“Meet Your Teacher” Night at the public schools.
Tonight was basically open house at the local elementary school. At the insistence of dear hubby, who has never been very supportive of my desire to homeschool, the kids and I decided to go have a look around.
My three little second graders had never before set foot in a school. Their reaction was interesting.
My son, who always seems to do most of the talking for all three of my children, told me it was nicer than he thought it would be but he still would rather be home. He would maybe like to go but only if he didn’t have to get up so early and if he didn’t have to be there all day and not all week. Being homeschooled he has much more free time than the average kid and he is well aware of this.
My girls, being twins, always seem to have the same opinion. Both liked the art room best. They would go, they told me, only if they could go to the art room, but they were NOT going to do anything else.
I’ve always told my kids that if they ever do want to try the public schools they are free to do so. But they also know they must make good grades and stay out of trouble or they will be back home quicker than the blink of an eye.
As for my reaction to the public schools. Yes, the place was nice and the teachers very friendly, but I would still rather homeschool. As we visited the school tonight I told those who asked that we homeschool and were there only because we wanted to have a look around. Most seemed OK with that. Only one older lady I felt like seemed to sour a bit. 
Oh well.
During our visit tonight I was very conscious of the fact that some in the school establishment might not hold such a favorable opinion of me as a homeschool mom and part of me can understand why. The older lady who I felt like turned her nose up a bit . . . she’s probably been a teacher all her life and she studied hard earning the right to do so. What makes ME think I can do a better job?
There is something I wish I could have told every teacher there tonight, but of course the time and the place were not right to do so. I have no problems with YOU. My problem with the public school system which led to my decision to keep my children home has never been about the teachers. I believe the large majority of teachers are great people who work hard, often under very difficult circumstances, and truly have the best interest of the kids at heart. Please, please don’t take my decision personally.
I do have concerns about the overall school environment, but for me the primary reason for wanting to homeschool is simply wanting to spend more time with my children and to have more influence over their lives. I believe kids need much more time with their parents than what most people in today’s society feels is acceptable and this is basically what motivated me. Most days 
I truly enjoy my children and enjoy the time we spend together. Our homeschool journey is going great. All three kids are happy, healthy, are learning well and I want it to continue. Considering my kids have an option and have chosen to spend another year at home with me I’d say the feeling is mutual.