Yesterday I received 98% of the home schooling books for my son for this year.
This is a HUGE step for me. My son seems to think that it will be a walk in the park and that his “mommy can teach him everything”. He has more confidence in me than I have in myself – which is pretty normal for us both. He thinks I’m Superwoman and I know I’m not.
This was one of the most difficult decisions that I have had to make regarding my son. It took me the better part of a year to make the decision. I was torn between doing what I believe what is best for my son and what society believes is best for him. I myself went through the normal government education system. It didn’t do me any harm, but it didn’t do me much good either. I was always the youngest in my class and was constantly bullied. I don’t do well in crowds at the best of times, and being in a class of 30 was a nightmare. Break times were terrifying with all those kids in the playground. I was so shy and introverted. I quickly found activities that would keep me occupied during break. I joined the choir and became a librarian. During choir practice no talking was allowed, and silence was also a rule of the library. I was safe – I didn’t have to talk to loads of people at once. I hated learning, because I was always bored. Fortunately I had enough forethought to realise that if I gave up, I’d spend extra time there.
My son seems to have similar character traits. At school he would play with a child. If another child joined the game, depending on who it was he would continue to play. As soon as another child joined the game he would withdraw and go and play elsewhere by himself. The idiot principle at the school tried to tell me he had ADHD, and a host of other learning disabilities. The silly woman was so quick to label the children – it makes me quite angry thinking about it. When I had him assessed by an Educational Psychologist and a Specialist Paediatrician, they were unanimous in their diagnosis. He is highly intelligent, and prefers to socialise in small groups. Neither of them are advocates of home schooling, yet when I suggested it they seemed to think it might work for him. But they were quick to caution me on the discipline required and that I should ensure he still socialises with other children and does sport.
What finally convinced me to home school him (besides him begging me on a daily basis) was the Head of Department at the local government school. I mentioned to her that I was considering it when he went for his school readiness assessment. After his assessment she said he totally ready to start Grade 1 even though he is only 5 and that he is so bright, having the individual attention would allow him to excel far more than if he attended school.
And so our adventure into the unknown begins. Right now it feels like the right decision. Right now we are both ecstatically happy, but it is early days yet. I am a realist and am well aware that time will indeed tell whether this will work for us or not. But for now I’m am loving the fact that I don’t drive out a whole tank of petrol on the school run everyday, that he can watch and interesting program on National Geographic that ends a bit past his bedtime, and I’m totally loving the fact that we can sleep till 7am and still start school at 8am! Most of all though, I have my son back. The cheeky, sulky, moody child that he became is now a thing of the past. My considerate, loving, eager to learn and HAPPY child is back. For me that is proof that there is nothing quite like motherly love and attention to bring out the best in your child.
Who knows, maybe this time around I will enjoy school.
Excitement at all the wonderful books
