Looking Back
Sunday, March 30
Share your personal history…before you were a home educator. What was life like? Think about things you miss and things you and your family have gained.
I started homeschooling my oldest daughter in 2004. For four years prior to that time, I was a full-time student and had part and full-time employment outside of the home (2 years part-time and 2 years full-time). Three months prior to homeschooling, we moved cross country.
We only homeschooled for about 2 months – – and then we moved, cross country, again.
I started working full-time; however, it did not last too long (about a month) – – before it was apparent changes needed to be made. Shortly thereafter, I started working part-time – – within two months of beginning employment, I homeschooled my daughter, again. This stint lasted about 2 months, as well – – we basically just finished out the school year. (My employers allowed me to bring her to work and homeschool her there).
I started the next school year homeschooling her, again – – still working at the same place. It lasted about a month or so. Then, I quit my job in December 2006 in order to homeschool again from January through March 2007 (by now, we had moved, again – – and it was cost effective to stay home).
I have been a SAHM, since.
January 2008, I began homeschooling my youngest.
I miss “alone time” most of all. In the last ten years, I have become a bit of a hermit – – and really enjoy my time alone. (It took awhile to appreciate my own company – but, now….I really miss it, if I don’t get it.) With the exception of the additional time with my daughter, during the day….most of my activities have not changed.
One of the greatest things I gained when I homeschooled my oldest was a real relationship. I know her better than anyone else, in the Whole, Wide World!! 🙂 My youngest is already a Mommy and Daddy’s girl – – but, I am seeing some additional bonding. As a family, we have always been pretty “close” – – and spent a great deal of time together – – so, it hasn’t changed our “family bonds” much.
I do think that my job, as SAHM, has become appreciated more in the last couple of months – – Boo has been able to see that I am pretty busy all day long – – and although, I do enjoy being on the computer, I am not ALWAYS on the computer – – I do get A LOT done during the day. LOL!!
For more nostalgia moments, from other homeschoolers, visit: Principled Discovery
I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.
Stacey Derbinshire
I like that family closeness most, as well. I know my children…and they know each other. Sometimes it is the non-school things I really appreciate most, but if it weren’t for the homeschooling part, I don’t think they’d have a chance to really develop those other moments.
That’s neat that you see how homeschooling helps with family closeness and having relationships with your kids. I really value that, too.