I had a woman inform me that only home schooled children received the best education and were the most advanced, without exception. Her words stung me. While I do a lot of things the old fashioned way and at home, teaching my children the whole of their education isn't one of them.
She didn't blink an eye when I told her my children were in the public school system. I left the conversation feeling inferior as a parent, wondering about my decisions, and a tad guilty.
I've read many articles on home schooling and statements made by home schooling parents. Whether or not to home school is a personal and family decision. As all decisions my husband and I make regarding our children, we give it serious thought and do what we think is best for all involved.
One of the things that bothers me most when I read these articles or hear some of these people talk is, “I would never put my children in public school.”
When we use “I never” statements, what we're really saying boils down to one word, pride. Tweet this When we say I'd never do this, we're essentially saying I'd never make such a poor judgement call as you, and holding ourselves in a loftier position. Don't for one minute think I haven't used “I never” statements. I have.
And when I first examined this, I didn't like it. It made me squirm. I wasn't being judgmental, was I?
The next time you catch yourself thinking or starting to use a “I never” statement, take a moment to really examine the motive and attitude behind it.
As for deciding to put my children in the public school system, part of the reason is I work outside the home as a pharmacy tech three to four days a week. We depend upon my pay check to help pay our mortgage. But even if you're a mother who doesn't work outside the home and your children go to public school, I'm here to tell you right now, don't feel guilty like I did.
I've seen home school students go out into the world as adults barely able to read or write. I've seen public school students graduate barely being able to read or write.
I've seen home schooled students having very poor social skills and struggling to relate with others in a group setting of their peers outside of their immediate family. I've seen public school students not know how to behave in a group setting, become loners, and act out.
I don't believe that there is one right answer for every family in regards to home schooling or public school. I do believe that no one should be made to feel guilty for their decision.
Regardless of which education system you decide, the most important thing boils down to how you interact with your child. Do you show interest in their day? Do you make sure they understand their school work? Do you know what they're learning?
Despite which mode of school they're in, these are things we as parents should know the answer to.
We sit down with our son every evening and work on homework as a family, my husband and younger daughter included. If he's struggling in an area, we find a way to help him understand and grasp the subject. We're in communication with both his school teacher and bus driver.
If you're a mother who doesn't home school your children, you are not inferior as a parent.
I've wondered more than once if I'd failed my child by putting him in other's care. But God was quick to remind me that no matter where my son is, He is there. He is there on the bus seat, the playground, and in the class room. And He is in my son's heart.
Your success as a parent isn't determined by where your child attends school. Tweet this
Do you home school or use public school? Has anyone ever made you feel guilty for this decision?
