Why I homeschool

This question, or rather the answers to this question, have been on my mind a lot lately. We got our school books, I set up for school and I made a list of supplies to get in the next few weeks. I figured out exactly what days I need to be in school in order to meet the minimum requirements, got my statement of intent ready, (almost forgot this step...Gotta get it mailed tonight!) and a schedule set up. I have been researching pre-k curriculum like a mad woman, and am still not completely decided on what I want to do for Blayke! As you can imagine, some of these things cause me a bit of stress. Ok, some of these things cause me a lot of stress! Stress tends to bring up the question 'WHY?'
Here are my reasons....

1. I feel like 7 is too young for my kids to be away from me. Call me crazy, I'll take it. The idea of my 7 year-old being in school for 8 hours a day, away from me, me only having a vague idea of what she is doing just doesn't work for me! (I know...kids and parents survive it every day...I just don't want to. And as a parent, it is my prerogative!)

2. I feel like my kids can learn as well from me as any educator. I take their education very seriously. I want them to succeed. If I feel that they can learn from me, I have the drive to teach them, and they are succeeding, I don't find it necessary to pass the buck to someone else by enrolling them in school.

3. Cierra likes it. She did public school for kindergarten, and liked it ok, but she also likes homeschooling. She likes the opportunities it provides.

4. I truly believe my children will be more bonded, both to Woody and I and to each other, because of being homeschooled.

5. I can gauge where they are at more than an educator that has 28-30 students to care for daily. (This isn't an attack on our educators, I know many fine educators.)

6. I LOVE spending time with my kids. Don't get me wrong, it is sooo not all peaches and cream and easy and fabulous. I get frustrated. I get burnt out. I get tired. But over all, I LOVE having these amazing little people around me all the time.

7. I feel like it is my job. I feel like as these children's mother, I need to take responsibility and be their primary educator. Especially in these early years.

8. I don't know if we will home educate through high school. Right now, I say no. So, when that point comes, I want them to have a firm view on who they are. I want them to be independent, strong in their beliefs, and self-confident. I believe they stand a better chance of this if their opinion of who they are isn't 'helped' along by children their own age.

9. I like knowing EXACTLY everything my child learns. I don't have to worry about what they learn at recess.

10. I love my kids. That is the bottom line...I love them, and want what is best for them. I pray and pray, and know this is the right choice for us.