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.

Homeschool

It is that time of year again..Back to school! Oh so fun!.....And so very stressful. I decided I didn't like the program we were using last year, as I don't think Cierra learned as much as she could have. It isn't that I think she is behind, but I think we could have made a lot better use of our time last year. So, this year, we are going to try using mostly books, with me being the teacher. I spent 8 hours researching math, spelling, language arts and everything else under the sun to find the best that I could. Then I had to pray. And pray. And pray a little more. I couldn't decide if I wanted to do a secular program or a Christian program. I didn't know if I wanted to keep her in second grade, or get her in a third grade language arts. Oh the decisions!!
Finally, with help from the Lord, I decided to lean towards a Christian approach. I want all things we do to revolve around our faith. I want everything I teach to help strengthen these childrens testimonies. I then decided that, for now, I would keep her on a second grade level. I will watch her closely, and if I feel the work is too easy, we will move on.. I pray every day that I am doing enough. That I wont miss the important things, that they will learn what they need to. I know homeschooling is the right decision. THAT much I do NOT doubt. However, I have perfectionist tendancies, and of all things in life that I don't want to fail at, this is the one thing that I cannot fail at!
Blayke...I am at a loss right now, and praying a lot about what to do with this one. He seems too smart for the things I find online to do with preschool. He knows his colors, shapes, can recognize his alphabet and numbers, he can count to 15, and almost to 20, he spells his first name....I don't know. Maybe we will start Kindergarten this year. (He will be 4 at the end of the month). Not heavy, hardcore kindergarten...And starting this early, if we need to, he can do 2 years of it. It is so much to think about.
I am thankful that when I am making these decisions, I can ask for guidance. That I know how to "listen" for answers. I couldn't possibly do this without His help.