Since the socialization issue doesn't seem to be a problem with homeschoolers anymore (ahem...after meeting my children they appear "normal" and well-adjusted), I am now getting the "children need schedules" lecture on why homeschooling is wrong. I suspect, however, that schedules does not even begin to describe the problems people have with a homeschooling parent. I have heard several people talk about accountability. To whom? The Government? They can't even balance a budget, so I am not about to depend on them for my child's education.
Statistic all homeschooled children do better than public school children, according the National Home Education Institute. And, according to their statistics it does not matter what level of education the parent has or whether they are certified as teachers. So, when someone asks what qualifications I have to teach my children, I can say, what are yours to do (and name their job). In reality, I am a strong believer in a college education. But, we education daycare workers, in some cases. But, when someone opens their home and advertises themselves as a daycare worker, people don't accuse them of not being qualified. I have many friends who send their children to daycare environments that do "school-like" things and that's okay. However, mention I am a SAHM mom and people freak? Put on top of that homeschooling?
Often, people think a break is needed. As with any job a break is very much needed. I get my breaks through many avenues: book club, writer's group, and outings with friends. I don't feel deprived in any way. I feel pressure, yes. I feel stressed, yes. But I LOVE my job as Mom. I find it rewarding, delightful and above all else, the best job in the world.
As a final note let's evaluate Dictionary.com's definition of a career:
1. an occupation or profession, esp. one requiring special training, followed as one's lifework: He sought a career as a lawyer.
2. a person's progress or general course of action through life or through a phase of life, as in some profession or undertaking: His career as a soldier ended with the armistice.
3. success in a profession, occupation, etc.
4. a course, esp. a swift one.
5. speed, esp. full speed: The horse stumbled in full career.
6. Archaic . a charge at full speed
I think the problem is people don't view parenthood as a career choice anymore. While I agree you never give up being a parent, many times I hear people say "I am a full time parent and a full-time lawyer" and find myself wondering how exhausting that can be. I don't disagree with this statement because there are many people who work two 40 hour full time jobs, but I often wonder why society has pushed us into such a situation where we think we have to work ahem to make money, to be worth something.
Statistic all homeschooled children do better than public school children, according the National Home Education Institute. And, according to their statistics it does not matter what level of education the parent has or whether they are certified as teachers. So, when someone asks what qualifications I have to teach my children, I can say, what are yours to do (and name their job). In reality, I am a strong believer in a college education. But, we education daycare workers, in some cases. But, when someone opens their home and advertises themselves as a daycare worker, people don't accuse them of not being qualified. I have many friends who send their children to daycare environments that do "school-like" things and that's okay. However, mention I am a SAHM mom and people freak? Put on top of that homeschooling?
Often, people think a break is needed. As with any job a break is very much needed. I get my breaks through many avenues: book club, writer's group, and outings with friends. I don't feel deprived in any way. I feel pressure, yes. I feel stressed, yes. But I LOVE my job as Mom. I find it rewarding, delightful and above all else, the best job in the world.
As a final note let's evaluate Dictionary.com's definition of a career:
1. an occupation or profession, esp. one requiring special training, followed as one's lifework: He sought a career as a lawyer.
2. a person's progress or general course of action through life or through a phase of life, as in some profession or undertaking: His career as a soldier ended with the armistice.
3. success in a profession, occupation, etc.
4. a course, esp. a swift one.
5. speed, esp. full speed: The horse stumbled in full career.
6. Archaic . a charge at full speed
I think the problem is people don't view parenthood as a career choice anymore. While I agree you never give up being a parent, many times I hear people say "I am a full time parent and a full-time lawyer" and find myself wondering how exhausting that can be. I don't disagree with this statement because there are many people who work two 40 hour full time jobs, but I often wonder why society has pushed us into such a situation where we think we have to work ahem to make money, to be worth something.
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