Maria from IN Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 J's dad and I have decided in recent weeks that the next chapter in his education includes going to a private Christian school in the area. J and I visited yesterday, met the principal and one of the teachers (she designed/helped design the high-school English curriculum for Abeka), and J really impressed them--looked them in the eye, gave a firm handshake, and used "Yes, sir" and "No, sir" without prompting. They even said that given J's vocabulary in casual conversation and stated interests and what I've told them about our curriculum so far, he won't need standardized testing. He'll just jump right in with the other second-semester ninth graders, which is not something they generally do. We've done a good job with him. This is what he needs. This is what our family needs--it's not like I was ever a traditional homeschooling mom, what with being divorced and a full-time grad student and having my time eaten up by so many different obligations lately--but I feel like I'm giving up on something. In the last decade, because of circumstances beyond my control, I've had to become homeschooling mom and breadwinning dad. My ex won't work again, that much is certain, and sending J to college from a factory salary just wasn't going to cut it. I had to go back to school. I hated the time it took away from J. I realize now that all these events are just steps in his growth, that this decade has been one of drastic change for all of us, and was necessary. I can tell myself intellectually that this is what he needs, and that's what our decision to homeschool has been about all this time--it was what was best for him at the time. I can't help feeling like I've failed something, especially since I was so excited about homeschooling through high school. I also find myself a little excited--and a little relieved--about sending J to a place where he will have a distinct schedule, with inflexible rules and deadlines, and a chance to learn to work with others and work with distractions inherent in a classroom that are important in college. I still complain about parents who say, "Wow, I just can't wait until school starts again!" but I find myself eager to see him out the door every morning, even though it takes him away from me for much of the time he's in my custody. Keep me in your thoughts today, guys...is this what it's like to have an empty nest? This feels worse than his first day at preschool! :001_unsure: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mama2cntrykids Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 :grouphug::grouphug:--I don't have much to say. I can't imagine, I'm sorry. So sending lots of :grouphug: your way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plain jane Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 Wishing you blessings, Maria, as you start in on this new chapter of your life.:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 :grouphug: It's hard giving up the oversight that comes with homeschooling, and it's hard to lose part of how you see yourself. Allow yourself time to both mourn the loss and celebrate your success. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donnado Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 I pray God's peace upon your decision. This first year might be somewhat of an adjustment for you all, but I believe God will continue to give you clarity to your whole family. Blessings and peace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Herbster Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 :grouphug:It's hard giving up the oversight that comes with homeschooling, and it's hard to lose part of how you see yourself. Allow yourself time to both mourn the loss and celebrate your success. Wisely put. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catalinakel Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 What I know is that it will be ok. We have been there, done that. My kids are home again, but I spent a long time grieving them being at school. They, however, loved it. Give yourself time to grieve. It is ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 :grouphug: Your fledging hasn't left the nest totally yet but he is starting to spread his wings. It sounds like he's ready to do so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veronica in VA Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 I understand. My youngest just graduated from homeschooling a couple of weeks ago. My part time job, that I have held for 18 years, is laying almost everyone off, except for the director. It all happened at once and I am sad. But I'm trying to remember it can be the start of many good things. I'm just trying to be excited about what's around the corner! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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