Challenges and Rewards of a Homeschooling Parent

Were you wondering where I had gone?  I have been trying to find the time/energy to get on here and post about our homeschooling success.  Life as a homeschooling parent is BUSY, BUSY!!  It's been great!  but I won't lie.  We've had good days and bad but overall my kids are progressing and enjoying the "one on two" attention.  Sure, they argue and fight and don't always want to do what I ask when I ask - they're kids....however, we read together all the time, take exciting field trips and turn learning into fun whenever/wherever possible.  Besides all of that, I like not having to worry about what kid is bullying my kids or what influence some mouthy 8 year old is having on them, what teacher isn't teaching for the right reasons, et cetera, et cetera.

I am going to break this down into two parts.  Those of you who home school probably will find some similarities to what we are experiencing.  Those of you who are "on the fence" may need to see this so you can make peace with your challenges ahead of time.  Hopefully this will give you the boost you need to "go for it".

Challenges:

• Keep baby A entertained/happy/quiet/out of danger while teaching E and L. 
• Find new ways to teach when learning presents a challenge for E.
• Stop L from giving E all of the answers without discouraging him from being a "peer teacher".
• Find time to get the shopping done, run errands, doctors/therapy appointments, cook meals, clean house, nurse A, and oh SHOWER while still making time for learning.
• Find patience when all things don't play out as "planned".  (See above)

While we have had our share of challenges we have realized that homeschooling reaps a plethora of benefits, too.  Here are some things that I appreciate:

Rewards:

• Schooling in our jammies  (Had to be noted)
• Allowing E and L to work at the pace that is best suited for each of them.
• Teaching my kids what they really want to know when they want to know it.
• Knowing EXACTLY what my kids strengths and weaknesses are.
• Seeing E and L's eyes light up when they really "get it" when learning something new.
• NOT coming home from my kids school with my stomach in knots.
• Feeling accomplished and self-sufficient at the end of the day.

Our laws in Indiana are fairly lax.  The only requirement is that we school 180 days a year.  We started in June and plan to school year round and have logged about 140 days to date.  L is finishing first grade and is already doing second grade math and spelling while reading at a third-fourth grade level.  E is in Kindergarten and although behind because of some other challenges she faces, is quickly catching up and will be ready to move into first grade in no time.  I was so worried that I would screw things up somehow and even though I have to put forth a great amount of effort, the kids LOVE to have ME teach them.  AND, they're learning.  They prove that to me as I watch them progress. 

I promise I will start making this blog more of a priority and squeeze in in somewhere to my busy schedule that I just love.  I want to expound upon our challenges and rewards further. I also want to talk about what we DO and how I keep the kids interested and socially active.  There's so much to say...you'll just have to come back to find out more.  :)