Wednesday, September 26, 2012

I don't walk the line, I dance on it.

I get a lot of people with mixed feelings about the way I choose to educate my children. I have one home-schooled child and one public schooled child.

My youngest is in public (k) and my oldest is home (5th). My long term plan is to have my son at home as well. I intend to see my daughters education through until graduation.

In the minds of many, I walk the line between "good and evil". You see, a lot (not all) of parents that home school think it is horrible of me to have one of my children in public school ::dramatic gasp here::. Then, a lot (not all) of public school parents think I am"ruining and sheltering" my daughter because she is in "home school" ::dramatic gasp here::. Here is a news flash for any person falling into these categories: They are MY children, please mind your own business. But, at the same time I would like to satisfy "inquiring minds".

I believe that every family is different and I believe that public school is not for everyone just as much as home school is not for every one. I praise God that I live in a time and place where I am able to chose what I believe is best for my own children.

Why do I homeschool? Because I want Bible class to be more than Sunday mornings. I also want to teach my children so much, that I simply cannot teach them when they are gone all day. Am I sheltering my child? Absolutely. I feel she is simply too young to be lambasted with what kids are exposed to these days. I feel that if I throw her into school to deal with all the junk while she is still growing and maturing, and trying to blossom, she will drown. I am trying to equip her to deal with life when it is time. Don't get me wrong, she is not totally in the dark about issues. Rather, I chose to introduce things to her as she grows and in my way, not from another kid at school.

The world is so messed up. Today I read an article that NYC public school system is now providing the morning after pill to girls (starting at 14yrs.)for free without parental consent. It seems like they are trying to fix a broken back with a band aid. Treating the symptoms but not the problem.

Now, on the flip side, I think public schools were, at one time, a great thing, and some can still be. I have absolutely nothing against people who choose public school. It is THEIR choice and is not my place to judge. I send my son to kindergarten. For him, I think this will be a great thing. He is learning some valuable life lessons and (as far as I can tell) things are still innocent . He is having fun and is gaining some independence.

The rearing of my children is not a responsibility I take lightly. I will be held accountable for what I teach them during my life. Each of us will. I will not sit idly by while the world fights for my children's hearts. I do not pretend to have it all figured out, I am only human. There are days when I want to give up on it all and have the days to myself. But my heart will not allow it. God has entrusted me with these precious children and I must do my best to raise them according to His plan.

So, I don't really walk the line. I dance on it with mismatched socks and parachute pants!

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