Living in Fairfield County usually comes with the expectation that you send your kids to some of the best schools around because, after all, “Isn’t that what you’re paying taxes for?”
When we tell people we homeschool, we’re greeted by the usual “Oh, I could never do that” or “Wow, are you sure your kids are socialized enough?”
The answers are that it’s not as complicated as you think, and they’re plenty socialized. There are many reasons we dare to be different, but here’s my top four.
1. I never feel bad about missing out on spending time with my kids.
Do you know that viral video recently stating that you only get 18 summers with your children? It’s one thing I never have to worry about. We get to share and cook meals together. We sit and learn, do fun projects, and explore new, exciting places together. Mostly, I’m just grateful for the years I regain with my kiddos.
2. We choose our schedule.
We started school this year on September 18, did one week of school, and then took a two-week vacation in Orlando when resort prices were half the price of summertime. We’re also going on a cruise in February with my sisters and their families because we all homeschool, and there are no schedule constraints. Busy week? Take a break! Your schedule is entirely up to you!
3. We choose our curriculum.
Connecticut is very hands-off in terms of its homeschool regulations. You have the freedom to choose whatever curriculum that fits your family’s needs, values, and interests. You can even make your own! (I am not that person). You get to choose how much or how little you do, but most importantly, your learning can be tailored to your child’s specific interests.
4. It doesn’t have to take all day.
We typically spend 2-3 hours a day on school, meaning that we are almost always done before lunch. And there is never homework! When you’re learning one-on-one, everything goes far quicker, and the rest of the day is free to do projects, sports, field trips, or play. I’ve also got some streamlined processes that help me along the way.
Truthfully, I am no Mary Poppins. I will also never claim that every day is rainbows and butterflies; in fact, today was an incredibly challenging day. However, the joy I get to see on my kids’ faces as they light up learning new things or the belly laughs we get to share far outweighs the hard days, and it’s why I’ll choose to homeschool for years to come!
