About 2 months ago I asked you guys if anyone would be interested in being interviewed for a series on my blog about what homeschooling looks like for YOU. I think the more we can see what “normal” is for other homeschoolers, the better we will feel about our own homeschool days and how they are unique to us. I had responses and then I got busy and they sat, judging me with their little PDF symbols: “Rebecca… follow through”. So alas, I am sitting in Starbucks, in the middle of the summer, bundled in a sweater because the AC is blowing right on me, avoiding going home because it is so quiet here and my husband said I could stay a little longer… and THIS is what I am going to do!
PIN ME!
Today I am going to introduce you to Lori from Derry, New Hampshire. She is a working homeschool mom of 2 and owns an Etsy shop, In A Lather Bath Art. She is going to share what homeschooling looks like for her, why she chose to homeschool, and some of the challenges she faces. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE comment, ask questions, and let her know if you can relate to her (and if anyone else is interested in being interviewed, I am hoping to do this on a regular basis).
How many kids do you have, what are their ages and how long have you been homeschooling?
I have two children, Zack, who is 12 and Cailee who is 9. This will be our third year homeschooling.
Why did you decide to homeschool?
I decided to homeschool both my children because having one child who is special needs, I began noticing the public school system failing him and in turn, his self esteem became crushed; he was coming home after school crying and calling himself “dumb”. That absolutely broke my heart. As much as I argued with his teachers about their lack of help for my son, it got me only more and more frustrated. I had no other choice but to take charge of his future and not fail him as a Mom and I pulled both children. My daughter I felt was just a number in huge classes of children and was losing her enthusiasm for learning and becoming more and more discouraged. This has been the very best decision for us and we will never turn back; only look forward to a brighter future!
What does a typical homeschool day look like for you?
A typical homeschool day for us consists of our major core subjects in the morning. These include reading, writing, math, spelling, history/geography, and science. Our afternoons are saved for music and art and activities with our homeschool group that I run locally.
Do you have a homeschool style and if so, what is it?
My homeschool style is a combination between Relaxed and Charlotte Mason.
What is your biggest challenge with homeschooling?
Surprisingly, my biggest challenge with homeschooling is having SO many subjects and curriculum that I want to be able to teach and fit in a year that may not always happen. I always want both children to learn as much as they possibly can.
What is your favorite part about homeschooling?
I have many favorite parts about homeschooling, but if I had to pick just one, it would be being able to have a front row seat in watching my children grow and learn with every homeschool day!
Do you plan in advance or wing every day?
Because I am such a planner and almost WAY too organized, I HAVE to plan in advance! I usually have next years homeschool curriculum already purchased about a month before our last day of homeschool which is usually the end of May. Both children work better with structure and consistency.
How long does a typical day take for you?
A typical homeschool day usually takes about 4-5 hours, depending on what subjects we are doing for that particular day and how focused both children are.
What would you tell someone who is new or just thinking about homeschooling?
My advice to anyone who is new to homeschooling or even considering homeschooling would be to try staying positive, even on your worst day when your children aren’t as motivated as you know they can be, have faith in your ability as a Mom that YES, you CAN do this and no, you do not need to have that degree in math or teaching to homeschool your child. Find strength and support in the homeschool community.
