50 reasons why i could never homeschool

I found this in a blog and I think it's a great read for those who are interested, but hesitant to try homeschooling. The blog can be viewed here.


50 Reasons Why I Could Never Homeschool


I could never homeschool--

1. ...I'm too disorganized. Homeschooling works with as much organization as you are willing to put forth. However, if you can keep your silverware sorted, you probably have what it takes.
2. ...I don't know how. Have you ever begun a new adventure already knowing everything about it? Like anything else in life, you learn as you go.
3. ...I wouldn't be any good at it. How do you know? Have you tried and failed at this before? If you have, then you know what problems to avoid this time.
4. ...I'm too lazy. Are you saying that it is easier to get your children up, dressed, fed, and off to school at the crack of dawn five days a week, than it is to allow your children to do math in their pajamas?
5. ...My husband/family won't let me. Is that because you have run yourselves deeply into debt and need multiple incomes to keep up the payments? Or is it because of utopian ideas of what institutional schools can do for a child?
6. ...I'm not smart enough. Did you teach your child to walk or talk? Did you help him learn to dress himself? Did you teach him to sing "Happy Birthday"? Then you probably have what it takes to teach him to print his name. The rest you can learn as you go.
7. ...I don't want my child to end up like that weird homeschooled kid I know. Don't worry--your child will end up with his own brand of weirdness, whether he is homeschooled or not.
8. ...I can't stand to be around my children. This is a bigger problem that you need to resolve, no matter where your children go to school.
9. ...My children can't stand to be with me. Again, this is a bigger problem that you need to resolve, no matter where your children go to school.
10. ...I want to support the local Christian school. That is an admirable goal, but is the Christian school more important than your own child? The quality of education (even at Christian schools) is far below what a child can receive at home. Also, Christian schools are populated with the thugs, bullies, and reprobates who managed to get themselves expelled from public school.
11. ...I want to support the community through the public school. Again, is the community more important than your child's welfare and education? The quality of education at public schools is far below what a child can receive at home.
12. ...All my children's friends go to public school. Any friends worth keeping can still be seen and played with after school or on weekends.
13. ...I don't have the patience to homeschool. Did you become impatient when your child was learning to walk or talk? Were you impatient when helping him learn to ride a bike? Homeschooling is no different--it is teaching new skills to the children you love.
14. ...My child has "special needs." Many parents homeschool their "special needs" children, feeling that no other teacher can understand or care for their child better than the parents can.
15. ...I don't know any other homeschoolers--I would need help. Homeschooling is growing so quickly that there are probably some homeschoolers in your area already. There are also resources on the internet for helping you connect with homeschooling families near you.
16. ...I don't want to insult my friends who are public school teachers. Right. Because their feelings are so much more important than your child's feelings and education.
17. ...I have to work. Some families have been able to adjust their work schedules and their homeschooling schedule to fit together. Other families have found financial benefits to homeschooling that eliminated the need for both parents to work.
18. ...My children don't want to homeschool. How do they know? Have they tried it before? My children loved having a fully stocked refrigerator available in their classroom.
19. ...I have a degree, a career, and a corner office that I have worked hard for, and I'm not giving that up. Right. Because it's all about you, isn't it? But your child would like his own chance to obtain a degree, a career, and a corner office.
20. ...I can't teach algebra, geometry, calculus, or chemistry. 1.) If your child is just starting Kindergarten, you don't have to worry about the advanced subjects just yet. 2.) The lessons are all explained in the textbooks.
21. ...My children won't listen to me, don't respect me, or don't think I am smart enough. Some of this will disappear the first time you answer a question as Teacher, and more will be conquered as you continue to homeschool. However, some of this may stem from bigger problems that will need to be resolved no matter where your children go to school.
22. ...I have a life and social commitments, and I'm not giving those up. It's still all about you, isn't it? Many commitments outside the home can still be maintained--and some may be easier because of the lack of school-related commitments during after-school hours.
23. ...I don't want to wear a denim jumper, put my hair in a bun, kill my own chickens, or have 18 children. And you don't have to. Homeschooling should fit your family's lifestyle--no matter what your lifestyle is. Some athletes homeschool around hours and hours of daily training, and some families homeschool on the road in the cab of an 18-wheeler. Homeschooling adapts to you and your lifestyle.
24. ...It costs too much money to homeschool. Many of the costs associated with homeschooling (such as curriculum purchases) can be spread out by re-using the materials for several students, or recouped by reselling the materials when you are finished with them.
25. ...We can't afford to start now; maybe we'll start next year. Along with your financial costs, be sure to consider the personal costs to your child. In some cases, the emotional and mental anguish from one more year in public school can do irreparable harm.
26. ...We might homeschool later when the kids really need it. How will you know if you've waited too long to start? In some cases, the emotional and mental anguish from one more year in public school can do irreparable harm.
27. ...My child has been looking forward to going to public school, and I can't break his heart. 1.) Your child is probably looking forward to either a ride on a school bus or a chance to play on the school playground. Are those more important than the quality of education? You can ride the city bus (or a church bus), visit a local playground, and then make cookies together at home (something he can't do at school). 2.) Who is responsible for deciding what is best for the child--that child or you, the parent?
