Why I’m debating whether I should also homeschool my son
“Are you going to homeschool your son too?” It’s a question I am getting a lot lately. And to be honest, I’m not sure.
Since my son was only 3 when we started this homeschool endeavor I didn’t give it much thought. But now it’s something I feel like I should start considering.
He’s completely different than my daughter who welcomes the challenge of homeschool, and, well.. Actually listens to me. He learns differently. My son isn’t one to sit down and color, or practice writing letters, or even craft for very long. I still have to find a method that works best for him. But so far I know what it’s not, and that’s sitting still and following my instructions.
He behaves well for others. In his little mother’s morning out program he participates and follows instruction. He’s still his silly self, but he seems a bit more contained. Around me he lets loose and feels free to be as silly (and sometimes disobedient) as he wants.
This fall he’ll be entering Pre-K. My husband and I have been debating the local half-day program, keeping him in his twice a week gymnastics/casual school program (which I’m opting for), or homeschooling him “full-time” alongside his sister. I’m debating the last option because, well… I like my sanity.
He’s most in his element in two situations: Building (specifically his wooden train tracks and unit blocks). And when we leave the table, desks and books behind and head outside to run, jump and climb.
“What are we gonna do?” he asks me when I tell him we’re going to do something fun. When I grab his Stride Rite sandals and his helmet, he knows we’re in for an adventure.
“Are we going to see water?” He’ll ask me as I strap his sandals to his feet. A sunny day and no socks usually leads him to this assumption.
It was my goal to ditch the indoors and do more outside, even if just in our backyard or our neighborhood playground. From catching toads (ok, well I catch them, they run and scream from me), to identifying caterpillars and butterflies, they are natural explorers. We did quite a bit of that, but not as much as I had hoped. More on my first year of homeschool summary and thoughts soon, but for now I’ll say that we’re planning to continue our lessons through the summer, and definitely involve more play and discovery.
This is when my son gets in his own little zone. He picks up a rock and tries to see how far he can throw it into the pond. He asks about bugs and other creatures we discover. He’ll play nice with his sister, follow directions and stretch his wings while also staying close enough to be safe.
In so many ways these are reasons homeschooling him would be a perfect environment. We’d have the freedom to learn in unconventional ways.
I’m just beginning to understand how he loves to learn, but I’m hoping to tap into that so that no matter where he is, I can give him what he needs to not only learn, but thrive.
I’m teaming up with Stride Rite over the next few months to share our family adventures and style. These are the Phibian Sneaker Sandals. From the parks to the pool, my kids can keep them on all day. They’re machine washable, quick to try and made for the land, sea and everywhere in between. Check out the full line with an array of colors. All opinions are my own.
Tags: homeschool, siblings, stride rite
I am always inspired by kids that are homeschooled. My brothers were homeschooled and they did well. My son, on the other hand, went to public school because I knew he needed the time with other kids. He has really blossomed over the years being in school. I know you will make the right choice for your family and good luck with the homeschool.
My son learns differently from my daughter too. We don’t homeschool but I have often thought about it for him. But like you, I like my sanity.
Every child learns differently and it is simply what works best for them and how they will benefit the most! I think parents that have the time to home school while also having social clubs with other home schooled children is a great alternative for children to learn!
Mad props to you if you homeschool! Luckily I’m blessed to have an amazing public school system with much hands-on learning. Sounds like your son would love the homeschool experience though!
You know, I have looked into this in the past but I’m on the fence too.
Love the freedom that you can get through homeschooling. You can take a vacation whenever works for your family and not have to worry they will be missing classes. Good luck in whatever you decide!
It sounds like you’re very in tune with your son’s personality. Whatever you choose, it should be fun to see him learn and grow.
I definitely think it’ll be a fun adventure watching him learn and grow!
We homeschooled my one son for 2 years 4th and 5th grade. My other son had no interest in it. I loved it. Remember you can always change your mind later. We switched schools after he went back. Best thing ever!
A good reminder, thanks Milena.
I really want to buy these shoes for my kids! Do you know if they make them for bigger kids?
They do! Up to a size 7 I believe. And for my kids they seem to run a little big.
This is a tough situation, each child is so different. I have a friend in the same situation, she home schools her oldest but her second child had a rough first year in home school. They are actually deciding to let their second child go to a school because they want to do what is best for each of their kids. We all want to do what is best for our families!
So true! We’re all trying to do what’s best, and it can look different for each kid.
I can’t beivele I’ve been going for years without knowing that.
As a homeschool Mommy I of course love homeschooling but goodness I know it is not for every child or every family. Each child as you have pointed out is different and needs different things! I love the ideas you have for being outside more and discovering just what works for your son!
Thank you Kimberly. Yea I see so many neat homeschool families on farms and such, I feel like we can make this work. The summer will be a fun time to reassess and take a step back.
Those Stride Rite shoes are so fun. Love that they are machine washable!
Seriously, it makes it SO convenient.
I think you have to do what is best for you. I don’t have human kids but in my heart if I did, I would be homeschooling. It has become a different world and I would do what is in my child’s best interest 😉
Impressed, I’ve always wanted to give homeschooling a try but Im sure I can pull it off. Love your pics and those stride rite shoes and perfect for all those long summer days
Thank you Jasmine! I bet you could pull it off 😉 Let me know if you ever have questions.
Sons and daughters are so different but we love them the same. I say home school if your heart is in it but taking a break from raising our babies when they go to school is a great option too. My brother and sister got my son and daughter a pair of Phibians last year and they love them. They wore them all winter with Socks no matter how much I fought them. The ones your kids are wearing look super cute. I gotta check them out.
Our Sons and daughters are so different but we love them the same. I say home school if your heart is in it but taking a break from raising our babies when they go to school is a great option too. My brother and sister got my son and daughter a pair of Phibians last year and they love them. They wore them all winter with Socks no matter how much I fought them. The ones your kids are wearing look super cute. I gotta check them out.
It is a constant internal debate between a break from being “on” 24/7, and really enjoying the process of homeschooling. So glad your kids like their Phibians too!
My daughter is now 8 and my son is 5, we homeschool. Very similar here with the way my boy learns! Funny thing is, when he was 4, he wouldn’t sit for a minute to do anything that resembled “school” or work, whatever you want to call it. I thought that’s how it would always be, a struggle. I just let it go, let him run around and enjoy childhood. Now fast forward to him being 5, will be 6 in November this year – he has grown, matured, and changed a lot! Granted he is still his engineering self, building catapults with forks on the table while doing his writing workbook, but he has blossomed with homeschooling. I cannot see him in public school, this kid is trouble, he would be so distracted there from learning. Not to mention we love the freedom and flexibility, making our own schedule and doing what we want and need!
Anastasia you have no idea how much of a relief that is to hear. My son isn’t like bouncing off the walls or anything, but he knows what he likes and what he wants to do, and it’s not to sit and write/color. And oh my goodness yea, I’m not sure how a classroom would look for him. He DOES seem to follow other people’s instruction, at least until he gets to know them real well. haha. Guess we’ll just keep playing and see how it goes for the next year or so!
The exsertipe shines through. Thanks for taking the time to answer.
Wow, that’s a really clever way of thinking about it!…
Haha. I woke up down today. You’ve cheered me up!
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