My Dirty Little Secret...
by Jamie

So, you're curious about my little secret? Well, I guess it's got to come out sometime! Here goes...I have been asked countless times how I like homeschooling, and I know I have answered countless times with a trite, "Oh, it's fine." Yet, recently due to many things in my life, I have been taking out the microscope and examing my motives, feelings, and what really drives me. I have been trying to peel away the facade that I seem to sugar coat everything with, and guess what I discovered? I hope you're sitting down... The truth is that I realized I don't really "like" homeschooling my own children. There, I said it... it's finally out. I know you're thinking why is she writing this when she is supposed to be an example and encouragement to new homeschoolers. Forgive me, but just hear me out!

No one really likes doing things that are difficult. That's the honest truth. Yes, I am just letting it all hang out today... Homeschooling is one of the most difficult things I have ever done, ranking right up there next to childbirth. (Come on... you know it's true.) I don't like homeschooling because it can be frustrating and difficult, it reveals a multitude of my personal weaknesses, there are myriads of decisions to make from homeschooling curriculum to testing, and not to mention the fact that I am personally responsible for the educational success of my children. Talk about stress... shew...

Yet, just like childbirth, there is great benefit in the discomfort and difficulty.

Please don't brand me as a heretic...yet... just because I don't like homeschooling doesn't mean that I don't WANT to homeschool. (I know you're thinking I am nuts right about now...but hang on... I'm really not.) I don't like homeschooling because it is tough, but I absolutely LOVE the outcome and the product that homeschooling produces. Yes, I miss the mark so often and get discouraged, I don't reach all my goals, I struggle and get stressed out, but my children are exhibiting the positive effects of a lifetime of homeschooling.

My children are definitely better in so many areas than I was at their ages. My teens aren't disrespectful to their parents (wish I could say that about myself as a teen) and actually want to be seen with me in public. These children enjoy reading, sewing, crafting, playing, and being silly - all the things that children should enjoy. Our lives are missing many of the aspects that are present in our modern day public schooled teeens... and I am so thankful. My children are being raised by their parents and not by their peers, which makes all the difference in the world.

So... No, homeschooing isn't always great and most of the time I don't really like doing it, but I am dedicated to homeschooling my children to make a difference... for their future, our family's future, and our nation's future.

(See, I told you I wasn't completely crazy...)