Preparing for Preschool

Ever since we made our move we have gone back and forth about day care for the boys. I even almost signed both of them up until I realized that it wasn't worth the money. My oldest son turns 3 in June and, although I would love to begin our homeschool journey now it just isn't in the books for us just yet. It took a lot of time to come to terms that what would work best for him right now is going to preschool. I analyzed the situation for about a week. My son spends every single day just playing with his brother. each other is pretty much all they know. Honestly, this will benefit them both. 

For the first 18 months of his life my oldest was an only child. He had my undivided attention. I was able to do things with him that I am not able to do with the youngest. My youngest has gotten very little one on one time with me. We decided preschool would allow them each to spend time away from each other evolving into their own person and get to do their own thing. Mason will be able to make friends and learn to trust other people besides mommy and daddy. Logan will be able to stay with me and I can focus on him and only him a few hours a day. 

Now my decision on where to send my son was not an easy one. I was looking for a flexible affordable place that would not disregard my beliefs and values. There was this one place that I had been in touch with since we first started our search. I always wanted to go check it out and never did. I finally decided what do I have to lose. If its not the one then I keep looking. We walked in there to find out pricing and care packages. Not sure how the conversation came to be, but I told the director about how i plan on homeschooling some day and she said "good for you mama. I strongly suggest homeschooling over public schools." I was immediately in love. While reading through their parent handbook, I read that they practice gentle discipline. No time outs only time in talking about the situation. I fell more in love. Well as if I needed more reassurance, we went for our tour yesterday. My son got upset  because we were going to leave. He was crying...even screaming. This woman went down to his level and said, "Mason I know you're upset, but you get to come back and play with us next week." Yes! This woman validated my child's feelings. I was sold! 

I am so grateful to have found such place. They even teach sign language. I am so excited for his first day. 😊

Homeschool

Finally deciding that I wanted to homeschool the boys has been truly a long time coming. I used to be completely against it saying things like I don't want to deprive them of the things I experienced or the socialization. Truth be told...my experiences in school were anything but positive. 

At first the decision was very overwhelming. Questions like "what if they fall behind?" "How will I balance homeschool and working?" "Would I be able to fully commit to it?" As I explored the idea further and researched state requirements I began to feel more at ease. The more I read through the comments from other homeschooling parents I realized that once we settle into the flow of things it will all just be a part of our day. Learning already is a part of our day. 

We count fingers and toes. We learn colors while coloring. Say ABCs while watching cartoons or doing a puzzle. What would be different? Not much really except the boys would have to do some written work to keep on record for the state board. Our lives are surrounded by opportunities to learn. A trip to the grocery store can count both as a field trip and math class, like I read somewhere else. Although we have a few years to go. I am so excited to begin this journey!

Now I don't have a book full of reasons for wanting to homeschool. I have simply two reasons. Number one reason and most important to me is the lack of variety in curriculum to accommodate children. Growing up school bored me. I didn't feel challenged. Often times the things being taught I figured out from just looking at the book. I didn't feel like I needed it explained to me over and over again. I would more times than none read through the text and complete the workbook as the teacher was teaching. 

School expects children to all learn the same thing, at the same time and pace. That is absolutely unrealistic. Sad that if you learn differently you are deemed as challenged or unprepared. My heart would ache for the kids in class that needed more time to learn and therefore were barely getting by. Those who wouldn't complete the homework because they needed extra time. The kids who got diagnosed with ADD or ADHD because they just wouldn't want to sit there to learn. It never occurred to anyone that maybe just maybe that kid was a hands on learner. I do not want anyone telling my children they aren't capable. 

My second reason is safety. In recent years bullying attacks and school shootings have been on the rise. I worry for my children's safety! I am their protector, their safe haven, their peace. I want to ensure that they are away from harms way in any shape or form that it may come. I do not want my sons being exposed to all they negativity today's generations are bringing upon themselves. I want them to feel free to be who they want to be without fear of being judged. I am not taking away their socialization. I'm just doing it differently! 

They will have great experiences. They will socialize. There are play groups. Children and parents who think alike. Sports and other such things. They will be involve in their community. They will not miss out. 

That is all! :)