Homeschooling is NOT for the faint of heart <3

Researching what options Ben and I have as far as Annora’s schooling goes is darn INTIMIDATING! There is homeschooling, private school, charter school, good ole fashioned public school, private tutors, Montessori, yada, yada, yada! Honestly, the list goes on…

Last year I found myself frantically struggling to figure out the BEST option for her. She has a heart of GOLD, gets easily intimidated by others, has a hard time with mathematical concepts, LOVES people and making new friends, can’t get enough books, and LOVES singing and acting out musicals.

Right off the bat, public school was out for Ben and I. Before you get upset with me, hear me out. We live in a part of town that is very safe but unfortunately for us, our assigned school district doesn’t meet “Momma Teacher Standards!” I called our assigned school and asked if I could sit in and observe their kindergarten teacher but instead of planning the observation, I wanted to just “drop in.” They were not so accommodating…which raises a big ole red flag for “Former Teacher” me. So…I started to research some other possibilities that would fit Annora’s learning style and what she would be most successful at.

Honestly, private and Montessori school were not in our budget so I immediately ruled those out. I worked at a Charter school for 8 years and was aware of what was out there as far as that route went. Although not a bad option, it wasn’t the route we were seeking. That truly only left one option…Homeschooling!

Oh, when I taught I used to roll my eyes at the parents who said they home schooled. I took it personally and it made me feel like what I was doing day in and day out was not good enough for them. Why wouldn’t they trust me with their child? I have a degree specialized in teaching their child and they think they can do better?!? Man oh man I had NO CLUE!

The more I am researching the different homeschooling curriculum and keeping Annora at the center of all of my decision making, I have realized that getting her started on the right foot is the best route for her…whatever route that ends up being. Is it the best route for every child, absolutely not…but I am excited to have found something that works with the core values of our family, breaks everything down into methodical repetition, will challenge her, allows her to interact with other kids every week (which was the one thing that was holding me back from homeschooling…the fear she would not have friends and interact with other kids), etc.

Homeschooling is our decision out of all of the options…and I am confident we made the right one.  I am so happy I didn’t settle for the “norm” and I researched my daughter’s possibilities when it comes to her academics. My key takeaway = know your options and set your child up for success.

A day of homeschooling open house can wear you out!

Open houses are not for the faint of heart!