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My husband and I knew from the beginning that we would either homeschool or send our kids to private school. It was something we just felt very strongly about, so when the time came to consider what we were going to do with our oldest for kindergarten, we had a huge decision. The private schools that I had looked at were not in our budget and we both worked full-time, so homeschooling wasn’t a viable option. Fortunately, the answer came in the form of my mom.
My mom quit working when my daughter, Nora, was about 6 months old. A few months before Garrett turned 5, Henry was born. Mom took care of the kids and when Steve and I discussed the subject of school, my mom said that of course, she’d homeschool them. I will admit it never dawned on me that she would do that. I had known that Mom wanted to homeschool my sister and me when we were little, but it wasn’t done in those days. So, Garrett started kindergarten with Grandma.
Over the next 4 years, my mom taught my two older kids to read while wrangling with Henry through infancy and toddlerhood. I looked forward to random emails and texts (especially with pictures) of things the kids were doing throughout the day. With Grandma, they learned how to make sourdough, bake, read stories and take care of each other. We had a wonderful homeschool co-op that the kids attended, which we used for history, science and extra-curricular subjects and the kids completed math and language arts at home.
I asked my mom what she enjoyed while homeschooling the grandkids, and she said that she had so much fun with them. It was rewarding to watch the kids’ faces light up as they caught the concepts of reading or adding. My dad, who had retired, helped the kids with school work as well, and often took them to homeschool co-op. They also spent time camping and visiting historical sites.
Last fall, we made a move halfway across the country and are now in a place where we homeschool together. The kids miss their grandparents a lot, but we are having fun learning as a family.
I have a friend who homeschools her kids and they use a curriculum that has lessons with lectures on DVD. Because of this, she adds at least 2 kids (same age/grade as hers) and homeschools them with her kids. Always check your state laws regarding homeschooling to determine if this is an option.
Outsourcing could be a wonderful option if you have the right support system and someone who is willing and able to work with them.
Yeah I too remeber how I enjoy playing and learning with my grandma I still miss those days and also you are lucky that your parents support and outsource your children. Our parents always support us whenver required no matter how old we are.
There have been times in our 12+ years of homeschooling when I worked full-time for our family business and we hired nannies to care for your children. Although I would plan the girls’ learning routine, our nanny would make sure the girls got done what they needed to. Fortunately, I was working from our home office so anyone could ask me questions when needed.
I am so glad you had support when you needed it, Tamara. What a gift your mom gave your kids! It is also great to see how your homeschooling has adjusted as your situation changed, too. Thanks for sharing!
That is such a wonderful option! Something tells me I’d be perfectly happy homeschooling my grand kids someday! I’m having so much fun with my own.
How wonderful that your kids & parents had that experience! It will stick with them forever-priceless!
That’s really special your parents could invest that way into your family!
Woohoo for the arch! You are so blessed to have your mom teaching your kids. Thanks for sharing.
Tamara, thank you so much for sharing this! It really helps to broaden the possibilities of what homeschooling can look like . And how sweet that you have a mama willing to be a part of your family life in this way!! Awesome!!
So great! What an awesome bond and priceless memories with the grandparents. Your post is just precious. Thanks for sharing.
Oh I love that mommies don’t have to do it all!! If grandparents want to jump in, let them help!! And how beautiful that the kids got this close relationship with your parents. Even though you guys moved away last year, the bond they have is strong and precious!!
Thank you so much for sharing your story and your reason to love homeschooling Tamara!! <3
Great post! I love how we all craft our family’s learning and our homeschool style in such unique ways. And how amazing that your kids got so much quality time with their grandparents. Thanks for sharing your post! Loved it!