28. ...I don't want to go to jail--isn't homeschooling against the law? No. Homeschooling is legal in all fifty states, as well as many foreign countries. Home School Legal Defense Association is consistently on top of homeschooling law cases and will support any member family at no cost. (info at http://hslda.org)
29. ...I want my children to get into college. Homeschoolers are actively recruited by colleges for their dedication to excellence and self-motivated learning.
30. ...Homeschooling isn't really that important. Homeschooling can turn a poor student into a great student. Imagine what it can do for your student.
31. ...I went to public school, and I turned out all right. The school you went to is no longer available. Schools are dramatically different now from what they were even five years ago. Ask a child who is currently in school what a typical day is like.
32. ...I want my children to experience all the good things from public school. Again, the school you went to is no longer available, and you may have forgotten many of the painful or difficult times that accompanied your good experiences. Ask a child who is currently in school what a typical day is like.
33. ...My baby/toddler takes up too much of my time. Have you found ways to prepare meals or do laundry with Baby around? Homeschooling can also be adapted around baby's schedule, and toddlers and preschoolers love to join in the fun. There are many ways to homeschool with younger children about.
34. ...My mother is a teacher! Then she should understand why you want to skip all of the undesirable elements of school and focus on personalized academics. It is a very rare grandmother who does not want the best for her grandchild. And you have the bonus that she can help teach your child how to stand in line for the bathroom or show you how to inspect him for head lice.
35. ...My children won't have any friends. Do they have friends now? They can still get together with the school friends they enjoy, and friends from the neighborhood or church will still be around. Homeschool support groups provide new friendship opportunities, plus field trips and group activities.
36. ...I'm dyslexic--I can't teach my child. Some dyslexia results from incomplete understanding of phonics and reading skills, which parents can learn right along with their students. Any other homeschooling adults would be understanding and happy to help you through any difficult spots.
37. ...I'm not creative. But many other people are and are making their ideas available to other homeschoolers. Low-cost and no-cost ideas are available on the Internet, at public libraries, and through cooperative homeschooling support groups.
38. ...I'm not religious--homeschoolers are all religious fanatics. Many homeschoolers have no religious preference but choose homeschooling for the excellence in academic instruction and opportunities for personally tailored learning.
39. ...I want my child in the Gifted Program. "Gifted" in public school programs often means "compliant worker-bee." Boat-rocking, buck-the-system, freethinking individuals are rarely admitted into Gifted Programs. Your child can develop his gifts and personal interests without all of the bureaucratic red tape or funding cuts.
40. ...Homeschooling takes too much time, and it takes more time each year as the kids get older. Wrong. Homeschooling takes less time for the parent as the students get older and become able to work more independently.
41. ...I could teach arithmetic, but I don't know how to teach a child to read. There are many programs available for teaching reading, including some which guide everything the parent should say to the child. Teaching your child to read is much simpler than it seems and is an unbelievably rewarding experience.
42. ...I want my child involved in sports. Homeschooled children are involved in sports through city recreation leagues, through dual-enrollment with public schools specifically for the sports, and through the many homeschool cooperative groups that are starting teams and hosting tournaments.
43. ...I can't teach art. 1.) "Art" must be your child's name. 2.) Art can be taught, even if he is stubborn. 3.) Dump all of your crafty supplies on the floor and let Art loose. Library books can guide you into specific artistic techniques, but creativity is built in to all children.
44. ...I can't teach a foreign language. Excellent foreign language programs are available on CD-ROM that allow the student to hear the correct pronunciation, free of regional accents. (Have you ever heard French spoken with a Texas accent? I know a public school student whose teacher taught French with a heavy drawl. It's funny.)
45. ...My child is too active to keep up with. So you'd rather send him to a school where they will medicate him with drugs to make him sit still? At home, that child can run, jump, and play, and then do the schoolwork when his legs are finally tired and want to rest.
46. ...I'm a single parent. Many single parents are finding ways to homeschool their children through flexible scheduling (of the job or the lessons) or work-at-home options.
47. ...My neighbors will report me for child abuse. Do you need to be reported for child abuse? If not, try talking with your neighbors to help them understand your desire to provide your children with an excellent education. Bake cookies for the neighbors and have the children ask them about their hobbies, careers, or where they grew up, as part of a homeschool project. HSLDA will defend member families against false reports, but not homeschooling out of fear is cheating your children out of a wonderful educational opportunity, not to mention the emotional abuse they will actually endure at public school.
48. ...I don't have an extra room in my house for a classroom. You don't need one. You can do lessons on whatever surface you currently eat dinner (kitchen snack bar, dining room table, or TV tray) and sit on the sofa for reading. Books and supplies can be stored in a box in the closet or in a corner to keep them from wandering off.
49. ...I don't want to homeschool. It never stops being about you, does it? Is your leisure time really more important to you than your child's education and your child's welfare?
50. ...I wouldn't know how to start homeschooling. There are abundant resources for homeschooling, including the one you are reading right now.

