Aug. 6, 2008 - Moms Like Me
Positively Homeschooling
This time of year especially, moms everywhere lament all the extra time they are forced to spend with their children. They mourn the last day of school before summer break. They speak of summer as being something they must endure -– like a mammogram. And as summer draws to an end and back-to-school sales begin popping up all around, Moms seem to get a little giddy. Smiles are bigger and one can almost hear that collective sigh of relief with the passing of yet another summer break. Whew! Everything will be getting back to normal now –- for some moms, anyway.
I have often wondered just what it was that causes moms to dislike spending time with their kids. Yes, in the summer all the kids are at home at one time. And, yes, moms are on constant kitchen duty. And, yes, it’s hard to keep snacks in the pantry with everyone in and out of the kitchen all day. Yes, yes, yes. . . BUT if we can’t stand to spend time with our own kids at home everyday for a couple of months, what makes anyone think that teachers can stand to spend 180 days with them any better (in a small classroom)?
And then there are moms like me. I’m one of those bizarre homeschool moms that spend every waking moment with their kids. I have to admit, there are times that it does become very trying. There are times that I want to scream. But that is real life. I don’t know anyone that could stand to be with the same folks 24/7 and never get the least bit irritated. Normal for us is spending time together -- talking together, playing together, reading together, cleaning together. I view being a homeschool mom as a privilege. Others might look on me with pity and wonder, but I genuinely like spending time with my kids. They are smart and witty and loving and fun. I get the opportunity to really get to know my children. I get to watch them as they learn new things. I’m there when they succeed –- and when they fail. I’m always there. My children count on that. When they learn how to do something new, it’s me that they come running to yelling, “Look, Mom. Watch what I can do!”
I’ve been there from the very beginning to witness first steps and to hear first words. I saw the first tooth pulled, the first bicycle ride, the first dive into the deep end of the pool. I’ve also heard the first words sounded out in a reading book, seen the first math problems solved, the first sentences written, the first science experiments performed. I’ve seen many successes and just as many failures. I love knowing that whether my child is a huge success or whether he falls flat on his face, I’m the one who gets to share the hug. I’m the one experiencing life right alongside my children. I hope that my constant presence helps ease their disappointments and gives them encouragement to try new things.
The response I usually get from other moms when they find out I homeschool my children is either pity or amazement. Without fail moms tell me, “Oh, I could never do that. I couldn’t spend that much time with my kids. I would go crazy.” Maybe that’s how I do it –- maybe I’m already crazy. Actually, I am crazy about my kids, and I wouldn’t trade away any moment I have watching my children learning and growing. Instead of hearing about their accomplishments second-hand through a teacher, I’m the one who’s there cheering them on.
About the Author: Tina James resides with her husband Steve and 4 children in Evans, GA. The James family has homeschooled for the past 7 years. Tina and her husband founded the Ogeechee Area Christian Home Education Association in 2004 in Bulloch County, GA (their previous home); and they have worked in children's ministry and middle school ministry for the past 12 years. They are members of West Town Community Church in Evans, GA where they lead the middle school ministry, Club Medio.Comments
Aug. 6, 2008 - Thanks!
Posted by doughgirl37
I really appreciate what you wrote and sharing your heart, as I hand out popsicles and the kids are in and out the door!!
Blessings. Come visit when you can.
Sep. 13, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by crossrhodes
I feel the same way you just described in your post. I only have one child (who happends to have Aspergers and ADHD) that I love spending the day with. I do have my days were I need a break, but I love being a mom who is able to teach him and can think of nothing better. Thanks for posting your thoughts, and I pray that many more moms can see their children as blessings from God that they can enjoy. Every day won't be like heaven, but isn't that is how many other areas in all of our lives are? Children do pick up on our negative attitudes towards them so we need to be careful the messages we send out.
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