Not off to school

This cute little cartoon arrived in the mail on the last page of my new copy of the Costco circular.

(artwork used without permission, but with all due respect)

I don't normally spend long hours perusing this particular publication, and certainly don't engage in regular analysis of its contents. But this carton caught my eye.

A few years ago, when I began telling my friends about our intention to begin homeschooling our kids, one of the most common responses was incredulity. How could I voluntarily chose to spend these long days with my children? It turns out that many people, even those who are home during the day, do greet the sight of the school bus with anticipation, relief and even relish.

(a typical school building)

The message contained in this cartoon, and widely accepted in our society, I'm afraid, is that we tell our children we love them, but the exciting life, the adult life, the real life, happens without them, behind their backs.

(another typical school building)

It is true that living with children around the house day in and day out is not easy. They have needs, tantrums, energy, lack thereof, bad days, whims, spats, difficult character traits, conflicting purposes, selective hearing, personal agendas and, not least of all, stuff. Stuff all over the place. My husband and I regularly engage in time and space discussion with our kids. "Look kids,we do everything in this house. Live, play, learn, work, eat, sleep. No one tells us what to to, or where to be and when to be there. We set our own schedule. And that's exactly why we have to be really respectful of the needs of the other household members. When daddy is working, he can't make you an egg. And when mom is on the phone, she can't solve an argument for you. And for heaven's sake keep your voices down when I'm talking to a client!"

(our "school" building)

No, it's not easy. But I love my children, and I would rather spend time with them than anyone in the world. Since taking them out of school our relationships and communication has become richer and more effective.  We have learned to let go of the reins, and accept that our kids want to make choices and have greater control over their lives. Not all the choices they make would be our first choice, but as we allow them to grow and develop at their own pace, we've observed that their decision-making, and communication skills evolve and strengthen. And so do ours. We grow together, not as kids and adults, but as a family.

Let others rejoice at the time they have away from their children. I revel in the time I have with mine.

Comments

[Lori]

i feel the same way.

a long time ago my husband and i announced to our friends and family that we were starting our own business and we'd be working together at home. we thought this was the best thing to ever happen to us - but everyone said, "ughhhhh, i could *never* work with my spouse!" i remember being shocked that people felt that way. then when we homeschooled, people said similar things - "oh, i could never do that", "well, my kids just love school/their friends too much", "i can't imagine being with them 24/7", etc.

i feel lucky to be with the people i love most 10 times more than other people get to be with their loved ones. i can't imagine anything better!

[timberland boots sale]

the music you listen to all influence the way you think and feel about yourself and the world around you.

[Air Jordan]

Pure and complete sorrow is as impossible as pure and complete joy. Do you think so?