I went back and forth with whether to homeschool Lizzie, put her in private school or go with public school. I read lots of blogs, talked to some very close friends and prayed a lot about it. This year I even tried to do a little bit of home schooling with her – not the traditional sense, mind you. I was just very deliberate in teaching her things as we went about our day – from reading books and pointing out the letters to counting the eggs as we cracked them in the cookie dough.
We were doing very well, but a few things about my day nagged at me, as did a few other major benefits of preschool.
While on one hand no one will ever give her the love, devotion or attention to her specific needs like I can, I also struggle with daily routines. I realize that just because you homeschool doesn’t mean you have to be super organized. But it sure does bring a whole new level of success to your children when you provide them with reliable schedules they can count on. If I enroll her in a private preschool 3 days a week she will have a much better schedule than she does now.
Plus you just can’t ignore the socialization.
Ouch! I used the “s” word that is so very debated on by homeschoolers. If you are proactive as a parent and involve them in activities in their church and community then they will most likely be socialized very well. But as I sit in church with her I can tell which children are in preschool or other structured classes and which aren’t. Lizzie sticks out very obviously as one who has not learned how to act in a group setting. I think that involving her in preschool might help her learn how to respect the social norms and sit still for longer periods of time to listen to the teacher.
And perhaps the most important reason of all…the one that makes me also feel like a less devoted mom…I need the break!
It would be a lot easier to structure my day and work hard with Lizzie’s education if I could rely on somebody to come home at a decent time every single night to give me a small break. But his job is so demanding that this is not always an option. By 10pm when he gets home I am just done. Zapped. The house is a mess, my brain is mush.
So I chose a small Lutheran Early Learning Center for Lizzie to attend 3 days a week for 3 hours at a time. We visited there once so far and while I filled out the book of paperwork Lizzie was allowed to play with the other children. She didn’t want to leave and has been asking me since then when she can go back to her school! I hope she will be ok with only staying there for 3 hours a day. This is such a huge difference from the baby girl that didn’t want to stop breastfeeding, hated being away from me in the nursery and took so long to finally sleep in her own bed.
Her first day is next week – I can’t wait for her to make some friends and for us to be forced into a real routine.
Sounds like the time has finally come, Annie. Wish you the best of luck and Lizzie, too.
I agree that it is important to think about not just Lizzie’s needs but your needs too.
Wow… Little Lizzie is growing up! I wish her the best of luck as she starts getting an education. Uncle Matt loves her very much!
very good.
Bravo!! I think it’s great that you did your research and made a decision that was best for YOU, LIZZIE and YOUR FAMILY. (If I was a bit more savvy I could have put that in italics) She’ll love it and thrive. Happy first day of pre-school to her and you!
I homeschooled the eldest 2 for a few years. It does require a great deal of you-but it isn’t for some people. It wasn’t for us and it took a few years of trying to figure that out. I would rather send my kiddos to school and then tutor them more/do extra things when they come home than for the whole house to be in a sour mood because we’re all tired of each other/I’m exasperated, etc. You have to do what’s best for your family and that’s all that matters no matter what anyone says.
Sully starts full day preschool August 25th! He is going to College Hill off of Kimball. I hope Lizzy enjoys school! If she is anything like Sully I bet she is absolutely thrilled with the idea of school! Good luck and you’ll have to update us on how she likes it!
Good luck to her!
My oldest two boys have gone to private preschools. Public wasn’t an option for my oldest. It is for my middle, but after talking to the director, I was not impressed and put him in private.
I think it’s important to make the best decision for everyone involved and I know exactly what you mean about feeling zapped at the end of the day. 🙂 I’m sure she’s going to love it and the small break will be nice for you also.
As long as you all are feeling good about it, you made the right decision! Iz is in private pre-K now because her birthday is late (or early, however you want to call it)…and we are already feeling like public pre-K won’t be the place for her next year..and this coming from a public educator.
I am glad to hear you have figured out your plans:) While you know, i love homeschooling, I do think you do it when you are ready–if you do it:) I mean that–I started so late with Nick, then it came naturally with Emma. I really liked an article I read by a woman who wanted to homeschool for 3+ years–it was in the The OldSchoolhouse Magazine, Fall issue. (Their kids went to a private school). Her husband kept saying, no, I’m not feeling it (HSing). And each year, some major thing popped up that she had to deal with (like her Mom got really sick, a new pregnancy, etc) Anyway, one year they just said, hey, we’re ready, and they have enjoyed it ever since. I honestly believe timing is everything–and I think you have considered HSing for a reason. I think God may lead you into doing it someday. Maybe not:) But I am glad you know what you want for now. That’s the hardest part!! I’ll pray that Lizzie has a great year! (Em did go to preschool when she was 3 and loved it–now co-op is enough for her:)
I was dealing with the same thing and we ended up with the boys in public school. If we could afford private we would, but we can’t 🙁
I honestly don’t think I would be able to homeschool my children either. I don’t think I would have the patience for as well as the structure etc. Esp. with a younger one at home that demands my attention frequently (and you’d have 2!) I agree about needing a break too! The break totally makes me a better mom. I also believe the socialization in a school setting is important. Best of luck!