Just in case you are reading this and you are not a homeschooling mom, kid, grandma, aunt, dad, or member of the support staff of a homeschooling family, here is a word from one who is.
It seems that there are quite a few people out there that are under the impression that homeschoolers really aren't doing anything all day, and so they are available for doctors appointments, dentist appointments, babysitting, volunteer work, and lots of other non-academic activities that take place during regular school hours.
I'm sorry, but in this particular homeschool, we are actually spending long days working very hard to get as much accomplished as possible. It's a five-day-a-week job and most days start at 9:00am, with prayers, and end around 4:00pm. John is usually still working at 5:00, or later.
If we take an hour out to run to an appointment, or do something outside our four walls, we have a very hard time getting back on track. We limit phone calls, visitors, and there is no TV, or computer, for the boys until after they finish. It's almost like...REAL school, except that we usually have a dog and a cat in class.
I know there are many homeschoolers who are able to get everyone up, fix a full course breakfast, go to Mass, get home and clean the house, get all the coursework done, and go out for PE, do a science experiment, and an art project, all before lunch, but we are not that family.
I love homeschooling, but I have found that for our family to do it well, we actually have to be home, schooling.
I am in awe of those who are able to be everywhere, incorporating everything they do into an amazing lesson. I am just not that Mom. I need the books, and the lesson plans, and the answer keys, and the clock. God bless you all wherever you are, you are amazing.
Me, I'm just a homeschooling mom, and, these days, you'll find me at home.
