To School or Not to School

Ever since my daughter was getting ready to start school three years ago, I have wrestled with the idea of homeschooling. I had a limited experience with homeschooling when I was growing up. My mom taught my brother and I when I was in senior kindergarten and grade two. I have fond memories of working with my family in the mornings and being able to play or go on field trips during the afternoon.


It seems that almost every week there are stories about cut-backs in the public schools, children attacking the teachers, and don't get me started on the overall lack of respect for elders in today's children. The more I look at how the education system is lacking, the more I want to teach my children so I can make sure that they learn all that they can.

With the flexibility of my home business and the ability to travel often, having the children home schooled seems like a great option that will allow the children to experience life. It also keeps me from having to take them out of school whenever we'd like to travel for business or pleasure, which right now is a minimum of two weeks during the school year.

I spent a good time researching various different methods of teaching and available curriculum options. I've read up on how-to and organizing your day, etc.

So where does this leave me. I'm currently trying to put together a "trial" summer school program to see how homeschooling works for both the kids and myself. Doing it over the summer time will allow me to try homeschooling without having to take them out of school first. I am still asking around for advice on homeschooling and being able to successful have time to run a business from my home.

Have any ideas or helpful information, please pass it on to me.

Tis the Season

As with many families this year, Christmas is going to be a tight one. The children will get to open a few presents but we are not going crazy with the gift giving this year. It is important to us that the children learn to appreciate what they have and recognize that not everyone is blessed with a full closet, a full toy box, and a full tummy. There are many children around the world that are happy just to have food this Christmas.

In an effort to encourage "the spirit of Christmas", my family has decided that all the children will make gifts for each other. My mission over this next week is to come up with some exciting crafts that my kids can make for each of their cousins. At the end of the holidays, my house will be a mess, my stress level may rise several levels, but my children with have some very special gifts that were not bought at a store - they were made with love.

Through our family's charitable efforts, we help feed starving children and promote the great work that is being done for people that are not as fortunate as most North Americans. We offer hope to those who would like something more important than a gift that I have purchased at the closest toy store.

Want more information on our charitable program? Visit http://savelives.networkgoodness.org

A bit about me

To understand where I'm coming from, I believe it is important for you to know a little about me. The following information, although personal, is helpful in understanding my life and how my thoughts are influenced.

I am the proud mother of two young children, a 6-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old son. I maintain joint custody of the children with their father but they spend their school days and most evenings at my house. My partner, Kris, is living with us and is a great support for myself and my children.

During the weekdays, I am a full-time student studying to be a Massage Therapist. Kris works from home with what time he can find between making meals and bringing my children to school. He has been very gracious in taking care of my children so that I can get my education and change my family’s future.

As you can see, like many other parents, my days and nights are full. I must continually manage my budget and my time, not only at school and with work but also with my family. And still find some time for myself to maintain my sanity.

They Must Be Felt

Helen Keller once said, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." In my experience, I have found that there is no greater proof of this than motherhood (or parenthood).

My only aim in this blog is to provide some personal reflections on parenthood from a mother's perspective. I may cover many different topics or only a few. They may consist of my thoughts and experiences on being a mother or as a woman, in general.

Come join me on a journey through what it is to be a parent...