The Big Decision

Finally all the uncertainty at home about home schooling our boys are finally over .  My husband (Steve) and I have been discussing the possibility of home schooling our children since our  eldest turned pre-school age (3years ago).  My husband is for it 100%, I am the one who has been hesitant; and since I am going to  do most of the teaching, the idea didn't evolve into an actual plan until now.   Having a master's degree didn't help to convince me to stay home full time.  I wanted to use my education by working outside the home.  My options were to work doing lab stuff (research) or teach.  When our son turned two after staying home with him since he was born, it didn't take long for me to start looking for possible jobs, using boredom as an excuse.  I landed a teaching position the day after I submitted my resume on line, to a school that has no opening.  I got a call from the principal asking to set-up an interview because one of their science teacher resigned the day before.  Everything fell into places.  I started right away.  My son started day care twice a week and my in-laws helped  us for the remainder of the times my husband and I  have to be at work.  Time flew by fast.  I've been in that job for four years, teaching classes I love, finishing my initial license, getting my professional status, pursuing my license in special education, and having our second son during my first year of teaching.   My eldest son went through full-time pre-school programs, grew and developed in the care of his caring teachers.  The school he went  is great!  There are a lot of parents involvement, the curriculum is sufficient, and it is in line with our Catholic faith.   I tried to juggle work and being a mom.  I volunteered in some of the school events (took personal leave) but I still feel I'm missing a lot with regards to my son's formation.  I also missed the times with my second son when I went back to work two months later I had him 'till now, the changes he'd been through.  I didn't spend the same amount of time with him as I spent with my eldest one.  I cherished every moment when I have to stay home with both of my boys during school vacation, but the guilt feeling remains and it grew and grew.  Just like any job, after a while you start questioning and  thinking of the worthiness of what you do.  I came to a point where the answer that I have is "staying home with my children (now 6 and 3) is  way more worthwhile than working outside our home".  I looked at home schooling again, did more research than before, partly because I am more ready, less fearful and a lot surer now.  I came to the realization that my priority is my family, my children, and being the one to teach and raise them is the "right" thing to do. The response of my eldest son gave us some peace of mind when I asked him about what he thinks of  me being his teacher and learning at home, not seeing his friends every day.  He was happy and excited that the following day, he started telling his friends about it.  After his Kindergarten graduation, he even asked me if we are going to start first grade right away.   My husband is still very supportive and very encouraging about home schooling.  The responsibility of involving the boys in team sports lay on his shoulders.  We are fortunate that his job can support our family financially even when I stop working. 
The decision has been made.  My two sons are already enrolled in the home schooling program of our choosing, I am already part of a couple of home schooling support groups, and today I gave my resignation letter to my school. 
We are all excited and looking forward to this journey!

Our Personal View on Home Schooling

The school year has ended for our eldest son as well as for me.  It was bittersweet when I handed my resignation letter to our Principal and when he made the announcement to all the staff regarding my decision.  Overall, it was cathartic! 
So summer has officially begun (considering the temperature that we are having, above 90's and I am not complaining).  Aidan's materials and curriculum has arrived.  I already started to read through the lesson plans.  I am a little nervous when I think of everything that I have to accomplish before August arrives.  It's all going to be me, myself and Charisma.  From setting up the place in the house, reading curriculum, having the materials and school supplies we need ready.  All that, in addition to making sure that we enjoy every bits and crumbs this summer season offers.
Before I get lost in all the chaos of preparing ourselves in this journey, I wanted to address first the basic question that I'm sure everyone has in their mind:  "Why home school?"
When I was first asked about this question, I was surprised that it was so hard for me to verbalize the reasons for home schooling.  I just blurted out answers that I felt so inadequate.  I was surprised with my response, and it bothered me somehow why I can not give a quick answer to that simple question.  Deep down inside me I know that's what we wanted to do and that's what we feel is right for our kids. So that night, I sat down with my husband and asked him the same questions and being a logical thinker he is, he came up with this matrix.  He told me that in every project you undertake, there are three things you have to consider 1) Resources, 2) Time and 3) Quality.  Just imagine these three things making up the sides of a triangle.  Below are the things we came up with:
1) Resources- cheaper than private school, more instruction (1:1 teacher:student ratio), availability of home school groups and help, accredited curriculum, we can afford it with only one of us working.
2) Time- quality time with our children, we can define our own schedule (learning time, vacation), go at own pace catered to the learning needs of our children, save some time.
3) Quality- better life (enriched faith), cater to needs of our children, advanced learning compared to public school students, individualized learning.
These reasons might not be enough for some of you.  We also believe that not everyone can home school. It is really a personal choice and decision.  Even though our choices might differ from one another, I'm sure there is always the common ground of "doing what is best for our children."