Non-traditional First Day

The choice to homeschool my children was not an easy one. At one point in time, when my oldest was just a toddler , I dreamed about the heart ache I would endure as I sent him off to school the first time. It hurt just as bad as I imagined it would. To watch my whole world climb those big bus steps and a stranger drive him away.

Then I received the heart shattering call that the school had misplaced my five year old. I pulled him out and started homeschooling. A few years later and the thought of him missing out always tugged on my consciousness. I remembered the themes of the season and holidays and all the activities I enjoyed while in school. The Valentine exchange, spirit week, gym class, and halloween parties. I recalled the social time during recess and other learning experiences I wouldn’t have if I was homeschooled. I feared my son was missing out on key elements of his childhood. I decided to give public school a chance once again.

The year seemed to be going smoothly and his grades were fantastic. He was making new friends and beamed with pride for his accomplishments. Then an event happened and I witnessed adults bullying my son and I was clued in about many other instances involving other children that were mishandled by staff members. In a blink of an eye we were homeschooling again.

I do not wish to go into full details as this is not a bashing article. This is to the non-traditional parent with school aged children. Our children’s first days are still memorable too. Maybe your child has health issues that make brick and mortar schools not an option. Possibly your child has a genetic disorder that requires more one on one attention that those types of schools can’t offer. Or maybe you have found traditional schools harsh and not aligning with your beliefs and views.

Whatever your particular case may be, don’t forget to make it special. Snap the picture. Record the memory. Post it on Facebook and send it to your family. My son is starting middle school and my daughter is entering Kindergarten. Each of them are beginning a journey that I am blessed to be a part of.

Celebrate your child’s success no matter where they are. My son is participating in online classes, while that is not traditional homeschooling, he still stays at home while doing his studies. My daughter is learning with the traditional method this year. She will never ride a school bus or be placed in the hands of a traditional school. My children will never step foot into that lifestyle again and I am okay with that. It is what works for my family even if it doesn’t work for most. I will mark their achievement and document their accomplishments just the same.

I no longer feel like they are missing out. In fact, I believe homeschooling was the best choice I have made for my children. It has been a blessing and an honor to be so involved in their learning. I am not simply sending them off to school to let someone teach them. I have a say in what is taught and what is not. I have more control of the content exposed to my children and know first hand what influences them.

I ensure they have plenty of social interactions and have been able to find sports and dances in our community for homeschooled children. My eyes were opened to tons of opportunities to get togethers with like minded people and have made several friends along the way. One very important thing I have learned is every family is different and chooses to homeschool for their own reasons. Everyone’s homeschool routine may look a little bit different, but we are all just trying to do the best for our children. What does your non-traditional first day of school look like?