Considering the controversy going on in Lumberton Texas, as well as all around the state, concerning some of the lessons being taught on Islam, Alah, "Freedom Fighters", etc. I have wondered if any of my friends are asking why I care about what goes on in the Public School. My guess is that it's been talked about.
The truth is, that even though my kids have always been homeschooled, I care about my friends and even kids that I've never met, and I hate to see the children being indoctrinated with false teaching!
I know not everyone can pull their kids out of school and choose homeschooling or even private school, so therefore, they need to fight to keep their schools on the right path (if that's even attainable anymore!)
I hope they will fight for their kids and I hope good, god-fearing parents can take back their school and cause them to get back to the basics of academics and leave all the politically correct garbage from being taught to their vulnerable kids.
And, don't worry.......I'm not on a campaign to convert ANYONE to homeschooling!
Here's why I would NEVER want my friends to start homeschooling:
Why would I want my friends to be questioned about what they've chosen to do with
their own kids?
(I mean, afterall, we all know that total strangers can do a better job than mom and dad!)
Why would I want my friends to be ridiculed by people who have the gall to look them in the face and say they are ruining their kid's lives? (I mean, afterall, I am trying to ruin my kid's lives by spending more time with them, teaching them the love of Christ and the things in life that are important, starting with families and God.)
Why would I want my friends to endure questions at church about how their 1st grader can't spell a certain word or has trouble writing a sentence? (Afterall, I guess it's ok to single out the little homeschoolers, even in church, and yet, totally forget that the ps system has ROOMS FULL of kids that have been labeled "dumb" because they aren't on the same level as everyone else. And, we all know THAT's exactly why we take our kids to church - to be ridiculed and labeled, just like at school!)
Why would I want my friends to have another "friend" look them straight in the face and tell them that homeschoolers are weird and unsocialized or aren't as smart as the kids in the system? (Afterall, WHY wouldn't I want them to learn the "F" word in 2nd grade? I must be sheltering them too much!)
Why would I want my friends to have to listen to the preacher's wife say that "your kids probably don't know how to sit in church, since they don't go to school"? (Afterall, we know that kids who aren't paraded in a straight line daily are missing brain cells and goodness knows - those ps kids have perfected the art of sitting quietly and obediently.)
Why would I want my friends to endure probing questions as they walk in public, during school hours or have her kids endure comments by their so called buddies, about how they only get good grades because their mom is their teacher? (I mean, afterall, that bullying attitude is what makes the kids strong and tough, right?)
Oh, and then there are the parents who feel free to quiz my kids (when I'm not around, of course) on whatever they feel is the marker of intelligence. (I love the deception! I mean, afterall, their kids are learning all about how horrible America is and how wonderful Islam is, so they are absolutely the experts on what my kids should know by now!)
But, why would I want my friends to have to go around defending their choice of education?
That would be cruel of me, wouldn't it?
Why would I want my friends to have to answer the idiotic "socialization" question 1500 times over the course of 12 years? (Afterall, all the labs, co-ops, support group activities, field trips, real-life learning experiences and just plain ole' getting together with friends, while the ps kids are on lock-down, don't count, right? )
No! I am not trying to convince anyone to homeschool their kids! Honestly, I gave that up YEARS ago, when I heard, for the 100th time, the phrase "Well, I used to know this ONE homeschooled kid, who couldn't read........". (But, again, I won't mention that there are classrooms FULL of poor little guys and girls that aren't as advanced and therefore labeled for life by the very people who are supposed to be helping them.)
After hearing all the lame reasons why I was the loser and they were doing it right, I finally gave up and realized that YES, we are missing so much!
And I am praising God that we are!
I've definitely heard them all! Love your 'idiotic socialization 1500 times' answer.
ReplyDeleteI laughed at the 'not being able to sit still in church' comment. Seriously? Have them do a research on how many little boys (especially) are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and put on Ridilin (sp?) just so they can sit still in school. I remember one friend telling me her grandson's DR. would prescribe Ridilin during the school year and take him off for summer vacation. Outrageous isn't it?
