Yep, it's official. We all know that I've never been 'quite right,' but I'm just going to go ahead and officially label myself a freak. I am the anal control freak mom. I am the mom that tries to politely back out of regular playgroups. I am the mom that doesn't run to my child's aid when (s)he falls down (within reason, if there's blood or a nasty spill I go like any good person would), but I'm there in a flash if my kid causes someone else intentional pain.
I won't get into why exactly I'm bringing this subject up, but I did want to state that I am very self-aware of the things I choose to do and not do. I realize that it's odd that I don't want to get together in big groups with kids, or do it regularly. Honestly, I think it would be fun and I would love to go. However, realistically it just isn't a good situation for a jumble of kids. Lots of them don't know how to act, and many parents don't correct quickly OR AT ALL when they're out of line and that makes a not fun situation. No kid is immune. Being around that kind of behavior will cause even "the best kid" to act out of character to try out these new found tricks of the trade.
So, I will gladly be the freaky shut-in mom who seemingly never lets her kids out. I will gladly be the anal control freak who is concerned with how my children behave towards others. AND I will gladly be labeled with whatever else people can come up with in regards to homeschooling our kids. Just to get the record straight, we homeschool because we want our kids to have a good education. The fact that they aren't thrown into a room to learn "social" behaviors from other kids who don't act right, is just a plus!
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4 comments:
First of all I would like to let you know that you are not a freak! I truly feel that I have a lot to learn from you in terms of being a better mom, I think you are a great mom and so dedicated to your chiildren in giving them the very best, there is nothhing wrong with that!
You aren't a freak! Moms who let their kids learn from tumbles and spills and interactions actually have kids that adjust better to life's spills. I don't like play groups (it usually turns into a gossip session) however I can't homeschool. I would kill my kids. We do spend a lot of time "learning" when we are home and off school breaks (because there is only so much the school can teach). You are a great mom and extremly normal, though you may feel like you aren't like the mom next door (with her "perfect family, perfect house/ kids/ cars and zillion dollar bank account)- you are unique and you make your mark on the world through raising your children. :)
Each of us came to earth with different strengths and weeknesses. An we all have different ideas on how to parent. I say do what you feel is best for your kids and what you are most comfortable with and never mind the comments from the peanut gallery.
p.s. I want an invite to your other blog ;)
Yes, I figured I would send my kids to school to learn reading, writing and math and at home we would work on behavior, values, and responsibilities. Then, I go to parent teacher conference and find out they want me to teach reading, writing and math. They still go to school for pretty much the same reasons as the Masons stated. But now when I go to parent teacher conference, I let them know what their job is and what I am going to do (we work on responsibility at home and common courtesy and that sort or thing). Teachers aren't always crazy about it and my kids are "behind" the first few years but my sixth grader gets good grades and is in the highest math level (I think math is the only thing they have levels in [weird]) and has never been disciplined at school. So while I felt like a real odd ball for awhile I am happy with who my kids are and direction we're going as a family. And we still have a long way to go on the "this will never be taught at school" list toward making them responsible and independent thinking adults. Of course, I know that "independent thinking" thing is pretty radical, but you can't please everyone. So go ahead and be freaky (which your not) 'cause we could use a lot more of it.
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