Before my husband and I were married, we talked about teaching our kids at home. The plan was for me to get a teaching credential to make it possible. It sounded like a fairy tale to me because I had never heard of anyone teaching their kids at home…and back then (1974) homeschooling was truly very scarce. But getting my teaching credential never materialized, so that dream was soon forgotten.
My first child was born in 1980. When she was four, we enrolled in a mommy and me type pre-kindergarten class. We didn't exactly fit in with the group though. My daughter was ahead of the class academically and more mature than most of the children. I felt detached from the other parents and confused about what would happen the next year in kindergarten if she was already far ahead. I wondered if I should quit working with her, but that sounded counterproductive. Why hold her back?
I expressed my concerns to the pre-k teacher and she told me about a homeschool group she was putting together. My dreams from 10 years earlier were rekindled that day. I immediately withdrew from the pre-k class and joined the fast growing homeschool movement.
My fairy tale dream came true and we began a homeschool journey that would change our lives forever.
Now it's your turn... Why did you decide to homeschool?
