!!!!"

OK... maybe not a show exactly, but a really cool option you've probably been considering, since you've found yourself here: HOMESCHOOLING.

Homeschooling is a perfectly legal alternative to public schooling, and wayyyy cheaper than private (Christian or otherwise) schools. Its biggest requirement is your time. Even then, most parents find they spend fewer hours actually teaching (or facilitating, as the case may be) than they spent helping with homework. Only this time, they know what to tell their kids to help them, because they have the lesson in front of them, as opposed to merely guessing at what the original assignment must have been.

Homeschooling is flexible. You're afraid you'll be tied to the house? Most homeschoolers are active in many outside activities (which makes you wonder why it's called homeschooling... lol). Have you ever wanted to vacation during the off-season, but the kids would have missed school? Not a problem-- just work your school around it. You make your own schedule, so it's easily altered-- this is useful as well in times of family emergencies. Not to mention that curriculum is portable, should you use it (oh yeah-- and there is such a thing as homeschooling for free-- an excellent idea for the especially creative among us). 

Homeschooling is safe. My kids have yet to experience a lockdown at home. Time in their rooms, maybe, but no lockdowns (hey, but it might be a good idea.... nahhh, just kidding). The only drugs my kids are given are prescribed by their doctors, or Fred Flintstone. Bullying in the playground (ie: our backyard) is taken care of immediately-- and it rarely happens since kids tend to like coming back. The only knife wounds occur in the kitchen-- to me (generally when I'm pregnant... it's become a sort of private joke, along with dropping things).

And that socialization thing? That's a biggie. Believe it or not, homeschoolers tend to be better socialized than their public school counterparts. They have a greater capacity to accept and/or respond to those of varied ages and backgrounds. They are generally just as comfortable with the very young and the very old as they are with kids their own age, and wider age ranges (such as adult friends experience) within their "peer group" is not a problem. There is very little "I won't play with him because he's a grade lower than me" or "They won't talk to me because they're the big kids-- a whole grade or two higher!" It could almost be called a more "normalized", holistic approach to socialization.

There, folks, are some fears relieved. It's by no means comprehensive, but hopefully gave you something to chew on for awhile. Please let me know if this has helped you in any way, or if you have other questions --- after 9 years of homeschooling, and teaching Kindergarten through grade 8, I can probably give you a pretty good answer!