I have been asked in the past why we chose to homeschool. The answer is both easy and difficult. We first started homeschooling because my stepchildren spend half the year with us and half in Mexico with their mother. Doing things this way meant they never had to change schools in the middle of the year.
Now it is more because the public school system seems to being failing, at least in our area. My teenage cousin who recently graduated with honors cannot even tell you what the Cold War was about. She has no idea about Roe vs Wade or any other important information.
When I asked a teacher about this she said kids didn’t have to learn that information anymore because they an look it up quickly on a computer it phone. That is true and as someone who makes their living on a computer I can understand that.
However I understand that because I learned the significance of those events and how they affect me. I didn’t just look it up and read some words.
They no longer even teach cursive in school. I know that most adults use a combination of cursive and print. I wonder though how kids will sign their checks though once they are adults. Aren’t out signatures as unique as we are?
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.
ginette4 says
My daughter has been failing at math, can you believe that she doesn’t know her times table and she’s in grade 9, I was always worried about this, I remember going to her school when she was in grade 7 and the teacher told me that it doesn’t matter they use calculators, I was like what?? she said there’s always going to be computers and cash registers that give the amount owing when they shop..??? so they don’t need to know their times table..yep!
Rita says
That drives me crazy! I have been in the store once, bought a lawn mower and gave the girl $1000. She asked me how many zeros were in 1000! I was like WHAT?
Deb Dianne says
We didn’t have computers growing up, not even in high school. My sister was valedictorian and will be retiring this year. She is one smart cookie. I think homeschooling is awesome and a great responsibility. I hope the kids at least come out of school with some common sense, in spite of questionable schooling.
Rita says
It worries me. I feel like kids today just aren’t going to really grasp the importance of things like history.
Denise Taylor-Dennis says
I admire anyone that does homeschooling. I know it is not easy. Having worked in a preschool many years ago I know teaching children is very challenging. It is interesting that your step children spend half the time in the US and half in Mexico. I could see how homeschooling would be ideal in this situation.
Rita says
It is difficult but I plan all their lessons and while in Mexico we Skype School. It works out well for us but for some it may not.
Breia B says
I have been having this issue with my daughter as well. She’s in the 10 grade at an early college where when she graduates she’ll have a 2 year associate’s degree. The issue with them is that they are doing most if not all of their work in groups now, so they only learn what they need to complete their part of the group work. I really don’t understand how this is helpful for anyone involved.
Rita says
I don’t see how that could help anyone. I get so frustrated with the school system today. It just makes no sense.
Tina says
I considered homeschooling my daughter when local schools were becoming hard places to go. She wouldn’t want to go to school in the mornings. She asked to go to a church school instead which worked out great. I like the idea of homeschooling.
Tina says
I love idea of homeschooling. I thought it was more difficult. I think kids can get a lot from having more one on one time.
Jean says
My oldest is just in first grade and generally I’ve been pretty happy with her school. I think you have to go into public school with the understanding that you, as a parent, are going to have to supplement your child’s education in order for them to progress as you would like.
Tina says
I told my niece about your story. She is thinking about homeschooling her girls. I sent her this link. I think it will help her decide. thanks
Jodi D. says
I don’t think I could handle the stress of homeschooling. I am not the most organized person in the world or the most patient. A lot of friends started home schooling their kids this year due to a change in our school district policies but still I like the at school setting.
Robin Wilson says
It must be extremely difficult having the kids for only 6 months out of the year and being able to get back into the swing of things each time should not be hampered by getting into school. I admire you for being able to homeschool in the best interest of the kids.
Amy Heffernan says
I give you alot of credit. This is a hard thing to do. But you are doing it. I often considered doing it myself but cannot at the moment. Keep it up!
Karen says
If I had it to do over again I would homeschool my son. What with all the things children have to face today (peer pressure, bullying, inferior education, etc.), why would you put them through that if it was in your power to do something better for them?
They don’t teach cursive in school anymore? That’s appalling.
Rita says
Isn’t it though? There are a lot of things they no longer teach and it just drives me crazy.