yummy granola bars

These yummy bars are my new favorite, i added raisins and choc. chips together, sooo good!

Superbars

2 1/3 c. old-fashioned oats
1 c. whole wheat flour
2/3 c. brown sugar
2 T ground flax, or wheat germ
1t ground cinnamon
3/4 t salt
2/3 c. of raisins (or any dried fruit)
1/4 c. of molasses or honey or maple syrup
1/2 c. applesauce
1/4 c. veg. oil
1 egg slightly beaten
1 T vanilla extract
1/2 c sliced almonds or other nuts
optional mix-ins choc. chips, coconut, etc.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix the oats, flour, sugar, flax seed, cinnamon, salt and raisins. In a separate bowl , mix the molasses, applesauce, oil, egg, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients into the dry. Mix well then add the nuts.

On a cookie sheet covered in parchment paper or well greased. spread mixture in a uniform shape with a spatula or hands like i prefer. Make sure they are uniform so they cook evenly. Bake 25-27 mins. or until they seem firm. Remove from oven and cut immediately into bars.

i am disgusting!

So i saw a picture of me from New years eve last night and was embarrassed, enraged, disgusted, sad, and everything else it entails. I was even more embarrassed that someone tagged me in this photo on facebook, i pray that i untagged myself in time before anyone saw it that would judge me but, the damage is already done in my mind! I was getting so happy with my body before cancer, it was finally getting back to the way it was before i had kids, turns out that was help from the cancer, then i started treatments and with the steroids in the "potion" i gained back all of it! I gained 40 pounds! I'm 5'2 every pound i gain is noticeable. Of course my hubby is so sweet and keeps telling me i am beautiful no matter what, blah blah. But i know I'm my mind i am not happy. So starting today, no not tomorrow TODAY, i am going to lose this weight! I used to love being in pictures and taking them. Now every time i see a camera i run, i will try to find that picture i seen last night and post it only for "get myself in gear value"! So make fun of it all you want but i wont look like this for long, i cant get pregnant again until i am happy with my body, so theres motivation there as well! How fast and healthy can i do it. You be the judge of that. I have to say, yesterday and today has been very healthy so far, so i am happy with that. Here's to a new me!

homemade cleaners

There is a lot of reasons why making your own household cleaners is a good idea. I have read a lot of information on the dangers of common store bought cleaners. The list of dangers seems to encompass everything from breathing toxic fumes, the harmful effects of the cleaners on your skin to some cleaners being carcinogenic. Aside from the health concerns there is also a financial consideration. Cleaners can be quite an expense on the budget. If you purchase a separate cleaner for everything from wiping down counters to cleaning floors, polishing and dusting, tub cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, and the list goes on, this is a fairly large slice of the family’s budget.

You can make many of your own household cleaners utilizing some very basic and common ingredients. This does not have to take a lot of your time with mixing and making. Sometimes it is just a matter of a change in habit. A friend of mine once recommended using baking soda and Dawn detergent to cleaning the bath tub. No pre-mixing, simply sprinkle the baking soda on your tub and squirt some Dawn detergent and start scrubbing! I tried and it worked so well! Much better than many of the products I have used in the past and it does not scratch surfaces. Change of habits and a few extra minutes will usually be all that is required to make your cleaners.

There are some household cleaners that are basic simple recipes. Most you make up right in the spray bottle. If your cleaning shelves become stocked with the basic ingredients than putting them in the spray bottle takes close to the same amount of time as pouring the chemical laden store-bought cleaners right into the bottle.

