Our curriculum is ready for T’s first day of homeschooling tomorrow, all tucked in to her workbox system. I’m excited to put all the assessments and prep and organizing of the last week to use. Jumping in, two feet first.
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t really expecting a backlash by posting about our decision to homeschool. Maybe that is because I’ve never personally judged someone for making that decision. Maybe it’s because every homeschooled child I have ever met has been bright, polite, social, kind and very smart. We are deciding what is best for *our* family and those who don’t agree with that decision are certainly welcome to their opinions. But they are just that, their opinions. And they do not change, in any way, what is best for our family. Our decisions reflect on us, they are certainly not a judgment placed upon anyone else for making different decisions. If you don’t agree with us, great, you get to choose what is best for *your* family. I won’t stop sharing what is real within our four walls just because other people don’t like it. I’m thankful for those that come here and find value in this blog but I want it to be clear, I blog for me. And for my family. I share client images because that’s part of what I do and who I am. This blog touches on all aspects of our lives and that will now include homeschooling as well. I am happy that each of you who visits our little corner of the internet stops by, even if you don’t agree with us. I’m thankful to be open minded enough and blessed enough, to have people in my life that are very different than me. How boring would it be if we were all the same? Being like minded is not a requirement for friendship, compassion, acceptance or respect.
Before heading to bed I picked up a new homeschooling book that arrived on our doorstep today. I made it to page 5 when this caught my eye. So true. I spend a lot of time on nutrition, healing, working in the kitchen to nourish my family every way that I can. This puts all of it in to perspective….
“Whatever reasons brought you to this point, they are good and valid ones, regardless of what others may say to the contrary. No on else on earth knows your child as well as you do, or cares as much about the experiences that fill her time. Preparing food for her mind and heart is no less worthy of your time and attention than preparing food for her body.” ~ Linda Dobson
I am so excited for Taryn! This is going to be wonderful for her and I know that you and Jason will do such a great job. Love the quote – describes you perfectly!
You are, without any hesitation in my mind, doing the right thing and the best thing to protect and love your baby. I remember when Lyla was about a month old, it was late at nigh and my own mother was in town helping out. Lyla seemed just fine, no fussing or anything. But I felt like she was breathing really fast (she had been in the NICU, one concern being her oxygen levels). I thought I might be being over sensitive because o the NICU exprienence so I questioned myself whether I should call the doctor when she seemed fine. My mom said something I will never forget. She told me, “you are her Mommy, you are in charge of protecting her, you.” I called the doctor and all was fine, but it wasn’t until my mom said those words that I realized the enormity of my new responsibility and that Lyla’s life, soul and heart depended on the decisions I made–free of any other humans judgment. You are T’s mommy, and you are protecting her. She is safe, of that I have no doubt.
You are opening the door to a wonderful adventure! So happy for you all!
You are a great mom. One of the most dedicated (long term!) that Ive ever heard about. You are an inspiration. I went and read those crazy comments – obviously they had issues with homeschooling long before your blog. Who cares what they think. Homeschooling works for us too and we love it. Enjoy! It will be a fun adventure! 🙂
I have been following your family since “The Knot” days and I have to say that I’m totally in awe of your determination and strong will. I wish your family nothing but the best. I’m sure that 2012 is going to be a great year for you and your family. 🙂
I loved your last post and this one too. I’m just so excited for you guys! I really enjoyed the last post and I was sorry to read some of the negative comments. I just think this is going to be awesome for T and for you guys and I don’t have a doubt in my mind that you guys will be amazing at it! I’m also excited to read more about the journey as it unfolds! Congrats and Happy first day!!!
Go you! As a previous public school teacher, it sucks reading what all you guys have been through. Wish Taryn had been in my class! 🙂 I would have done you right! I have homeschooling in the back of my mind for Mya. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it I suppose.
Whoa! Didn’t know there was backlash. Yes, stick to what is right for your family – look how far you’ve come over the last year even when medical professionals said you were wrong! You know what is best for your family and that’s that. Thank you for being honest…it shows 🙂
People are morons. They don’t understand the severity of food allergies (I am food allergy kid now adult) but its intense. Forget them.