Comments

Posted by jsgay97

Tirzah,
I've often felt the same way. Feeling as if we're responsible for our children's happiness is natural, but we're not! We are responsible for doing the right thing for them.

Their answers were probably just a reflection of how they're feeling at that moment. I know deep down that I love being a mother, but there are moments. . .
Kids aren't as good at looking to the big picture as adults. It's also very easy to romanticize conventional school once you've been away from it for awhile.

By all means, sit down and have a brainstorming session about how you all might like to see things change, but it takes a whole family to make homeschooling fun - not just a fantastic mom (which by all evidence you are).

Keep looking up! I know you can do it! Your poem applies to you too. You have demonstrated great strength, resourcefulness, and creativity, and best of all, you have the Creator of the Universe standing right next to you.

Jennifer

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Posted by 3rsandahug

Try not to beat yourself up. Remember that not many kids like school anyway - so they might not feel any different if they were in PS. I think a key is to somehow engage the kids' passions - not that I have any good ideas on that. I'm not sure my son has found a passion for anything in his life yet!

karen

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Posted by 3rsandahug

No, wait - a correction to the comment I just left. My son is passionate about running around like a screaming maniac! But that's not exactly compatible with schooling either. :)

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Posted by MayTheyBeMightyMen

Can I just second what they said up there? So true!

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Posted by bbullard

My friend Tirzah, that is. All kids have to make an adjustment to this type of environment, and although most do, some never will.

When we began, my son loved hsing, and so did the oldest--as long as she thought she had the option to return to a traditional environment whenever she wanted. When she realized that this wasn't true, she spent about a year or more being jealous of the kids who got off the school bus ("they're having sooooo much fun", she'd say). Of course she wasn't keeping perspective that she's seeing them after they've been cooped up with dry, dull textbooks all day, unable to be themselves, and constantly under the critical eye of their peers, trying to live up to the latest standards of cool and popular.

I spent time thinking, like you, if I could make it fun, she'd have a change of heart. Then I made myself stop and realize something. When they were in private school, my criteria for success was 1) were they learning, 2) were they safe, and 3) did they have at least one friend. Why was I setting myself up to such a high standard? They didn't always like their school; should they always enjoy being home?

Once I got that revelation, I did my best to keep her and the other's needs in mind, but I also let myself off the hook for having to have the perfect school day such that they'd never want to leave this great schooling atmosphere. What I found is that, over time, our daughter grew to enjoy being homeschooled. Among other things, she loves being able to relax in her PJs all day, she loves being able to work and still "raid the fridge" when she likes, she loves going places that other kids can't go during the daytime, and every now and then, she'll even admit that she's enjoying what she's learning. She even has the audacity to complain that the school kids wake her up while they're in front of the house waiting for the bus! I like to think that if I asked her, she'd probably stay in this environment as opposed to going to a traditional school.

So if I can encourage you at all, see where you can incorporate what they enjoy into what you're learning, but also give them time and yourself a break; they'll grow to appreciate what you're doing and how you're growing as a family. Even if they don't, pray about it--God will give you a peace which passes human understanding.

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Posted by shawtime

Oh yeah... me too!!! I just keep reminding myself that I am the parent and when I seek God's guidance and He keeps telling me that this is what's best, He will see me through it... and they don't have to understand now. They will... and will likely appreciate it later in life.

How about a little break? Is a curric change in order?

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Posted by ilovemy3angelbabies

We all know how you feel, Sweetie! There are days when Kiddo LOVES to be homeschooled and then there are days when he thinks I am the Warden and he is the in-mate, and wants to return to school. But you are a wonderful mother, teacher, and friend. Don't take to heart what was said, that was their feelings at that moment.

Keep your chin up!!!!! I will be praying for you!

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Posted by Anonymous

Hi,
Don't feel bad my oldest goes to ps cause he said (his exact words)" I'm tired of seeing your face everyday". Of course you would have to understand his humor to get that this was not as mean as I am making it.
My youngest loves it, so he says till I make him put pencil to paper or god forbid cut and fold his mini books for lapbooking.
My middle son can mostly be absolutley fantastic about all of it.
None of them do anything on their own yet.
Keep up the good work. I'm sure you are doing a wonderful job. Take em on a field trip, they will love hs then. (evil laugh)
http://mcalhaney.blogspot.com/
Vanessa M

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Posted by Prodoceo

I've heard it from my kiddos too! One day I asked my daughter if she thought she might want to become a teacher some day. She said, "What, and put children through the same torture you've put me through?" If I've learned one thing in 17 years of homeschooling it's that you have to roll with the punches. There have been days that have been so gratifying and there have been days...and weeks...that have been well...hell. I know SOOO many people who have quit homeschooling because their children "didn't like it". Kids are kids. They don't always like learning...no matter what you might hear from some homeschoolers. It's not always a walk in the park!! Hang in there. Try to meet your kids where they are at. It will get better!!

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Posted by hotmommy

Ditto, ditto, ditto! I agree with so much of what's already been said.

I think we've all been there. My kids say some of the same things. It's usually when we're stuck in a rut and need a change, a fun field trip, a surprise day off...

Isn't it just like our human nature--Isn't the grass always greener on the other side? :-)

Try to let then express why they feel this way, but realize you're not going to be able to fix every aspect. And remember why you're homeschooling, it's not always the popular choice, but if God is calling you to it, it is His best for your family!.

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