He started a two-day-a-week intentional learning program for homeschoolers. It’s sort of waldorf-y, sort of montessori, and only a two minute walk away. So: PERFECT. We continue to be a one car family and Mike commutes 40 miles each way to work, so having an educational enrichment opportunity so close to home feels like a jackpot. The program won’t be in that building forever, so I’m not sure we’ll get to stay a part of the community if the logistics don’t work out. But while it lasts? I’m totally loving it. The leadership is nurturing and holistic and it’s just been a fantastic growing opportunity for Gabe.
I have a lot to say about parenting this particular child and how to make the best decisions for him, but now that he’s getting older, I no longer feel comfortable sharing lots of details about parenting him publicly. Which is SUCH a bummer because I’m sure you all would have incredible insight and wisdom. And I have some things I WANT TO TALK ABOUT. But, alas. A public forum is no place to do that with someone else’s problems.
I’ve been thinking a lot about homeschooling and the pros and cons. With any schooling choice, you’re making sacrifices and enjoying perks. Here is my pros and cons for us for homeschooling: (I thought I’d share since I love getting a peek a good pro/con list)
- No hectic mornings or alarms or waking anyone up
- Flexibility as a family – we can go where we want when we want without telling anyone. Family in town? Take the day off! Want to go on a trip? Let’s go!
- I don’t have to drive him to and from school every day and wait in pickup/drop off lines
- Gabe feels confident in his abilities (and is a bit of a perfectionist, so he’d totally be the kid who’s hard on himself if he’s not THE BEST in the class)
- So much family time. For Gabe and Theo, for all of us. We spend a lot of time together.
- Less free time for me
- Worrying about being different/blaming any shortcomings on our schooling choices
- It’s a little extra work for me
- Might be harder to make friends for both us (I hear that a lot of people make friends through school?)
