mixed feelings regarding kindergarten
posted 7 Sep. 2009, 9:19 pm (9 moms have responded)
We started homeschooling for kindergarten last week & it went well . She tells me when I ask her that she likes homeschool & I believe her. Just feeling a little guilty right now, though. I did have my daughter go to the KG round up in May, & she really liked it, even saying 'I want to go there every day!' (she got to ride a bus, eat a snack & do fun activities...what kid wouldn't like that, I guess!)
I just can't help feeling like I'm depriving her of being around a room full of other kids for 3 hr/d 5 days a week. I know this might sound silly, but since public schools start this week, it's bothering me a little. I know I shouldn't 2nd guess myself since I felt at peace that homeschooling for KG was what we were to do, I just have that nagging wonder if I should have let her go. She has also had some major behavioral issues this summer, so that isn't helping my thoughts, either!
Thanks for listening!
Replies
Sure, it's like a party and it's a novelty right now. will it be a novelty in a few months when she wants to sleep in a bit and can't because you have to go out in the cold and snow to get to school?
Silly, yeah, but one thing to think about.
In all seriousness, if you feel God led you to homeschool for kindergarten then trust Him that it's the right thing. He knows all. And remember that the "guilt" you feel is just that, self-condemnation. Romans 8:1 tells us that there is no condemnation when we are in Christ. The Holy Spirit may convict us, but as you noticed there is a peace behind that conviction in that you know in your gut it's the right thing to do. Condemnation is guilt that is emotional with no substance in fact. I'm not belittling what you feel, just trying to explain the difference.
My suggestion is to enjoy homeschooling in kindergarten and praise God that you can! And if she had behavior issues over the summer, what will happen when she spends all day with 20-30 kids her age and only 1-2 adults? At least at home she is comfortable and get more one-on-one attention. You can pray together.
It won't be easy, but motherhood isn't for sissies, lol.
Keep praying and I'll say a prayer for you.
posted 13 Sep. 2009, 9:15 pm
Thanks, Tam! I know what you mean about the snow. We live in Michigan.
Thanks for the explanation about guilt vs condemnation. I was just thinking that today about being thankful that I can homeschool. Watching her grow & learn & having the freedom to do that is a huge blessing!
Yes, this is definitely not for sissies!
posted 25 Sep. 2009, 10:59 pm
Hi! My thinking on this is that sending our kids to school five days a week for the next 12 years so they can socialize with thier peer groups is not reality. Once they finish school they will get jobs, go grocery shopping, take the car to be serviced, communicate with people of all ages, and learn in their own environments. The homeschool environment is much closer to REALLY socializing a child than a public school ever will be.
posted 6 Oct. 2009, 8:39 am
And you think a room full of 5 and 6 yr olds will help her "behavior issues"? No, being home with a loving mother is the best thing for her. Look at what the public schools are turning out, that should make the decision easy.
posted 8 Oct. 2009, 8:59 pm
Thanks, Kristin & Brenda for the good thoughts. Things are going pretty well. My daughter did say today 'can I go to Kelsey's (neighbor) school? That was the 1st time she has asked, so it was a bummer for me to hear. I think alot of that is because I am investing my time into teaching her & then am frustrated to hear that. It's not surprising, I guess, since she is pretty social & misses hanging out with her friends like she did in the summer. I think I may need to set up some playdates for her. We decided not to do a co-op this year.
6
38
posted 10 Oct. 2009, 6:29 am
This is a great topic for new homeschool families to discuss and get feedback from those who've already made it through that first year. We did send my first child to K at the local public school. But, for many different reasons, we felt the Lord was leading us to homeschool her for first grade, along with her brother for his kindergarten year.
At times, I have felt frustrated with homeschooling; and guilty that we haven't been able to go and engage in local events and activities that are available. However, I then remind myself that although I am not the most perfect homeschooling mom on Earth, the reasons that we decided to go this direction don't include the requirement for me to be perfect. Also, the challenges that we were having with the school system are a lot less perfect than me, as well.
So, now, after having completed about 1.5 years of homeschool, I am truly confident, despite any persecution or comments from others, that our family is on its God-given path. Yes, that path is a lot different than other families'...and that's the whole point. The Lord has called us to be different, and thus to get different results in the end.
So, hang in there Michigan Mom. I know that you can't really judge your success with this, yet, because you are so new at this. Give your family time to adjust. You'll have more confidence at the end of this year. Your hindsight will be keen to understand what you can improve and what you should keep.
God bless. Shalom!
posted 10 Oct. 2009, 9:22 pm
Thanks, so much, Donna! I really appreciate your insight! I feel like I'm doing the right thing for this year for us. Just got discouraged this week with her comment that she wished she could go to school like her friends.
706
36
posted 27 Oct. 2009, 10:49 pm
We homeschool in Michigan too (we're in the thumb) and I get that alot from my daughter: "when can I goto school with ____?" We have neighbors too, and it's hard sometimes. But we tell her our reasons (at her level) and I do point out when the bus goes by- most mornings she's JUST waking up or not even up. I tell her she'd be gone ALL day until it comes back at 3:30!! Some days she realizes it and says she's thankful.
Check out www.inch.org for some local homeschool groups near you. You may not want to do the co-op thing yet (we didn't for K either) but alteast it will be some moms to give you support and encouragement.... and you can meet some other Kindergarteners for playdates!!
posted 28 Oct. 2009, 7:36 am
Thanks, Cheryl! We are in the metro Detroit area. She hasn't said anything more lately about wishing she was in 'school,' which I'm glad for. She is at an overnight at the grandparents right now. Wouldn't have been able to do that if she was in 'school!' When winter comes, I will remind her that when it's cold & blustery, she doesn't have to get all bundled up & go out in it like those who go to school!
Good idea. I'll check out the inch website.