Decisions and Blessings

Our family recently made a very important decision regarding the schooling style for our son and it has made for one HARD week! He is in second grade and is a very bright, creative and easy learner.

Here is a bit of background leading up to our decision: before the last school year even ended, my husband and I decided to go a different route for curriculum AND method for teaching our son in 2nd grade. We had done the same “style” of homeschooling since he was in K4 and we thought it would be a fresh change for both of us. We figured, too, that this would help since we would be adding my daughter to the mix for the upcoming year. So, we chose an online academy that would set up lessons and schedules. They would also send us all of the curriculum and materials we needed.

Well, right off the bat we began having issues with the academy. From customer service to getting the materials we needed. Getting assigned a “teacher” to avert all of our questions to and just generally feeling like we were homeschoolers but with strings attached. The problem was that I had no freedom of flexibility…I was constantly sick with worry and pressure to get all of the assignments accomplished. There were requirements as far as progress goes and portfolios of work that must be sent in to the academy. Also, new programs to log into and “study” and I began feeling overwhelmed.

I struggled with all the pressure and was becoming very hard on myself. Everyday, I felt obligated to not leave our house in order to finish our online assignments and that left me stressed! I was reluctant to have play dates, appointments, or even just enjoy a morning walk! All the reasons I love homeschooling seemed to disappear more and more each day. I was also faced with the fact that if we chose to no longer use the academy, we’d have to return all the curriculum and materials–leaving me with very little to work with for second grade. So, in spite of some issues I was having, I felt like maybe we should stay.

I began really searching my heart and praying about the best decision for our family. I felt like we failed if we quit but would struggle if we continued with the workload and pressure. Thankfully, the Lord reminded me of something as this point: we are not successful homeschoolers because of a style, curriculum, or method…we are successful because we are making the choice to follow a calling and passion given to us by the Lord. THAT is what makes us successful and honors Him. Therefore, even changes, roadblocks, etc. lead to success.

We made the decision on Thursday of last week to no longer continue with that academy. I immediately began to feel peace. I felt the excitement and joy return in my heart. There was no more pressure of logging in, adequate progress (based on someone else’s standards) or any other “strings” to hold me back.

Reason 135 I love to homeschool: because we have the freedom to choose, change and start over as we as parents, guided by faith, see fit. I had almost forgotten that over these past few months of our school year. We tried something new, it didn’t work us, but we’re moving forward–and that’s okay!! It is the essence and beauty of homeschooling and my family is blessed to travel this road together.

Tiffani can be found writing about other blessings of life at Bears and Belles.