Years ago I sent my older daughter to school because "everyone else was doing it". She was going to the school. You know the one. Every parent dreams of sending their child there. In my heart I knew it wasn't for me- for us- and I worried about her every day. Turns out I had reason to do so.
She was being bullied- by girls.
Mean, rich girls.
But in kindergarten?
Oh yes, it starts young.
Preschool was a delight. M loved it and I loved having time to do things like shop and read. I'll admit it, "me time" is prettttty nice.
But in kindergarten my husband and I were was told (by the principal) to basically "just get over it". "Your daughter needs to learn to let these things go." Then Mrs. Principal gave me a hug. A HUG.
All of a sudden I was back in junior high French class with Ms. Sullivan. Her words echoing in my mind. "You'd sell our mother for an A!" and the command "Say Heil Hitler if you want a good grade!" The school system had failed me back then and it was happening again. I always believed that good would prevail but in this movie the villain wins.
I was afraid. How could I teach my child?? No one else I knew did such a thing. But you know what? The thought of sending my daughter back to people that condoned bullies scared me even more.
And so we jumped off. No more bullies, no more getting up early and way less worries. (I still worry, just about different things. Moms allwwaayys worry.)
Now we choose our own curriculum, travel "off season", and laugh at the thought of evolution. We talk about God, eat lunch at Panera and go to the library all. the time. When people ask if my children ever see kids their own age I have to laugh. We do so much socializing that we have a tough time getting our school work done. Besides, following the strongest personality/loudest mouth in the class isn't socializing. That's peer pressure.
Yes, we fight. Yes, we have tough days. Yes, I want to run away from home occasionally. But, I love my girls and feel beyond blessed that I get to stay home with them. I'm a follower extraordinaire but I'm so happy that we chose the path less traveled.
10 comments:
Amen!
Yes...yes...yes! Amen! Homeschooling is wonderful in so many ways it's hard to count them all...and worth it! Bought most of our books this week...and soon we will be starting another year. I'm so thankful for the freedom to homeschool. Have a great year! ; )
~Michele
Michele-I had forgotten that you were a homeschooler! How lovely to hear from you, dear friend. I still use your yummy molasses cookie recipe and think of you often.:) Lori
P.S. LOVE buying new curriculum!
Julie- So glad that we're fellow homeschooling moms- and friends.:) Lori
I could cry just thinking about sending my baby to school...even this week in VBS some little 5 year old told her that her bow was stupid..SERIOUSLY!!?? 5?? ugh. my heart..and it was her Taylor Swift bow..lol..she loves it..Tonight she said her friends would say funny funny and rip her shirt?? what in the world does that mean?! I cant handle this, at all.
Tristan- Dear, sweet friend, your little sweet pea will more than likely shine in school. It works for so many people! If issues arise, as in our case, you'll take a look at what is going on and make the right decision. You are homeschooling right now and doing an amazing job! Take one day at a time and don't be sad. You know God has your back and loves you dearly.:) Lori
Tristan- I'm so sorry about what happened at VBS. You have to wonder if the parents know how their children behave? And I wonder how the parents behave?? Ack! Lori
thanks Lori :)
I don't really know her mother, but she was not very nice to me when we met...kill her with kindness ;)
Sadly, I've already started buying Noelle NICE clothes for pre-school! Ronnie won't be able to homeschool her... Noelle starts school in September! I hope and pray she loves it. You have done such an awesome job with your girls Lori.
Lori, I am so sorry this happened but how you responded to it by making the decision to home school has been absolutely the right one. Your girls are amazing and I am quite sure they would not be the lovely bright girls they are if they had not been home schooled by their fantastic teacher/mom :) Love you Lindsay x
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