As the new school year begins, moms of public and private school children are giving a collective sigh of relief. Or at least that is the impression left behind by moms on Facebook, Twitter, and even YouTube videos showing moms dancing for joy as their children head off to school. One video in particular made the news! The mom was even interviewed by Good Morning America. She said she was thrilled because she would now have plenty of “me” time. The hosts and hostesses of the show all laughed and related to the relief of the kids going back to school.
I will never understand the joy of spending so much time away from my children. I do not claim to be the best mom or have the best children. The kids are great but I certainly am not winning any awards. I am regular mom who feels she is failing on a daily basis. I simply do of understand the sentiment. I know these moms love their children. However, I wonder what the kids think about mom being overjoyed to be rid of them. I am always excited at the start of school but that is because I love to teach and spend time with my kids. It was very hard for me to send my oldest off to high school. I hated the thought that she would now be gone most of the day and have teachers that were not me. Don’t get me wrong, I think the school is a good fit and she is doing well. I am even comfortable with the school. But having her “disconnected” is very difficult.
I suppose the difference in lifestyle and perspective makes all the difference. Will I one day be happy to send my daughter off to high school? I cherish homeschooling my kids so much that I am unsure the fall season would be cause for celebration without sharing the journey of education together.