Wednesday, August 20, 2008

A little bit of reality

I'm still loving our school work, and we've gotten through most of another day, but I figured it was about time to let you in on some "behind the scenes" secrets. While I'd like to think I'm writing this only for our own memeories, I often think of my two categories of readers--other homeschooling Moms and family and old friends who are interested in what we are up to-- when I am typing away. My feeling is that the old friends and family are interested in the braggy type posts and the other homeschoolers want more of the behind the scenes "we aren't as good as we might look" kind of stuff. So, here is where I will indulge the homeschoolers, by admitting that on day 3 we had the "talk" today. You know the one..."Do you really want to homeschool because if you're going to argue about everything, I can sign you up today and you can start public school tomorrow. I'm sorry if I let you play so much and be with friends all the time when you were younger, but now you're in 7th and 5th grade, and even though I know you guys are so smart (and Jonathan, you could probably go out a get a job right now if you were allowed to), it is time to focus more on the academic things that schools and our society praise so much. Madi, next time we're in public and you don't know what a word says, don't say it too loud, it will make us (and everyother homeschooler) look bad. Jonathan I know Singapore math is 2 years ahead of the US, but lets hurry up and get out of this book with the '5' on it!!! blah blah blah" Then there's Jake....he's going to be one of those kids that needs to do everything perfect for himself (I've never had one of those before). Then second he thought he was wrong about something he immediately screamed "I knew homeschooling would be PATHETIC!!" I could go on and on. Really we are having fun, and doing great experiments and I've not exagerated any of that stuff at all, but sadly I didn't exagerate today's post either. Please tell me I'm not the only one who says and does this stuff!

6 comments:

DebiH. said...

We have had that speech in our house...several times. Sometimes worse :) I think it is a reality of homeschooling.

Tiffany said...

I love Jake's comment! It's always good to hear a does of "real" life. Thanks for sharing your successes as well as your frustrations. And your children's frustrations. :0)

Melissa said...

Oh, I love the reality posts. I know that's terrible! I shouldn't enjoy your frustrations! This is the first year that I really could have just put them in school and been done with the whole thing. I'm tired of being responsible for their education. :( But, even just 2 days of school have brought back my enthusiasm. Thanks for being real!

Smith Schoolhouse said...

Of course you aren't the only one- we all want our kids to appreciate the sacrifice we are making for them and their education but unfortunately, just like us, they won't realize what it takes to be a loving parent until they are parents! Until then we will have to just pat each other on the backs and say- you are doing a great job- because you are- whether they appreciate it or not!

Cheryl said...

yep, yep, and yep... the talk, the comments... we're going into 11th and 10th grade and the kids still prefer homeschool. This year we're doing Florida Virtual School... I'm excited and nervous about that... nervous about them "keeping up" and excited that the planning and grading is in someone else's hands.

atotallydifferentperson said...

I so appreciate realness! Thank you!
Jake seems hysterical!