It’s that most wonderful time of the year when people are thinking about gifts. From making the lists to seeking the bargains to the wrapping paper and bows, much goes into giving gifts. We look for all kinds of gifts – practical gifts, meaningful gifts, unique gifts, and gag gifts, even. One mother found something that cannot be giftwrapped and lasts a lifetime. She described it as “the most special gift.” She wrote the following during our November giveaway contest.
Homeschooling – The Most Special Gift
By Becci Taylor
Homeschooling has to be the most special gift that I possess. I first felt the feeling when my daughter, my firstborn, was nearing pre-school. I was not aware that a person could choose to keep their child at home. I just knew that a new chapter of life was ahead of me. Maybe not the best chapter. A sudden feeling of sadness inside, knowing that the baby I had wanted, was growing up, and would be moving away. Away to school. Yes, at first it would be pre-school and I could handle short days. But then full days would be inevitable. Empty days for me.
Her fist couple of weeks of public school kindergarten were the most emotional I think I’ve ever felt. I had to walk my little baby up to a building full of strangers, and give her away. Every day for seven hours, for the rest of our days together. Now in the beginning my daughter loved school. Putting her outfit together, seeing her friends, impressing her teacher, even some of the learning. She was smiling from the moment she awoke to the end of the day. Everything in life was alright, as I recovered from half my heart being ripped out. Fast forward a couple of grades. It was a whole new world with petty little girl fights, the attitudes, and lack of morals. Talking with her in the evening wasn’t enough to help with the everyday issues she was facing. She was changing. The smile wasn’t always there as before. There was anxiety about spelling words and math and constant sickness, including migraine headaches at age nine. The fighting between the other girls in class was making her internalize problems. These new feelings caused our relationship at home to feel disconnected. She was angry with me and didn’t know why.
Then her brother started school. He loved the first year. However, a substitute teacher came in and shot down any ounce of self-confidence he had, taking his enjoyment of school and learning with it. His immune system was also weak and he brought home every cough, cold, and sneeze available often resulting in bronchitis and ear infections. Both my children were beginning to miss too many days at school.
At this point I started learning about homeschool. I took six months and made some plans for our new life – fun things to learn about, places to see, and games we could play any time of day!
I am so grateful every morning that I don’t have to get up and give my kids away. If they get sick they can rest. My daughter can find her smile again and we can work on re-establishing my son’s confidence. We are all feeling so much more whole and alive. The migraines have subsided because we have time to work on stress and can choose who we want for company. I can talk with my children about the things in life that I value and teach them at an anxiety-free pace.
Home schooling is a great freedom. I wish more people understood and could know the difference. It means more peace, more time and better relationships. It means feeling free, fewer worries, and getting to spend time with the special people that are your children before your time runs out.