So...

The results are in. 58% of you feel that you would not be an effective teacher to your children. 38% of you are scared that your children will be nerds if you home school them. There you have it. None of that is scientific or researched based...just feeling and fears.

I have not blogged in a while strictly because our "readjustment" period has been rough. There have been several days when I have toyed with the idea of putting the 2 oldest in school. My third daughter is in pre-school so that would leave me and Zoe home to face the day alone. That is a very calming idea to me. Even as I sit here amidst an unmade bed, 2 piles of laundry and what feels like numerous unfinished task, I think that I could probably make a lot of "headway" if it were just me and 1 child at the house.

However, I still feel that home schooling is the best option for our family today. I have been talking alot with the girls about wisdom. I love Proverbs 1:8-10. We have been reading this in the mornings and discussing it.

"Hear, my son, your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching; Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head and ornaments about your neck. My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent."

The rest of the chapter is contrasting the difference between Wisdom and Simple mindedness. This is truly on of the reasons that I love not having to rush in the mornings, because we get to discuss the Scriptures, which we consider to be Holy.

I have found myself wishing that we had a Classical School here because I DO feel that their education would be a little more "rounded".

A friend and I had a discussion today about a mom who had home schooled her kids until high school and then put them into a corporate system. (I do not think that it matters if it is public or private.) When my friend asked 'how the kids did when they were put in' the mom responded by saying, "Great! They were cheerleaders and one was voted Most Popular..." etc.

My friend said that that bothered her because the mom spoke only of "social" accomplishments that the kids had made.

Now, before everyone slams her for being frustrated with the mom, let me explain. The reasons for home schooling are as diverse as the people who home school. One may home school for educational reasons, one for socio-economic reasons and another for heart reasons.

I choose the latter. The main reason, not the only reason,and I know that I am coming out of the closet here...is so I can "shepherd their hearts". Now, I know that many of my friends that read this blog are not Christians and might think that I am being a "retreatist"...I feel, however, that I am attempting to be consistent. Consistent with what I would define my primary role as a parent-Christian to be. This is one reason why I am not a fan of prayer in school. I do not want anyone, with a differing view of Christ, indoctrinating my child. It is my right, my role and my responsibility to train my kids in worship. I do not want my kids to grow up and be "moral behaviorist". I want them to live as true worshipers. I feel compelled to say that I, personally, do not believe that the only way to "get to this end" is through Home Schooling. A person's heart is with them wherever they go and I have met some home schooled kids whose hearts were far away from the Lord. Likewise, I have met some kids in the public & private "arenas" whose hearts are truly obedient. So, with that said, I think that right now, I am still on the same track...next year, we'll see.

I am wondering, and I welcome the input, even from people who do not share my views, if...what is best for one child is necessarily what is best for the whole family?

If I think that Home Schooling is what is best for my children then is that what is best for our family as a whole? What if there is a mom who loves homeschooling, does a good job at it, yet is neglectful with the house. Say- she can't stay on top of the laundry, dishes and kid's bedrooms but the kids have had a great day doing school. Maybe she has a difficult time getting to the grocery store because there is a massive chunk of time being eaten away with home schooling.

I know that different people have opposing ideas about roles and responsibilities in the home...I would love to hear some voices on this.