Just talking......

[Jillie]

We are on the verge of deciding weather or not to homeschool. Well really, we are now, but the question is if we will sent dd1 to kg next year. Dh and I agree that homeschool would be ideal, but the need for cash flow here is high and he would like me to get a paying job when the kids are older. As we lean to hs, it seems that EVERYONE from the ups guy, store clerk, church friends, MIL's friends, relatives and EVERYONE else is asking about when she starts school. I just not sure what to say. No one else (except dh and I and one of my sisters) knows that we are seriously considering not doing kg next year. I just feel like I'm lying when I say some babble about school next year or something. No one in the family or community would consider not sending their kids to school. As a matter of fact they cant understand WHY I'm not working and putting kids in daycare or something. No one else even spends time with their kids. Aaaaahhhhhhh, it makes me want to screem. We feel like such outsiders and weirdos, thank God I read here and realize its not just us. I am a member of the hs group but its in town, 20 miles away so no one around here. I just want to move deep into the woods and avoid the blank stares and disreguard for our choices. Why does no one else care at all?

Anyway, thanks for reading. I feel a little better.

[Fiddlemom]

Everyone was asking us too while we were trying to make up our minds, and all I wanted was a little time to think! good luck with your decision making process.

[wonderactivist]

Dear Jillie,

I feel for you. Years ago we felt like that at first. I can only say that I have never sent my boys to school and have no regrets.

From your note it sounds like you really want to homeschool, but have two major concerns - money and what others might think (being judged).

Many of us have forsaken second incomes for homeschooling, but others work part-time, especially at those younger ages when there's less academic preparation. I have never worked full-time myself, but have worked up to 20 hours per week when my eldest was that age; it was evenings and weekends and my husband watched the kids.

Secondly, worrying about what others think sounds to me like a sign that you are still convincing yourself - on the fence. If not, confidence in your choices would overcome that concern. Maybe try to figure out what you are really most concerned about with homeschooling - unless of course it is the money.

20 miles doesn't sound all that bad for a weekly drive to a social homeschool group; is it meant to be more often? Maybe you can also invite the homeschool group to your home now & then.

Remember your kids will have local friends as well - through sports, clubs, neighbors, and your friends. It really isn't very unusual anymore to homeschool - millions of kids are homeschooled now.

And don't forget your own support. I know that when I have been isolated locally, I chose online support with like-minded homeschoolers; but when I had a large, local hs group, I needed it less, but kept my online friends.

Best wishes in finding the right path for your family!

Lucie

[~*SugarMama*~]

First, my dh and I both work and yet we homeschool. I work almost full time as a training manager at a fast food restaurant which allows me to work opposite of my hubby who DOES work full time every week. So its possible to do both if you are dedicated.

Second...we just went through that with our family. I kept hearing all the normal back to school questions after they all saw me actively working to build a hs'ing experience this summer. Now, almost five-six weeks into the school year, they are finally coming around to realizing that this is what we really want.

I am planning on not having my two return to school....EVER. I am thrilled with homeschooling and the joys that it has already brought to us. For our families though, who are still worried about the pros, we just keep reminding them that if it doesn't work in a year, we will send them both to school. So far, so good. It takes the pressure off of us and it gives our families the sense that we will "come around to our senses" eventually. Not happening but by then, we hope to have them convinced.