When we first thought about homeschooling and began pursuing it with my daughter's father, he told me how afraid he was she would be isolated, stuck at home all the time and unsocialized. It's a common misconception about homeschooling and even though I knew it wasn't true, I am actually a little stunned (now that we're in the midst of it all) at how busy, socialized and un-isolated we both are. Since we began homeschooling two weeks ago, I've made more friends, met more moms, been out doing things and seeing things and experiencing things that I previously would never have had time for. I love it, and truthfully, I'm a little overwhelmed.
I'm coping because I know three things - 1) like anything new and strenuous, you get better at it, stronger and more able, 2) the beginning of the school year, developing new routines and deciding which field trips to participate in will get easier and I can manage our time, and 3) we are having so much fun in the process.
In the last two weeks, in addition to usual school work, we've had three field trips, found a weekly coop group, a library group, started twice a week karate and are just about to sign up for pottery classes, cake decorating and a one time jewelry making class. It sounds like a lot and it is! Yet, she is learning a lot, gaining confidence, developing skills, and making new friends - and I am too.
I didn't expect to meet people myself or make new friends of my own in this journey. I guess I was so focused on her that it just didn't occur to me. But while I was quite isolated at home with little ones while my kids were at school before, I now am engaged with parents a lot like me. I am chit chatting with moms I've met before once but previously failed to connect with - at karate, the library, church, picnics.... The ones who are not homeschooling their children think its interesting and approach it very positively. The ones who are homeschooling are super encouraging to me. I think I like this homeschooling thing... just one more reason.
I had wanted to find a coop, but the idea also scared me. I knew it was important so I trudged on toward that goal even though I didn't know where it would take me. Then suddenly I met a woman who passed my phone number along to the leader of a closed coop - already maxed out on number of families. To my delight, she called me and we chatted and received us warmly into the group. And really from the sound of it all, this coop is better than I could have ever hoped. It's everything I wanted and more. Kids my kids ages, bible and prayer and missions, art, gymnastics, legos, games, and more mamas just like me.
The field trips have been great! Places that offer homeschool days really do an unbelievable job at engaging these kids and letting them explore and discover. Even our own little outings have been fun and relaxing.
Yes, I'm new to this whole thing, parts of it feel overwhelming, and I love it. Every minute.
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