Last August my husband and I made the decision that it was best to take a break from homeschooling our girls and send them back to school. I loved homeschooling our girls and I put everything I had into it but we felt that everyone would benefit from taking a break from each other. I was exhausted and my girls needed space from each other. I had a feeling that it was time and I listened. I was prayerful and really weighed all of our options. I felt peaceful with the decision to take a break and I received the answer that everything would be okay. I had entered the lottery for two charter schools in our area. The first charter school we decided to try and a week before school we realized that it wasn't the place for us. I was shocked at how unorganized and unprepared this school was. The week before school was to begin, the principal didn't know what time school would start and non of the classrooms had desks and teachers still weren't prepared. I began to panic and resorted to the fact that we were going to homeschool until we found the right place. Then that evening I received a call from the other charter school stating that they had a spot for my girls. I was so thrilled when I arrived at the school and they were organized, prepared and ready for the school year. I was also excited to find out that this school used the same math curriculum that I had used to teach my girls for the past 3 years. They also followed a classical education model of teaching which is what we used at home. I finally knew why I had felt at peace about this decision and knew it would work out.
Since that time eight months ago, I have cried many times after I drop them off at school because I miss my children. I miss watching them learn and grow. I miss the chance to be creative. Last August I closed the school room in our basement and haven't opened the door for eight whole months. I needed time to let it go, I needed time to develop a new outlook.
This school year we have definitely had our share of ups and downs but for the most part it has been full of growth and progression. My girls have adjusted to being in a classroom setting again and they are thriving and learning. This week we have been on spring break and I finally stepped foot into our school room. I cried as I went through our things and reminisced of the memories we made together. Homeschool was such a positive experience for our family. I have realized that as long as I am involved in my girls education, then they will be successful. I have developed a new outlook and I'm happy with where we are and the direction we are going.
