March 2010

So much has changed since I wrote last. I no longer home school the kids, which is good and bad. I miss having my big kids around. Home schooling gave us such a close family, it takes more strategic planning to make that happen now. My oldest is in grade seven at the middle school in the neighbourhood. He has been exposed to many different types of characters and school experiences, most of which are not great. Kids routinely pick on others and use coarse language and have a certain pecking order. If you don't fit into their mold, look out! My second is in a public charter school. It is a much better school with a better handle on the kids and their character, although it is not without flaws. I do, however, appreciate that the schools are responsible for planning the learning that goes on in the day. That has been nice. It allows for me to focus on other things during the day, such as maybe getting my house clean. Although if you were to visit me I do not think you would notice! Because we are three quarters the way through the school year, I am now taking the time to look back and wonder if what we have gained is worth what we gave up. I don't fully know the answer. My kids still have the strongest friendship with those who they don not go to school with. The "Socialization" has been mostly negative. My kids have learned alot, but along with the "school subjects" they have learned how others can treat others and get away with it. My older kids still have strong character but I wonder if they will hold up in this kind of environment. Justin only has 5 1/2 years until he is a legal "adult". Do I want the schools to determine who he will be? I must admit, although, I do like not having to worry about what I will teach the kids day in and day out, and sometimes I like the break form the kids! But most of the time, the younger kids and I miss having them around and are adjusting to doing "field trips" without them. When I think about what I want for all of my kids, at the top of my list is that they are Christ Followers and that they can have good relationships with their family and others. Sure I want them to be able to support their families, but I am not completely convinced that "school" will set them up for this. I struggle with many things in this year of transition. Home schooling was so good for our family and for the kids character. But now a new season has sprung, with some free time for myself in the near future and the possibility of working to help out with the family finances. I pray that the Lord will lead our every step, because each day has enough worry of its own, without me worrying about the future too much! But I guess that is just what moms do sometimes!