Jan. 28, 2008 - Fear, doubt, and educational gaps....
"Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise"
So Sunday morning at church, this (well meaning I'm sure) fellow homeschool mom approached me about the co-op she is involved in. She asked if we belonged to a co-op and I responded no. She proceeded to tell me that her girls (high school aged) go once a week, get their assignment for the whole week and return same time the next week. I'm thinking this sounds really neat I guess but of course being the human sponge, I had my gazillion questions ready for her.
I asked her what curriculum they used and she said whatever they (school) use. So that was the first thing that turned me somewhat off. Then she said that if I were to take my 2 elementary aged kids, I would have to "co-op" as a teacher of course. On 6 weeks, assist 6 weeks, and off 6 weeks. That was turn off #2 for me. Call me lazy, weird, whatever but the whole purpose of homeschooling my kids was to live by our schedules, not be run ragged all week and not have a school dictating our curriculum.
All was fine, even with my turn offs brewing in my head, until she pulled out the big guns and aimed right for the big flashing sign that read "MY WEAKNESS IS DOUBT AND FEAR".......she said, "This way I know they won't have any gaps in what they learn. I could never teach them high school stuff because I don't have a college degree. And "Sally" is taking journalism there and on the yearbook committee which will look really great on a college application!"
BAM........instantly......DOUBTS!!!!
Am I suppose to do this co-op type thing? Do I need to do it? Are most homeschool moms doing this??? Am I failing my kids by not participating in something like this??? Do my kids need science labs??? Are they missing out???? Aren't all homeschool moms trusting in the Lord to fill any gaps???
I have struggled with these doubts the 3 years we have homeschooled. They fight their way up, I pray them back down.....its the pattern.
Honestly, I don't know how you ladies that have done this for years and years do it! You get beat up from every direction of the world and there are pressures even within the homeschool community! How do you tune it out??? How do you see all of the websites, new curriculum, field trip ideas, "must have" craft ideas, latest and greatest foreign language programs, etc., and not worry that you are dropping the ball somewhere???
I started this blog as accountability to myself so I promised to be transparent when I struggle. I just thought of another pressure....to seem as though you have it all together! 
I realize this was more of a vent for me tonight but I would love to hear your ideas on the subject of co-ops...when to...when not to...what to stear clear of...what to not get caught up in...the right age they may benefit most....
Tyler The Prodigy is 11, Maggie The Visionary is 7, and Aidan The Fierce is 5......
Dear Father, thank you again for this opportunity to teach my children your truths....please forgive me when I may fear and doubt this way you have made for us. I ask for courage and confidence to face the world and even the pressures that come within this homeschool world. Help me to remember that your ways are best for our family and your plans are greater than any shiny new curriculum could promise. And to trust that any gap my children may have at the end of this journey, will be filled with a knowledge of you and a passion to seek your heart and your will in their lives.
Comments
Jan. 29, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by tiarali79
I don't think there are any co-ops in Australia. If they are I haven't heard of them. Support groups yes. Co-ops no. I definitely don't think you need one (although if you want one that's fine).
I also don't think you need a university education to teach high school. You just need to be able to read the info that's out there. Try and get books by the experts on the subject. If I tried to teach my kids only what I knew they might have gaps, but by giving them books by the experts in their fields my kids can succeed.
I have done university studies. It was great. It taught me that a university education gives a certificate but not necessarily expertise. I got an A in an English Literature course without reading some of the texts at all because they were so vulgar. Everything from Education to the Arts is seeped in secular theories rather than truth. I daresay some of the courses would be more factual but still, you can buy the same texts from your local university and give them to your kids if you want.
So yeah. It's your decision, but if it was me I'd be staying well away from that co-op. Fancy using a curriculum just because someone else chose it! Might as well stick them in public school.
Aug. 23, 2008 - Doubt your doubts!!
Posted by melirn
Doubt should be a four letter word. I know you wrote this a while ago, but I just stumbled across your post. The assults come from every where: family, friends, strangers. Everyone knows what is better for your kids (that is full of sarcasm in case you missed it). A coworker recently asked me if I get sick of looking at my kids!! I couldn't even respond. My mom doubts this whole homeschool thing...I hear it in her voice every time it comes up. Even my husband "hits" me when I'm down saying "how can you handle all this?". It's comforting to know we don't handle it alone (or really at all) God does!!! And that's all I need to know.
My name is Melinda, by the way. Nice to meet you.
