Even though Hubby and I have been chatting about potential changes for a while now (gotta talk about something else other than homeschooling, I guess), I think our announcement that we were moving to Canberra shocked a few people.
And the bit that shocked everyone was that I would be working full-time. Kinda shocked me too - it was a big decision, for sure. Because although lately I've been working 3-4 (or 5 or 6) days a week, mostly they weren't full days and we juggled homeschool around that. But working full-time? How would that work?
Well, we are not too stressed about it. The kids are getting older and I can see light at the end of the educational tunnel. I know we can continue to keep working away at academics in much the same way we are now and know they will be OK for tertiary studies in some form if that's what they'd like to pursue. I know we can find them some "social" outlets so they can talk to people their own age or who have similar interests who they aren't related to.
Alternatively, if we can find them some kind of school or school situation that works for them and they are happy with it, then we'll give that a go. But I'm not prepared to shove them in any educational institution just to make "other people" happy.
And that's what's bugging me - everyone's opinion on what I should do with the kids. The assumption they WILL go back to school.
Yeah, well, we will look through a broader lens than just kids go to school. Our kids will have an education that works for them. Having now been a part of the school system as a parent and a teacher and part of the homeschool community (note that it's NOT a system!), I know which one worked for my kids. School may yet work, but I don't feel the need to enrol just anywhere. We can think outside the educational square and we (all of us - me, hubby and the kids) will find a way that works for them. If it's distance education or open uni or school or senior school or technical college or a mix of all of the above, that's what we will do.
So, don't think I've forgotten the kid's education and don't assume what we will do with it.
OK. Rant over. As you were :-)
That must be annoying. I get similarly annoyed when asked "have you thought about high school?" To which I want to say well seeing as these are MY children and I am responsible for their education then DUHHHHHHH YESSSSSSS high school has crossed my mind! Argh! We have no plans to send the kids to high school either, yet for some reason people seem to think that by saying to us "have you thought about high school", they're actually--can you believe this-- bringing to our attention something we haven't considered. Drives.me.nuts. People don't seem to get that we will stick with what works for us, not for them!
ReplyDeleteOh! High school! Why thank you for reminding us!! Sorry, my sarcasm font isn't working well today :-)
DeleteIngi{{}} They way I look at it, you take the responsibility of educating your children very seriously, you are their primary educators, and it may be that you even chose down the track to use a school to help you achieve that goal, but you will continue to have your hand firmly on the reins. They are just aiding you in your goal. You're an awesome mum and you will indeed find the shoe that fits{{}} What an exciting adventure you are embarking on{{}}
ReplyDeleteWell, exactly, Erin! That is exactly what is going on here! I knew you loyal readers would get us :-)
DeleteOh, your life is exciting, right now. I certainly won't presume to know what will happen with your kids' education. I don't know for sure what my own daughter's education will look like. I do know that whatever you choose will be well considered, and well thought out. And it might change a few times before you're done. Relax and enjoy the ride. xxx
ReplyDeleteI've heard this over and over but we have either been fortunate or deaf. No one has ever questioned our decision to keep the boys home and no one has been critical of their education. We have great families. But I have also never asked anyone for approval and tend to just plow ahead once a decision has been made. Anyway, it will work out for you all.
ReplyDeleteI always find comments like that funny, in a sort of ironic way. God forbid we allow high schoolers to take responsibility of their own education. Nope, let's not prepare them for college in anyway.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to know this happens all over the globe. I never understood why people feel the need to control other peoples choices. How different things might be if everyone put as much focus into their own lives. :)
You could get little cards made up with pre-printed replies (vetted by a close understanding friend I guess to remove all the expletives... lol) and just hand them out. Or a laminated sheet ... hehe or just tell them you don't like your children much so really have no cares one way or another about their education. :p
ReplyDelete