Coming out of the (school) Closet

I have a little confession to make. Remember how Gab spotlighted me on her blog not too long ago? Remember the interview I gave on how, where, when, and why we love homeschooling? Remember all the wonderful comments from all of you admiring, pondering, scratching your head, and considering my view about this alternately extraordinary way of life? Well, I’m counting on the fact that many admired my honesty on the issue when I make this confession. (Remember, I believe in being honest. ) Here it is:

My kids are now attending public school!!!

Now keep in mind, when I wrote the answers to Gab’s questions three weeks before it was published, I was gung-ho and ready to start another year of homeschooling. I had the curriculum ordered, the supplies put in their proper shelves and drawers. I was signed up to teach art at the local homeschool co-op and the kids even had new school pajamas. In fact, we dove in and started school and got two weeks into our studies before life took a U-turn.

In the spirit of Gab’s awesome interviews, and since I’ve been asked the same questions by many people, I thought I’d answer them in a mock interview with myself.

How did you come to decide to put your kids back into public school?

Maddy was playing volleyball for the middle school and thought taking choir would also be fun this year. So I contacted the school to find out if and how that could work. Maddy and I met with the counselor and in the course of that one meeting Maddy decided there were enough classes that she wanted to try that she might as well just go full time. So she started the following week.

That left me with the boys who were perfectly happy staying home with me. That weekend we went to a neighborhood family street dance put on by the crazy fun Bloglor family. It was then that I saw a need for my boys to become better friends with the kids in our ward and in our neighborhood.

Fact: To make and become a great friend, you must spend a consistent amount of time interacting with a person.

In our case, it was important to us that our kids make and become great friends with the kids in our church as well as the good kids in our community. The boys just weren’t getting that consistent time with these kids. They played with them after school and saw them at church activities but without the school interaction, they weren’t becoming close friends. So, while I saw no academic reason for sending them to school, I saw a need for them to strengthen “friend” skills. As lame as that may sound, I had a very strong impression that this was right for us right now.

So, three weeks after public school started, the kids joined the public school masses here in semi-rural Idaho.

How do you feel about such a big change?

Remember, I’m being honest here, right? I’m conflicted. Part of me is breathing a sigh of relief that the burden of educating my kids has been shifted from my shoulders to someone else’s. Although when I realize that that someone is the government, I shudder convulsively. But then I remember that learning does not happen only during the hours of 8am and 3pm. Learning happens all the time and we are still a huge influence on the education of our kids. I worry that the negative influences surrounding them at school might somehow contaminate their little souls. And then I remember what strong souls they are and what a solid foundation they have. I also worry that public school will be a big fat failure and that they will somehow resent me for sending them back. And then I realize I am more than equipped to bring them home if at some point we decide that public school isn’t working. I also have to remember and acknowledge that this was an answer to prayer.

What are you doing with all your free time?

Free time? You’d think I’d have lots of that now. I do still have Will for a year or two more and he’s been looking for someone to fill the shoes of his best playmate and brother Erik. So far that’s been a reluctant me. Although I do enjoy having him to myself, I am seeking out potential weeky 4-year old playmates. In the past couple of weeks though, he’s learned the names and sounds of half the ABCs. Poor guy. I didn’t realize how educationally neglected he’s been.

I was also recently called as the Primary Secretary to our brand-spanking new ward. That has kept me hopping and on the computer like a crazy person.

I am hoping to take some painting and photography classes in the near future. I would LOVE to hone my photography skills and get some great pictures of the kids.

What do you miss most about homeschooling?

That’s easy. I miss my kids. Honestly. When you are used to them being around everyday, all day, it’s a shocker when they’re gone for SO LONG everyday. By the time they get home, there’s only time for homework, piano practice, lessons, and dinner before they have to hit the hay. I relish days like today when they have the day off school to relax, play, read, waste time and enjoy being home together.

Do you consider yourself a homeschool drop-out?

Most definitely not. I consider our foray in homeschooling to be a great big success. We’ve all grown closer, we were able to piece together the links that went missing in a really screwed up experimental math program in California, the vacations and field trips we took cannot be duplicated, I have an intimate understanding of how each child learns and thinks that will be a huge advantage in the years to come, and my mind has been opened to people who choose to go against the grain and follow a road less traveled to create a better future for their family.