Being a homeschooling mom is not glamorous. Shocking, right? Yet, I am often approached by those who comment about how being a homeschooling mom is ideal. They tend to envision days spent in hammocks while I teach about the clouds or little children like ducklings following close behind as we explore the world. It sounds like a scene from The Sound of Music. I wonder if these people also think I make my children’s clothing from curtains.
A homeschool mom wears many hats and not all of those hats are stylish or studious. Our days are not ideal and often filled with exhaustion or frustration. Of course, the days of joy and laughter outweigh any of the side effects of being a homeschool family. Yet, if you want a glimpse into my day you may be surprised to find that some days are hectic and schedule is lost somewhere with the dusty teacher’s manuals. You may find children who did not complete their work and who have not learned to speak French in a day. You may not find me teaching as I also must be the cafeteria lady, janitor, school psychologist, nurse, parent, school bus driver, coach, and vice principal. We leave the principal position to my husband.
Being a homeschool mom is an adventure that is not for the faint of heart. Sometimes you snake a toilet. Sometimes you bandage a wound. Sometimes you have to figure out why your child has suddenly decided to write on the walls. Sometimes you have to drive three different kids to three different activities. Sometimes you have to discipline a student for not completing an assignment. Sometimes you get your hands dirty. All the time it is worth every minute you have the privilege to spend with your little ducklings who are worth all the splashing.