I love the cheerful but realistic “can-do” spirit here! You’ve described how many parents I know feel. It’s lovely to hear about UK home ed, because it seems so “other” here compared to America where it feels much more common. (No idea if the numbers bear this out.)
"It’s non-stop, full-on, and depending on your circumstances there isn’t much opportunity for a break. But is that any more difficult than working a full-time job and trying to squeeze as much quality time together as you can into the evenings and weekends?" ----> This is how I've felt with 3 littles at home! But the latter alternative stresses me out even more, so I imagine I won't much change my mind once they're of school age. :)
We've decided not to apply for a space for child 2. After a year of school and term of home ed with our eldest we know which we prefer but your post has reassured me that it really will be ok and I'm not make a once for always decision!
I’m so pleased it was reassuring! I think it’s so helpful to remember that it doesn’t have to be ‘forever’, unless you all want it to be. Good luck as child 2 begins the home ed journey!
Great summary post Catherine! With our eldest now in second year university, I feel much more relaxed about our youngest (11). Keeping your focus on the near-present (rather than 12th grade physics) helps to manage unnecessary anxiety on the parent's part. All the best as you continue on your homeschooling journey in the new year!
Thank you Ruth, I always love hearing your perspective from a few years further ahead. I definitely feel the anxiety lessens the longer we do this (although we haven’t got to any exams yet). For now, time seems to be on our side, which is a novel and wonderful feeling!
Interesting how the US and UK differ with rules & regulations! I was homeschooled with my 5 brothers growing up, and I just always look back on my childhood with such fond memories...playing in the woods, the field, with the cows, (we had a farm) and my parents probably kept us home so we could do chores and help 😂 I personally homeschool so that my children can have a non rushed childhood, they can learn and play all in one and as hard and demanding as it is..there is so much beauty in that. I hope they look back on their childhood and feel the same way as I did.
What wonderful childhood memories Kaitlin, and your reasons for homeschooling your own children are lovely - a non-rushed childhood is a precious thing.
This could have been written for me, the deadline is looming! We'll probably end up applying for a place, so we can choose whether to accept it or not later in the year - i.e. putting the decision off as long as possible!
Ha! I can certainly sympathise with putting it off as long as possible. One thing I didn’t include in the post is that I think it can be helpful to just decide that you’re homeschooling now, regardless of whether you apply for a place. You don’t need anyone’s permission and you don’t need to wait for 1st September. Deciding that you’re home educating now means you can try it out and see how it works for everyone. Good luck with the decision whenever you make it!
I love the cheerful but realistic “can-do” spirit here! You’ve described how many parents I know feel. It’s lovely to hear about UK home ed, because it seems so “other” here compared to America where it feels much more common. (No idea if the numbers bear this out.)
"It’s non-stop, full-on, and depending on your circumstances there isn’t much opportunity for a break. But is that any more difficult than working a full-time job and trying to squeeze as much quality time together as you can into the evenings and weekends?" ----> This is how I've felt with 3 littles at home! But the latter alternative stresses me out even more, so I imagine I won't much change my mind once they're of school age. :)
We've decided not to apply for a space for child 2. After a year of school and term of home ed with our eldest we know which we prefer but your post has reassured me that it really will be ok and I'm not make a once for always decision!
I’m so pleased it was reassuring! I think it’s so helpful to remember that it doesn’t have to be ‘forever’, unless you all want it to be. Good luck as child 2 begins the home ed journey!
Great summary post Catherine! With our eldest now in second year university, I feel much more relaxed about our youngest (11). Keeping your focus on the near-present (rather than 12th grade physics) helps to manage unnecessary anxiety on the parent's part. All the best as you continue on your homeschooling journey in the new year!
Thank you Ruth, I always love hearing your perspective from a few years further ahead. I definitely feel the anxiety lessens the longer we do this (although we haven’t got to any exams yet). For now, time seems to be on our side, which is a novel and wonderful feeling!
Brilliant post, Catherine!
Thank you, that’s so kind!
Interesting how the US and UK differ with rules & regulations! I was homeschooled with my 5 brothers growing up, and I just always look back on my childhood with such fond memories...playing in the woods, the field, with the cows, (we had a farm) and my parents probably kept us home so we could do chores and help 😂 I personally homeschool so that my children can have a non rushed childhood, they can learn and play all in one and as hard and demanding as it is..there is so much beauty in that. I hope they look back on their childhood and feel the same way as I did.
What wonderful childhood memories Kaitlin, and your reasons for homeschooling your own children are lovely - a non-rushed childhood is a precious thing.
This could have been written for me, the deadline is looming! We'll probably end up applying for a place, so we can choose whether to accept it or not later in the year - i.e. putting the decision off as long as possible!
Ha! I can certainly sympathise with putting it off as long as possible. One thing I didn’t include in the post is that I think it can be helpful to just decide that you’re homeschooling now, regardless of whether you apply for a place. You don’t need anyone’s permission and you don’t need to wait for 1st September. Deciding that you’re home educating now means you can try it out and see how it works for everyone. Good luck with the decision whenever you make it!