Homeschooler

John and I have been thinking about homeschooling lately, because so many people that we know and respect have seen the benefits of it. Firstly, we don't like the idea of public schools indoctrinating our kids and undermining our authority as parents. Secondly, I think all kids learn differently and that public schools don't properly address that fact. Thirdly, I think our kids might learn faster and develop a sense of ambition early on, which will help them pursue a secure path in life earlier. Lastly, all the other benefits of working around our own schedule/curriculum.

    The deciding factor for us, will obviously be whether I am focused and patient enough to follow through. Lucas is difficult to keep focused and motivated, and his speech although greatly improved, still needs work and he gets very easily frustrated. He is very quiet, hands-on and technical...he likes to figure things out on his own quietly, a great critical thinker, great at games (especially video games), and coordinated physically.

    Olivia is very different. She demands all of your attention and sympathy. She is very intelligent and articulate, but snotty and defiant as well. She won't let anything slide, and likes to rub it in Lucas' face when she can do something he has trouble with. When she is bored with something, she will demand to move on to something else. Her constant questions mean she thinks A LOT about things, and remembers EVERYTHING you ever tell her, but the unending question eventually come to things that aren't easily answered/understood.

    Fortunately, their Godparents Eileen & Chuck have been successfully creating and finishing their own curriculum for years with their 2 children, and have given us some pointers. They also let us know that the rules regarding homeschooling are very lax in Texas and you have more freedom as a parent in how and what you want to teach them. Pretty much all you are required to do is have your kids pass a test like a GED once they are done with high school---homeschooling is treated as a private school.

    At their advice, we will be purchasing these 3 pre-k books to try it out with:

 I am excited to witness them learning and be in control of what they learn. I am just scared I am not persistent or patient enough to follow through. John knows I will need one-on-one time with them daily, and that Frankie is going to add another monkey to the bunch, but he is getting more and more excited about the idea of homeschooling and we are both devoted to trying our best this first year, and judging what our next move will be come next summer...we'll see!