Any other homeschooling moms?

Hey everyone,

I'm a a stay at home, homeschooling mom. Just curious if there is any others on here. It would be nice to find some others that go through the same struggle of educating kids and trying to balence fitness and household chores into their daily lives.

I'm from north Texas, and I currently have a Kinder and 1st grader.

Would love to hear from you!

Replies

  • Me!

    I live in TN. I have a 2nd/3rd-grader and an "unschooled" preschooler. It's definitely a challenge to balance everything. It's hard not to want to eat stuff when your kids are asking for snacks all day. It's hard to exercise when the kids constantly want to join in or "help" you. I wouldn't trade it for anything, though. :-)
  • I have no kids yet, but definitely want to homeschool them when I do, just have to get my husband on board before the time comes. Tell me what are the pros/cons.
  • always12go
    always12go Posts: 14 Member
    I'm a homeschool mom. Our youngest is 12 and our oldest is 14. We currently only homeschool the 12 year old.
  • NoAdditives
    NoAdditives Posts: 4,251 Member
    I'm interested in homeschooling but my husband wants our kids to get more social interaction, so I'm not sure what we'll do when the time comes. The idea does seem a little daunting, especially while they're still little. I've done a little research, but I just don't know where to begin.
  • JayAlexander
    JayAlexander Posts: 268 Member
    First of all, I applaud you. My mom homeschooled all 6 of her children, and I thank her everyday for it. It was the best experience for me growing up. The close bonds between me and my mom, and me and my siblings are so precious to me. The values and life lessons that she taught me are my most prized possessions.
  • vryanz
    vryanz Posts: 49
    HI! I have a 14 month old and a 6 year old. I homeschool my 6 year old. I also work full time as a paramedic, so I can work 40 hour shifts and have the rest of the week off. I am very blessed in that aspect!
  • JayAlexander
    JayAlexander Posts: 268 Member
    I'm interested in homeschooling but my husband wants our kids to get more social interaction, so I'm not sure what we'll do when the time comes. The idea does seem a little daunting, especially while they're still little. I've done a little research, but I just don't know where to begin.

    My family was close friends with many other home schooled families. We went on field trips together on a regular basis. My family was involved in youth groups, choirs, plays, ballets, music lessons and many other activities. There was no lack of social interaction :smile:
  • Kristinemomof3
    Kristinemomof3 Posts: 636 Member
    We homeschool our three kids, 10 & 12 year old boys & almost 14 year old dd. My kids are by no means socialized. We are active in several homeschool groups and also our church & 4-H. Laws vary from state to state, but Indiana is a great place to homeschool. Anyone that wants to add me as a friend, feel free to do so.
  • The more interesting question is whether anybody homeschools who isn't an evangelical born-again fundamentalist gay-hating Harry-Potter-fearing science-bashing Christian?

    I really need to move to Sweden or New Zealand...
  • AnarchoGen
    AnarchoGen Posts: 400 Member
    The more interesting question is whether anybody homeschools who isn't an evangelical born-again fundamentalist gay-hating Harry-Potter-fearing science-bashing Christian?

    I really need to move to Sweden or New Zealand...

    <--- This girl. and I'm not homeschooling... yet, but I'm just one straw away. My son has physiological neuro disorders that affect the way his brain functions. You wouldn't be able to tell by looking at him, or interacting with him for that matter, but the public school system sucks for him.
  • jaded082
    jaded082 Posts: 107 Member
    Wow, glad to see lots of other homeschoolers on here! Thanks for all the responces. :-) I love meeting other homeschooler mamas that know what it's like to fight the battle of staying in shape while educating our kids.

    For the person who was asking about socialization. That is the least of my worries. Actually it makes me laugh out loud when I hear it. My kids are SO socialized. NOt shy in the least either. They stay plenty socialized between co-op every week, piano lessons, gymnastics, scouts class and friends nearby.

    **Oh a side note. Please try to keep the comments friendly in here. It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks**
  • _VoV
    _VoV Posts: 1,494 Member
    I'm a former secular homeschooler. My kids aged out of homeschooling (they are 19 and 16). They read Harry Potter and learned about evolution (GASP!) Friend me, if you like.
  • jojospaghettio
    jojospaghettio Posts: 62 Member
    Homeschooling and loving it! Have to say, the fitness journey is sometimes difficult to squeeze in (especially since I work PT too), but determined to make it work! Feel free to add me! I always love to associate with other homeschoolers. Makes me feel less alone in my journey. :)

    P.S. Please feel free to add me!
  • jojospaghettio
    jojospaghettio Posts: 62 Member
    I'm a former secular homeschooler. My kids aged out of homeschooling (they are 19 and 16). They read Harry Potter and learned about evolution (GASP!) Friend me, if you like.

    Ha Ha! This one just made me laugh out loud! Thanks for that! I think you must have two very well-rounded children. :)
  • Kristinemomof3
    Kristinemomof3 Posts: 636 Member
    Even though we are Christians, my children still know about evolution and they have read and watched Harry Potter as well.
    I'm a former secular homeschooler. My kids aged out of homeschooling (they are 19 and 16). They read Harry Potter and learned about evolution (GASP!) Friend me, if you like.
  • jojospaghettio
    jojospaghettio Posts: 62 Member
    Amen! :)

  • For the person who was asking about socialization. That is the least of my worries. Actually it makes me laugh out loud when I hear it. My kids are SO socialized. NOt shy in the least either. They stay plenty socialized between co-op every week, piano lessons, gymnastics, scouts class and friends nearby.
  • KareninCanada
    KareninCanada Posts: 961 Member
    The more interesting question is whether anybody homeschools who isn't an evangelical born-again fundamentalist gay-hating Harry-Potter-fearing science-bashing Christian?

