Parenting

The End of My Homeschooling Era

meghanewhite

img_8075

It all began in 2004, with my oldest son, Dylan. I vividly remember letting him wear his pajamas those first days of homeschool. I had no clue what I was doing, but knew this is what I was supposed to do. I purchased curriculum and our journey began. I was working for a staging and set design company at the same time I started homeschooling. Thankfully, I worked for myself and could set my own hours. My in-laws watched Dylan on my work days. It was kind of crazy to juggle both at first, but kindergarten is a bit more low key than say, high school. So, it was doable.

Dylan and I were learning together. He was learning reading, writing, and arithmetic. I was learning his strengths and weaknesses (and mine), and where to encourage him, and where to give him breaks and fun. We’d have recess at home, and play classic games like red light, green light. We joined our first homeschool co-op where Dylan started taking some classes, and going on field trips, and making new friends. 

Halfway through kindergarten I got pregnant with Joshua. Morning sickness was my BFF all day long for months. Homeschool and work continued. The juggling act got a bit more complicated, but I pressed on like so many other moms. Before long I was hauling a new born to classes and homeschool events for Dylan. I’m an amateur in the homeschool world with only two children. There are some very large homeschool families with eight to ten kids and more. My hats off to those amazing moms. 

We had a few years with no homeschool as Dylan went to a public charter school for third through sixth grade. The timing was perfect and the school was nice and small. I still had Josh with me while Dylan was in school. Then Dylan came back home for school in the seventh grade and Josh went to the same public charter school for kindergarten and first grade. I always had a child at home with me over the past twenty year homeschool journey. 

Fast forward to today. Joshua just graduated from high school. And yes, he was homeschooled. There are graduations for homeschool kids. Joshua was part of a little school where he took classes and that’s where he had his ceremony. Here I sit. The dust is settling after our homeschool experience that started two decades ago. The remaining curriculum is either being sold or donated. Joshua starts college in August and this mama is done.

As I look back on my homeschooling years I am grateful. It was a blessing being able to be home with my children. We sacrificed to make that a priority. It is the grace of God that carried us through. There were hard days when I said “I can’t do it, Lord. It’s too hard.” It was very difficult for Joshua to go from traditional school to homeschool. He looked at me like I was crazy, and maybe I was. The crazy choice to homeschool gave us the chance to set our own schedule, and do things like take the boys on an annual camping trip right when school started for public school kids. 

We homeschooled because we knew this is what God wanted us to do. This is what kept me going on the hard days. But there were so many good days, and good times that made it all worth it. The family dynamic changed. We grew closer because we had to rely on each other. And yes, my husband Tom helped too. I could not have gotten through math and science without him. It was all of us working together. We met so many awesome families along the way. And we had so many fantastic experiences with co-ops, classes, sports, music lessons, and everything in between that contributed to my boys learning. 

I am not an expert on homeschool. I don’t think I was that good at it, but I see the fruit in my kids. There are some super star homeschool moms out there, that was not me. Although, when Joshua was in elementary school, he would say, “Mom, you’re the best teacher,” which is so sweet and not true. I pray that my obedience to the Lord will continue to bless my kids. We have so many good memories. 

It’s time to close the books on this chapter of my life. I loved it all. What a wonderful adventure our family experienced. Thank you, Lord! It’s all Him. I’m ready for the next chapter, the next adventure. I don’t know what that is yet, but He’ll show me.

To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

 

Love you all,

Meghan 

photo credit: Meghan E. White

Unknown's avatar

Published by meghanewhite

22 thoughts on “The End of My Homeschooling Era”

  2. A definite change for you after all these years of always having one of your boys with you at home. Bittersweet for you Meghan, but I am sure your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to them both. All that you got to sow in their lives through this experience is irreplaceable.
    Funny thing is my son’s first name is Dylan and middle name is Joshua 😁

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  3. I’ve been considering homeschooling as of late. It’s something I’m praying about and have been discussing with my husband. My oldest son and I are doing some learning activities at home this summer because he still has a few things mixed up. If that ends up happening at some point, I’ll have to email you. Congratulations to you on a job well done!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  6. I too am a homeschool mom. At least with my daughter. My sons went to public school.

    My daughter was in Christian school until 7th grade. That’s when I started teaching at home. Every year, when she went to be tested, they were always amazed at the level she’d attainted in her subjects beyond what was required. Homeschooling was a blessed time for us.

    Well done, Meghan. And something I’ve learned through the years is there are no real “experts” in anything. Everyone is always learning more or different things about any field. Some are more skilled with time, but never an expert.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. That’s awesome that you too homeschooled. And that it was a positive experience for you and your daughter. That’s so great!
      Thanks so much for your kindness and support!! Thanks my friend and God bless you!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  7. I had my daughter’s mainstream school interviews with her teachers last night (she’s 16) – and the thing that stood out was how many times people praised her and then us for raising her right – “I see the fruit in my kids” – is a quote from your work that stands out. Yay you! Linda xox

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  8. Yay, great post! The best memories. Congratulations, Meghan, on a job well done!! You were exactly what your boys needed. I am thankful for your obedience to the Lord’s call on you, despite how well you think you can do it. He does have that great way of equipping us for what we need to do.

    Anyone considering homeschooling… YOU are exactly what your child/ren needs. We can’t be expert in every area, but that’s what books, curricula, libraries, other people and zoos are for. Haha

    Enjoy Meghan, as God unfolds the new chapter!!!🤟

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  10. Congrats! We just started high school this year, and I know what a huge feat that is. God has used you in so many ways to minister to your sons. Time to sit back and watch the fruit grow from your obedience. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. Congrats! We just started homeschooling a little over 5 years ago so I have forever to go before my 4 graduate. But I relate so much when you said that you homeschooled because God wanted you and that it kept you going on the hard days. We just had a new baby 2 months ago so it’s been hard. I have 2 in elementary grades, 1 preschooler and then the baby and it has not been easy. But the Grace of God sustains me and I am reminded every day that God called us for this.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. That’s awesome that you are homeschooling! You definitely have your hands full, and God will continue to sustain you. He called you to it, He will carry you through. May God bless you and your family during this very special time in your lives. Thanks for sharing your story, Cynthia.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a comment