It's sickening Brenda! I have watched new, young teachers, start their teaching careers and within their 2nd year, they are already on the "medicate" bandwagon. It's appalling!
DeleteWow! You hit all the issues very well. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cindy:)
DeleteLOVE this post! I agree with Cindy... I think you hit EVERY nail on the head.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pauline! I'm sure you could add a few of your own:)
DeleteAs a 20 plus year homeschooler... I agree! I never try to convince anyone.. but I really get tired of the "you're so lucky you have such good kids.. or lucky they like to be with me.. or lucky...etc" I tell them I spent 20 years building these relationships, and now I'm reaping the rewards.. my girls would rather hang out with me than anyone else!
ReplyDeleteAnita,
DeleteThat is an EXCELLENT point to make! YES! We have good kids and good relationships because we put in the time! Thank you for bringing that point to light:)
I second that! Excellent point. I get told all the time how lucky I am all my children are so [smart, wise, successful, well-behaved, respectful, obedient, happy, polite...] but it's not luck. For one, I've taught them, all day every day, in the Godly wisdom behind all these "lucky" things, and helped them develop the character through constant thoughtful loving training, teaching, and practice. Secondly, my older children are now reaping God's promise to them that "it will go well with them" because they chose to honor and obey their parents!
DeleteI am soooo thankful that we have a large group of supportive friends and family members around us. But there are "those people". Questions and strong, misdirected, negative opinions like the ones you mentioned can just about send you over the edge, can't they?! I am sooo thankful that my son is "missing out"...and I feel more strongly about that all the time. Thanks for sharing! It encouraged me today, reminding me that we truly are not alone in our convictions.
ReplyDeleteRachel,
DeleteI have found over the years, that there is no way to homeschool without a support group (formal or informal), both for the kids and moms! It makes all the difference.
Haha! Erik's sister and my step mother are both PS teachers. His sister, one or two years after we began homeschooling, flew out to visit us, "assessed" my children with her "diagnostic tests", and then proceeded to "help" me teach them--because OF COURSE I couldn't possibly know what I was doing! My stepmother was loudly silent on the issue. In all fairness, though, they did give me some great tips and supplies over the years. But Gabe has not only done a great job of helping them RETHINK traditional PS--all my kids have. What can they say? What possible criticism is there?
ReplyDeleteSocialization? My 18yo son was trained at home how to BE a friend, and how to choose wisdom and flee foolishness. Now when he works with a couple dozen 18-24-year-olds, he is unshakeable, and earns respect because he is kind, helpful, and generous. My daughter tours with one of the Nation's top children's choirs and has sung in the White House. She has been taught to avoid foolish behavior and set an example to her peers--30 other young, talented musicians ages 11-30 Deprived?
Oh, I know. They have classical music on their iPods, and Christian books and classics on their Kindles. That's not normal.
They do chores. And they wouldn't think of disobeying the slightest request from their parents. How horrifying.
They care for their little brothers and enjoy playing with them. Brainwashed.
They keep God at the center of all they do every single day, and as the viewpoint for every choice they make. Who should live like that?
They're doomed to fail.
Just ask my 18yo, who is three weeks away from earning his Bachelor's Degree. And my daughter, who is already interning as a choir director at age 14, and planning to tour Spain next year.
Sigh.. You're right. Maybe I should throw in the towel and put them all back in public school.
I'm still chuckling to think that you oldest could ever been thought to have a socialization deficit. That's truly hilarious! I've never even met him--but isn't it obvious he's beyond fine?
ReplyDeleteCam, my "poor, unsocialized" son TED is in Nashville right now (for the week) filming the Country Music Radio Convention and meeting (and witnessing to) too many country music stars and producers to name. Don't you feel sorry for him? :)
DeleteShocking. Terrible. How will the boy ever get anywhere in life, being so sheltered? And you call yourself a mother. :-) I'm so proud of Ted, BTW! It's been exciting watching his life unfold the past few years!
Delete