Homeschool - the Good Side

After yesterday's post where I bemoan my terrible homeschooling skills and the struggles that we have by comparing us to the seemingly Perfect Homeschool Family, I decided that I should be fair and present the other side of things.

Because if it's really all gloom and doom, I should probably just sack it, right?

My boys with my mom

I have two teenage boys - ages 16 1/2 and 15. Most of the time when someone hears that, there's a certain perception that comes to mind. You probably know what kind of stereotype I'm talking about. However, in many ways, I'm grateful to not have sterotypical teenage boys.

While I'm sure some of it is just their own personalities, I believe that a lot of it is because we homeschool. We're together all the time and they still actually like to be with me. And their dad. These aren't boys who are wanting to take off all the time and never be home. They still have friends and participate in outside activities. But they also have a good time hanging out with us playing Settlers of Catan, watching a movie, or going to Sonic for ice cream.

They're not sullen and moody. They smile. They're friendly. They can talk to other people, be it adults, children, or any age in between.

When there are subjects that we struggle through, it's exciting to see them get it.

I have enjoyed learning with them. I know that I don't remember a lot of what I learned in school (I'm sure they won't, either). Mostly because I never used a lot of that information once I was done with a class. So it's been a lot of fun for me to look at things through a microscope, refresh myself on algebra (yeah, that sounds kind of sick), and learn about historical events from a Christian perspective (something my schools didn't teach).

I also love to snuggle up on the couch and read aloud to them. And do the voices. It's still fun!

I like that their education includes practical living skills - laundry, cooking, grocery shopping, etc.

I love talking off for a walk over to the bread store. Or wherever else. We have some good conversations during those jaunts.

I am so grateful that we're not having to deal with things that take place in the public or even private schools. I won't even go into listing them - we've all heard so many stories. That's not to say that everyone who goes there has a bad experience, but there's enough going on in life without having to face those as well.

I love my boys immensely and am so blessed to have this time with them; to see them grow into godly young men, to be able to pour myself out for them, to disciple and love them. It will be over much too quickly, but at least I've had this time, which I wouldn't trade for anything.