Here are just a couple of reasons that make me glad that we decided to homeschool.
In this story, a local school is talking about whether or not they should start school later. The freshmen and sophomores have to be present at 7:39 am! My kids are just getting out of bed at that time and they go to sleep before 9:00 pm. This was one of the most immediate benefits we saw of homeschooling. My kids are not early-risers, at least not that early.
In the article, the principal points out that some kids are tired in the morning, but others are ready to go. Again, another benefit of homeschooling; it is custom-fitted to each child by the people who know that child best!
Then I read this story, “10 is the new 15 As Kids Grow Up Faster.” Just typing that makes me shudder. I think back to what I was doing at 15 and imagine my soon-to-be 10-year-old there. (Granted, what I did at 15 I was much too young for.)
The article says tweens (kids ages 8-12) are “going on ‘dates’ and talking on their own cell phones. They listen to sexually charged pop music, play mature-rated video games and spend time gossiping on MySpace. And more girls are wearing makeup and clothing that some consider beyond their years.”
By contrast, my two tween boys think girls are gross (except for our tomboy-ish neighbors), hate talking on the phone, listen to Christian rock (and are offended by music with bad words in it), play video games like Mario Brothers and Veggie Tales, and have no idea what MySpace even is.
I like it that way. So do they.
Just the other day, one of the boys was talking about something he likes to watch that is a “baby” show and how he is glad that he doesn’t go to school anymore where other kids try to tell you what you should like.
My kids are going to grow up before I know it anyway. I see no reason to force them to grow up before they are ready. I would rather let them have a few more years of being a child before they have to deal with the problems of grown-ups.
If 10 is the new 15, I am glad I homeschool. Here 10 is still 10.
That’s appalling!! I shudder thinking about my girls getting there in a few years. But praise God for grace and the ability to homeschool! Hopefully when they get to 15… they’ll actually be 15.