The Reluctant Homeschooler

Actually, the title should read: "The Reluctant Homeschool MOM".

First let me state that I think homeschooling is a wonderful, worthwhile lifestyle. I have nothing negative to say about it....It's just so HARD!

I'm not one of those homeschooling moms who knew without a shadow of a doubt that she would be homeschooling her children. It was a distant thought when our children were born, but once the looming school deadline came into focus we made the leap of faith that this was something we would try. We would re-evaluate every year.

We have now been homeschooling for three years. We have had wonderful times with our homeschooling, and a few not so wonderful times.

My daughter will be going into grade 2 in the Fall and my younger one will be ready for JK, and again, I am trying to decide if this is a lifestyle we wish to pursue. Every year around this time I have a crisis. Ultimately, I want some time to myself, and the huge amount of time I would gain personally by sending my daughter to school is SO tempting! I envision a clean house, homemade snacks for when the kids come home, time for me to get my knitting done, and some reading I want to catch up on. Perhaps, even time to pursue interests that have been sitting on the backburner for years now. Maybe, just maybe, I'll find myself again.

But I digress - what is the best solution for our family?

My wonderful husband is very supportive, but he is supportive no matter what I choose, and that isn't all that helpful at all right now. I need to make a decision. People tell me not to worry. I can always change my mind; which is true, but not knowing for certain what we will do is more stressful than making a decision and changing my mind later.

I don't want to hinder my children's education or their future in any way. I also don't want to have any regrets or any feelings of contempt.

I know homeschooling is not for everyone. Is it possible that it's not for me?