If you are wondering what this list of “basic ingredients” are, I will show you:

Baking Soda

Vinegar

Rubbing Alcohol

Washing Soda (can be found near laundry detergent in most stores)

Borax (also near the laundry section)

Mild Dish Detergent

How do you use these ingredient to clean you house, you may be wondering? Let’s go through a breakdown of “types” of cleaners that you can create with the above ingredients.

Floor Cleaners

Homemade Floor Cleaner

1 cup white vinegar

1 gallon warm water

Mix in your cleaning bucket and use this to clean vinyl type floors.

Wood Floor Cleaner

½ cup vinegar

1 gallon water

The most important thing to keep in mind while cleaning wood floors is that they can not get overly wet. When you use the above mixture, dip your sponge mop into the solution and squeeze until almost dry. Then mop. Never put the cleaner directly on the floor. Dry any streaked or wet area with a clean towel as you go along the floor.

All Purpose Cleaners

I like to make a large batch of my favorite household cleaner. I make this in a gallon size container and fill spray bottles as I need it.

My Homemade Cleaner

Crystal Miller

In a clean, empty gallon milk jug put:

2 Tablespoons ammonia

1 teaspoon dish detergent

1 pint (2 cups) rubbing alcohol

4 drops food coloring – optional

a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a nice fresh scent, I use Orange

Fill the rest of the gallon jug with hot water. Pour into spray container to use.

Here is a cleaner you make right in your spray bottle:

All-Purpose Cleaner

2T vinegar

1 t Borax

Hot water

a few drops of a mild dish detergent

10 drops of essential oil, optional

In a 16 spray bottle put vinegar, borax and hot water. Swish around until borax has dissolved. Add the drops of dish detergent and fill the rest of the bottle with water. Add the essential oil (I like using orange or lavender).

All Purpose Cleaner in a Bucket (for big jobs like walls)

½ cup ammonia

¼ cup vinegar

¼ cup baking soda

Mix the above ingredients with 1 gallon of warm water and use for basic cleaning jobs around the home. Double the above ingredients for cleaning shower walls or other extra heavy duty areas.

Soft Scrubbing Type Cleaners

Here is one of my favorites for cleaning counter tops, sinks or any area that needs some scrubbing without the worry of scratching the surface.

Homemade “soft scrub” Type Cleaner

There are no measurements necessary for this one. Simply put a small amount of baking soda in a bowl and add liquid dish detergent until you have smooth paste or frosting like substance. This very well on sinks and counters and won’t scratch the surface.

Window Cleaner

Homemade Window Cleaner

This one can be made right in your spray bottle.

½ t mild dish detergent

3T vinegar

2 cups water

Put all these ingredients into a spray bottle. Shake this up some and use it just like the commercial variety.

Homemade Window Cleaner #2

3T Ammonia

1T vinegar

Put in spray bottle and fill the rest of the way up with water.

Commet Type Scrub Powders

This is an easy one. You can use baking soda! Sprinkle on sinks, counters or anywhere you need to get rid of build up or stains. Dampen slightly and scrub with a soft cloth to prevent scratching.

****A word of caution on making homemade cleaners: never mix bleach with any type of acid such as ammonia or vinegar. It will cause toxic fumes that are very dangerous.

Snapfish 50 Prints for 50 Pennies

Order your 50 Prints for $0.50 (plus shipping) from Snapfish with coupon code NEWYEAR50. You have until Thursday, January 7 to place your penny prints order - you can only use this coupon code once per account.

Bits and pieces

Im trying to decide where i want to go with this blog, im thinking i want to keep it more of a catch all blog, freebies, tips, just bits and pieces here and there. I have so much floating around in my head that i just need to put it somewhere. I hope someone will get some use out of it :) Hope everyone is having a great New years, i know we are. We got to have a great family day yesterday and then today i got a day alone shopping with my hubby. What more can a girl ask for :) Its snowing outside and looks beautiful but im sooo tired of all the snow, im so ready for spring!!

New years Eve

So today marks the end of another year. What a year it has been too!!! It was such an emotional, scary, roller coaster of a year but its finally done!!! I pray this year is nothing but good things for us, we have had such hard times these last few years, that i don't think its too much to ask for a little break!! I have a another check up in April, then a CAT scan in June. Hopefully after that we can start trying for another little Griffin. I did not realize i even wanted another one until recently and now i can't get it off my mind! Its consuming me. So i feel it's only right. I have so many goals for this year too. Let's just hope everything works out. So good bye 2009, Hello 2010!