Plan B

This month marks the end of our homeschool endeavors at the Keith house.  As much as I wanted it to work out for us, it just hasn't.  Without going into detail, I'll just say Grayson needs socialization with kids his age. 

At the beginning of the school year, we tried to enroll Grayson in a private, half-day kindergarten, but they were full.  I decided a couple of weeks before Christmas to call them and see if they had had anyone withdraw.  Well, they had three spaces open, so we got him in!  Tuition is going to put a little squeeze on our fincances, but it is so worth it to me!  I took him to meet his new teacher, and she was great.  The kids were out on the playground when we went, so she invited Grayson to play while we chatted.  He was immediately encircled by five boys who were all asking him to play.  We were both on cloud nine when we left that place. 

While I and especially Grant will miss Grayson in the mornings, I think this will be a positive experience for our family.  Grant will be afforded some of the one-on-one attention he has missed by being the second child.  I will get some "me" time during his morning nap that will allow me to achieve some of my goals.  Grayson's life will be enriched by new friends and learning experiences.  His class has a field trip and a party every month, which Grant and I can take part in.

He starts this Monday, two days before his sixth birthday.  I'm sure he'll be thrilled, and I'll be a proud, teary mess.  Just as it should be.

   

Comments

[Debbie]

You know, homeschooling doesn't work for all families. I think that is the beauty about being able to choose. It has worked for us, for which I am grateful; but I know many other families that took other routes. You know your children best, so don't feel bad about either way. I know they will thrive, because you love them and more importantly God is leading your lives!!

[burntofferings]

Hi there,
Here from Expatmom and been a bit of a 'lurker' for a little bit!
Home schooling is not that popular here in Australia, so leaving kids on their first day to go to school is a bit of a traumatic experience. And whilst the children seem to be screaming in tears, which they get over realy quickly, it is more the mums and dads that have the tears which carries through the day when they should be hearing their child in the house!

So, keep YOUR chin up, relax in your 'ME' time and enjoy the one-on-one time with your other son, Grant!

[Expat Mom]

You are making a good choice, you know your boys best and if you feel that Grayson needs more socialization, then I´m sure it´s just what he needs. And it sounds like he´s going to have a blast! :D

Enjoy your extra free time! And have lots of fun with Grant, he´s going to love the special Mommy time. :)

[Shelley]

I know how hard this choice is for you. I think Grayson will love it. He has an endless curiosity that this new experience will only deepen and expand. I'll be praying for you and I'm sending you and Grant a virtual kleenex box. As for the free time, don't count on it. It'll get eaten by something or other. Yea, I know, real encouraging there aren't I. Love ya

[kailani]

When the kids start school, it's always harder on us than on them! He's going to have a great time with his new friends!

[Chris in Oxford]

Jess, I think you're making a great choice. I understand why folks homeschool, but in a way I think it's misguided. You can only protect your kids from the world for so long. You serve them better by preparing them for it. The socialization aspect is huge as well. Don't feel bad about your decision AT ALL!

[Jessica K]

You guys are great. I think I'll still have a twinge of guilt until I see him actually doing well in his class. I wouldn't be me if I wasn't feeling guilty about something, though!
Shelley, it's great to hear from you on here. I miss you!
Bernie (or Lou?) I've been lurking around your blog a bit as well. Thanks for your encouragement!
Chris, there are areas where the homeschool groups are as large and diverse as public schools. My area is definitely not one of those. I'm just now sort of coming to terms with the fact that I can't protect Grayson forever. I'll only damage him if I keep him too close for too long. Wow, that was hard to admit.
Debbie, your kind words mean a lot coming from a homeschool veteran. So many moms can be judgemental. Thank you for not taking that route!

[Joy]

As a former kindergarten teacher, I can tell you that the school experience is way more traumatic for the parents than it is the kids! ;) After a week or so, you'll get used to the new schedule. I super applaud you for trying out homeschooling.

[foolery]

I have watched my very bright, VERY verbal, somewhat difficult daughter advance LIGHT YEARS under the tutelage of two caring, bright teachers -- who ARE NOT Mommy. In our case that's everything. My daughter rails against anything I tell her, and I knew immediately that home school would never be a possibility for us.

You know your child. You know yourself, plus NO decision is ever set in stone. Trust yourself to know what's working and when to make a change. Good for you for taking a new course. That's one smart child you have, who will soar in a new environment. Can't wait to hear about it!

-- Laurie

[arizaphale]

I have really mixed feelings about homeschooling, being both a teacher and a mother. When my poor baby had to start real school at 4 in the UK I was livid with the system but she managed and seems now (about to go into yr8) to be doing really well. There's so much about the public school system that prepares them for the real world but .....on the other hand... I've heard about some superb homeschooling 'groups' that provide a phenomenal program for their kids. To me the key is...keep in touch with your kids and ask them about what they do at school. This gives you an eye opener but also an idea of what your child is 'up to'.

[Jessica Keith]

arizaphale, so far so good. he had a problem with one boy calling him "girl's boy" cause he was playing tiptoeing around with the girls. it made me feel so good that he came to us with his problem. as long as that continues to be the case, i know he'll be ok.

[Kathy]

I can't believe I am just now reading this, how did I miss it? Anyway, what a hard, brave decision. I wanted to keep Ben home with me too. It's so hard to hand that time over to someone else. One little trick that works for us here is when we go to bed I ask him to tell me 10 things (5 if we're running late) about school today. This helps with the, "what did you do today?" "nothing" problem. :)