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Home > Support > Homeschooling > Do you know others who have tried schools for a while then returned to homeschooling?

Question:

I will have four students this year from K through 5th grade with a two year old and a baby due at Christmas. My oldest is ADD and very difficult to get him to work without constant prodding. I know my other kids suffer from this. Last year he did math, the CHC Spelling and CHC Language. That was it. He is very bright, he just cannot stay focused without me constantly pushing him. Honestly, I lose my temper and end up yelling many days. Being pregnant has only made me less able to deal well with him. I have not been well and have very little patience and even less energy. (I'm almost 41.)

A new charter school (public) is starting in our little town. All four of my students got in. They teach a classical curriculum and a lot of hands-on science, math and history. They use Spalding for phonics and teach to individual learning styles. It sounds great. But my heart wants to keep homeschooling. At what point do I say, OK, this school might be better for them than what I am capable of giving them? (at least at this time) Of course, I would still teach religion at home. I have met the teachers, they seem to be very happy to be teaching at this school. A couple of them even used to homeschool their own (now adult) children. I have been praying about this. I need to decide soon. Do you know others who have tried schools for a while then returned to homeschooling? Help!!

Answer:

Dear Mom,

First let's begin by praying for the health of your lovely pregnancy and for your spirit to find peace and rest during these times of upset.

Lord, we bring to You today all the needs both spiritual and physical of this dear mother and sister in Christ. Lord, we ask that she be given the great blessing of a healthy pregnancy. Please allow that her dear husband remain strong and able as he continues to lead his family closer to You and provide and protect all those You have entrusted to his care. Lord, we ask that our sister have enough food to eat so as to nourish her body, enough real rest in order to refresh her body and the clear knowledge of Your presence and Your embrace so that she may relax in Your strength. Amen.

I think that through prayer and through a leading of the heart it is clear that you are feeling the need to put your children in school. I would ask that you examine your reasons. Make certain that they are holy and of the Lord. By this I mean, make certain that you are prepared to follow this path from an understanding that you are being asked to do so from the guidance of the Lord. Please do this for me. Speak with your husband, pray before the Blessed Sacrament and write down all the pros and cons while in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Go to the church when it clear that you will be in the quiet and able to take your time doing this important work. Then make a choice. Rest in that choice for 24 hours, see how you feel. Is there peace in your heart? Do you feel less confused? Do you experience a certain resolve that will help you weather those times of sorrow should your children go to public school and you find that you miss them, miss homeschooling, or second guess your choice? Know that when we make a choice from what we believe to be the Lord's will for us, the Tempter always tries to weaken our resolve with false emotions and he unfortunately uses our own human weakness (which may cause us to doubt that the Lord is intimately involved in our lives) to do so.

I admire you very much. It appears that you are facing many questions. You have a heart for your children. You are willing to do that which will undoubtedly cause you a bit of sorrow (sending the children to the public school) in order to do what you feel the children may need at this time. This is one of the most difficult places for a mom to be. Let me assure you that what is more important than anything is that you do what you feel the Lord is asking you to do. I can not tell you, nor should anyone else attempt to tell you, what you believe the Lord is asking of you. It is important that you act according to the will of the Lord, make your choice and then rest in that choice. Seek guidance from others whose opinions you trust because you believe them to be holy and docile in their spirit. If after you have made your choice and you receive confirmation (agreement with your choice) from others, most importantly your husband, and you begin to experience peace of mind then go forward into what you believe the Lord is asking of you.

Do not be anxious. Allow that whether you choose to homeschool or send the children to public school you are going to be an engaged and working mom who has her children at the center of her day and is willing to do her mothering to the fullest. Sending the children to public school does not mean that you abdicate your role as mom.

Sending out a prayer,

Rita Munn