Heard at my aerboics class at the Y last week:
Instructor (on mike as she ended class) "Well only 4 more hours of freedom!"
Class: Collective groan....
Student: "No.. I have 7 more hours!"
Instructor: "Oh, does your school district go all day?"
Student: "Yup... 7 more hours of freedom and then.." Laughs nervously.
All the moms were shaking their heads ruefully at the limited time left until their summers were ruined... the kids were off school.
Instructor: "Well, I don't know how those homeschoolers do it. I need my time."
Ok, I can't really say too much. And NO, I didn't pop up and perkily say I homeschooled! Plus, it is easy now with two almost grown boys and me who can leave the house just about whenever I want.
Yes, it was hard, especially those first years, when I was home all the time and could not leave or run errands alone, much less attend aerobics classes. But I remember the hardest really was the first year when we had to learn to live together. After that it got easier and easier. I think the boys knew I would not be dropping them somewhere so they didn't need me as much when I was home, at least not in a desperate way. We just began to co-exist more and enjoy each other more.
I think that is what I like best about the years of homeschooling. I think we really do enjoy each other now.
I remember when I was first considering homeschooling. My (perfect) neighbor homeschooled her two girls, aged 12 and 14. Sorry, they were all pretty perfect... She was kind enough to show me what she did, her curriculum, etc.
Finally at the end, I asked The Question.
"Is it hard to be home with your kids 24 hours a day?" I asked.
"No," she replied. "I like being around my kids."
Yes, it struck me in the heart. I felt judged. But you know I never forgot that and I appreciate her honesty. She was right.
And I like being around my kids, too!
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- Cindy
- Texas, United States
- We are all on a journey, and this blog's reason for existence is to be a place to put mine. From humble suburbian begnnings just north of Dallas to a Catholic unschooler with a passion for faith, lifelong learning, my family and dogs, here I stand before you. Welcome to my world!
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3 comments:
I've heard the same type of conversation at my Y. I'm sure they are going on everywhere. It makes me so sad. These folks don't even know what they are missing.
I just pray that their children never hear them say this.
Oh, Cindy! I was asked last week, "What do you do with your kids all day long?"
I replied, "I enjoy them!"
I hope I didn't come off as judgemental! I said it so nonchalantly...at least in my mind!
But these are our children and we don't know how much time we have with them!
Karen-
Yes... I hope the kids never hear it- that is the saddest.
Maria-
Good for you! Not judgemental, just joyful and maybe that is just what the person needed to hear! :)
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