I am embarrassed to say that every year (sometimes more often) I consider school for the kids. It isn't because I think they are missing something. We have been at homeschooling long enough that it is obvious that they are doing just as well academically as school kids. They experience all kinds of things that are just not available when cooped up all day. I have great answers for those that contradict me about not sending them to school. Intellectually, it is very clear that homeschooling is best, at least for us.
However, my frustration level skyrockets at times when I spend the whole day begging for them to do chores or the few traditional school items that we require. My kids are great out of the house and will do whatever is asked by instructors at activities or church or helping other parents when we visit. But at home, it seems that they don't feel compelled to do what is expected. This is, of course, a better situation than good behavior at home and poor behavior outside the home, but it is exhausting! At times, I get to the point of threatening school. I am sure many of you are mortified by such a threat, but it just seems that they often aren't grateful for the freedom. We ask ourselves if we should send them for a while so they understand? For a few weeks, months, maybe a year? Would they be grateful after? I went to good schools, but when you include transportation and homework, it was 35-40 hours a week with no control over my time.
Am I the only one who feels this way? Is this even tougher with a school-at-home style? We are unschoolers, but with the added extra structure that, once old enough, they have to write about what they do for learning. Is this better or worse across ages or styles? Is compliance just better from kids that have tried school? These are all things we think about constantly.
