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!
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!
No comments:
Post a Comment