The Covid ‘era’ has now lasted more than 400 days - longer than many had anticipated. During this time I have noticed many references to the ‘heroes’ of this era. Front-line workers, both medical and at the retail level, those that keep goods flowing, those that keep goods growing, etc. Another reference to heroes has been in regard to parents who are now left with no other option than to homeschool their kids. They have been supported financially by government through funds to cover wages for those that have to stay home from work to accommodate the homeschooling and through funding for supplies and even added more funding to the school system to ensure that students were given the technology equipment needed to try to make this work. I applaud this effort, however.
I homeschooled my two kids for 10-12 years, voluntarily. During this time, I got no assistance from the government or the school system. The system even tried to throw a few roadblocks my way. Family and friends were skeptical saying that “aren’t you afraid your kids will turn out weird?”, “it’s not legal”, and “but what about the social?”. I was hoping to get some support from the school system but when I asked the local school system to be included in field trips once in a while, offering to assist as a chaperone, I was denied. Any request I made to them was denied. There was one point where I got some cooperation from a public school teacher but the administration was unaware that I was receiving assistance. Had to keep that info on the down-low if I wanted it to continue. That’s quite a skill that your local school should teach its students, eh?
My kids aren’t perfect but I think they’re pretty terrific! They have both graduated from university, they both have a wonderful, supportive group of friends and they have great jobs and are financially independent from me! Isn’t that what parents want? I’d like to take some credit for this two kids but they really are the ones that made it happen and continue to thrive and I am very proud of them.
As a result of my experience I know those folks who have chosen to homeschool and are doing it have been the heroes for a very long time. The school system should support homeschoolers and not look at them as ‘weirdos’ or a threat to their job.
At the time that I was making the decision to try homeschooling, I was scared. I was listening to all these people saying that I was going to mess up my kids, that it wasn’t going to work. My best friend (at the time), who is a teacher (now retired), even said, “are you sure you want to do this? Your kids will never get into university without a high school diploma.” That wasn’t true but that statement, coming from a teacher, gave me cause for doubt.
I am so thankful that I didn’t let fear steer me in a different direction. I say ‘Good for you’ to all the homeschoolers who have done this job by choice and many for a long time! You’re my heroes! Thank you!