Homeschoolers, especially homeschooling parents experience a wide range of emotions. Some of these emotions come from within; others are a result of outside experiences. Some are very good. Others are not so great. Still, in the end, the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies homeschooling is often well worth it. While I cannot speak for all homeschoolers, here is what it feels like to be a homeschooler:
Fear: Am I doing the right thing? Will I ruin my kids? Fear of failure is perfectly healthy and probably a good thing to keep parents actively on their toes and every vigilant about learning and adjusting the child’s homeschool program to provide the best education possible for each child.
Empowerment: Because most homeschoolers are constantly in a state of research and learning, it is just a matter of time before the feeling of empowerment puts the feeling of fear in its proper place. Knowledge is power, and after a year or two of homeschooling the amount of knowledge a parent can amass would very likely be enough to secure a degree in education.
Violated: When I say a homeschooler feels violated, I compare the feeling to that of being a pregnant woman. The sight of a pregnant woman has everyone, including strangers, feeling they have the right to put their hands on her belly, give her unsolicited advice, and tell her horror stories. Being a homeschooler is comparable in the fact that families, friends, and strangers think that it is OK to question homeschoolers (often rudely) and to give them their own advice on education.
Enlightened: It does not take long for a homeschooler to realize that homeschooling really does work. We see improvements in our children in ways that are both measurable according to public school standards, and ways that are not measurable at all. We see the difference between our kids, and their non-homeschooled peers of the same age and grade level. We know these differences are good.
Ridiculed: There is nothing like being outwardly mocked to make your day. Yet homeschooler experience this on a daily basis. It is amazing how many “socialized” people can be so down-right unsociable to homeschoolers just because they have made a different choice, but over time we learn to take the criticism for what it is… lack of understanding.
Pride: Many people have said that homeschoolers come across as pompous, and proud in the way that they carry themselves. They see this as a bad thing. However, homeschoolers have a little secret. Homeschoolers know they have worked hard and carefully made the decision to homeschool while overcoming fears of being different. Homeschoolers have empowered themselves to do the best job possible through research and observation. Homeschoolers have overcome the violations and ridicule of others who do not understand. Homeschoolers have seen that it really does work and they are proud that they can be involved in this movement.
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