So it is summer now. Although many families are enjoying "summer break" nothing really looks any different around here. It does feel different though. I feel less...pressure.
It doesn't matter if your kids are in school or you homeschool or unschool. Everybody is just having fun right now. Everybody is hanging out at parks and the beach. Those "schooly" questions don't even come up and I have to admit, it is a bit of a relief for me to not have to answer them or explain anything.
However, summer is also a time of homeschool reflection for me. How did the last year go? What were the hard parts? What were the best parts? What about next year?
And the inevitable, are we going to continue with this? Aren't we crazy to keep them at home another year? Aren't we crazy not to?
And honestly, I'm still working out those answers.
If there was a magical school that popped up that was everything I wish school was I'd consider sending my son there next fall. You see, I'm not in love with homeschooling or even the idea of it. I'm not. I do it because if I'm being honest with myself I know it is the best thing for my family. Is this enough? I'm not sure sometimes.
The schools are "fabulous" in my area, I'm zoned for a district that people lie about their home address to get into. So it isn't a matter of poor schools. It is just that I can't imagine sending them to a traditional school.
Especially now that we've all tasted this freedom. This way of learning on their own terms.
On the other hand, last year was hard. I have to remind myself that next year will be totally different since they'll both be one year older. I get stuck in thinking that each year will be just as hard as the last, but really the challenges will be totally different as they grow.
Anyway, I just want to be honest about where I'm at in our homeschooling journey. It really does seem (from the outside) that other homeschooling families are confident in their choice 100% of the time. I'm certainly not. Which makes me question whether I'm cut out for this or not.
What about you? How are you reflecting on the last year? Do you question your choice to homeschool?
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PS - I noticed a whole lot of new subscribers after my illustrated posts got passed around. The Parenting. Illustrated with Crappy Pictures™ has a new home now by the way. What a fun way to reach other homeschoolers! A totally unexpected bonus.
(all those photos are from Balboa Island/Newport Beach, CA)