    I really need to move to Sweden or New Zealand...


    That was just rude. :grumble: and btw, while New Zealand is fine with homeschooling, in Sweden homeschooling is illegal. First huge fines, then social services will apprehend homeschooled kids.



    Anyway, that aside .... Me :) 4yo is currently doing some preschool work and 7yo is somewhere around grade two. We follow our own curriculum to accommodate their interests and skill levels where possible, so she's doing grade one math, grade two science and social studies, but reading at grade four or above.

  • For the person who was asking about socialization. That is the least of my worries. Actually it makes me laugh out loud when I hear it. My kids are SO socialized. Not shy in the least either. They stay plenty socialized between co-op every week, piano lessons, gymnastics, scouts class and friends nearby.

    I always laugh when people say "you were homeschooled?! but you are so normal!" Like all homeschoolers are strange aliens or something! I did not enjoy my homeschooling experience since I was a horrible student for my mom, but also not pushed or had the help in the certain areas that I needed. That said I will probably not homeschool as I feel I would not be a great teacher and would like them to get a different learning experience than I had. :) But it has nothing to do with the socializing aspect at all!
  • jb852013
    jb852013 Posts: 116
    We are homeschooling and loving it! I LOVE that I get to be the one that sees my children learn things for the first time. There is no better feeling. My kiddos are 4 and 5 just about to be 6, and we live in the Houston area.
  • The more interesting question is whether anybody homeschools who isn't an evangelical born-again fundamentalist gay-hating Harry-Potter-fearing science-bashing Christian?

    I really need to move to Sweden or New Zealand...

    We are secular homeschoolers. Definitely the minority, at least around here, but there really are a lot more of us than you'd think. My mom was a lesbian... so no gay-bashing around these parts. We also love science *and* Harry Potter. LOL.
  • my oldest is going to be 5 this year, but i am going to homeschool. i am very excited!
  • For the person who was asking about socialization. That is the least of my worries. Actually it makes me laugh out loud when I hear it. My kids are SO socialized. NOt shy in the least either. They stay plenty socialized between co-op every week, piano lessons, gymnastics, scouts class and friends nearby.

    I feel the same way! We are actually "extra-curricular-light" right now, and I still think my children are just fine in that department. Between our homeschool group, friends, and (ya know) taking them out in public, they are pretty well socialized indeed.
  • cjfogh
    cjfogh Posts: 15 Member
    I just started homeschooling my oldest son 5 last year.
  • A question about this then to you ladies who are awesome enough to do it; did it require you having more than a high school diploma to qualify to school your own kids? I can understand it being easier when they are younger to not need certain qualifications but my SIL homeschooled all three of her kids through senior year of highschool (aside from co-op learning too) and had to have a 2yr AS and pass a SAT type exam to be able to teach her kids beyond a certain age. Mostly because of math and science. Though that is also Washington State. Thoughts?
  • _VoV
    _VoV Posts: 1,494 Member
    Even though we are Christians, my children still know about evolution and they have read and watched Harry Potter as well.
    I'm a former secular homeschooler. My kids aged out of homeschooling (they are 19 and 16). They read Harry Potter and learned about evolution (GASP!) Friend me, if you like.

    I didn't mean to offend anyone with my comments. I have been asked pointedly by Christian home-schoolers at the playground and skating rink if I taught science from a creationist perspective. They sort of treated this as a litmus test of whether I was a true believer. And then there were 'Statements of Faith' to participate in their activities. At the time, I attended church every Sunday and felt Christian enough, but refused to sign a statement when even my own church required no such thing of me.

    I don't judge or feel there's anything wrong with Christian home-schooling groups. It's just that with all the extra tension I felt, I felt more comfortable with the secular group. Now, many years later, I am not a Christian per se, though I do honor its moral code.
  • _VoV
    _VoV Posts: 1,494 Member
    A question about this then to you ladies who are awesome enough to do it; did it require you having more than a high school diploma to qualify to school your own kids? I can understand it being easier when they are younger to not need certain qualifications but my SIL homeschooled all three of her kids through senior year of highschool (aside from co-op learning too) and had to have a 2yr AS and pass a SAT type exam to be able to teach her kids beyond a certain age. Mostly because of math and science. Though that is also Washington State. Thoughts?

    Each state has different laws governing homeschooling (or not). Connecticut law states parents have an obligation to see to the education of their children in 7 - 8 core subjects, including state government as an aside. That's all it says, basically. The state department of education has RECOMMENDED guidelines, but they have no teeth whatsoever. They recommend home-schoolers send their local public school a 'Letter of Intent' to home school, and do an annual 'portfolio review.' I haven't done either, and have never been bothered by them.
  • gingerb85
    gingerb85 Posts: 357 Member
    I'm a homeschooling mom. We started homeschooling 19 years ago.
  • Reasie26
    Reasie26 Posts: 102 Member
    I have a 3 year old little girl and plan on home schooling. We have started some semi-structured "school time" which she loves, but I'm not sure how much structure we need just yet. She's super-smart and loves to learn, so I just want to make sure I'm not wasting her potential! Of course, I don't want to stifle that love of learning with too much "work" either!! We keep the structured stuff short and sweet and mostly take advantage of teachable moments throughout the day.

    I, too, am/will be a secular homeschooler. :)