Having been a homeschool mom for a few years now, I have developed a tough skin. Certain things that other people questioned me about that used to annoy me now just roll of my back...the socialization thing for starters. I *know* better, so I can simply shrug that off. And the worrying about the quality of education...the numbers don't lie, so I know better on that one too.
Yesterday there was a statement presented to me that has had me a little ruffled ever since. And it wasn't said in a condescending way or anything, just a matter of fact. Actually it was said to my kids.
"When I was your age, I had to get myself up and ready for school everyday! Mom was at work and we had to do it ourselves."
Of course my initial reaction was indignation.
But the more I thought about it, I had to face facts. My kids don't have that level of responsibility.
Their alarm clocks go off at 7:00, but many mornings I am still having to shake them awake.
They don't have to 'beat the clock' to manage time wisely. They are allowed to shower and dress at their leisure, they have time to eat their breakfast, brush teeth, etc without feeling the pressure to be 'done' at a specific time.
Should that worry me? When they are adults, will they be lazy and not good managers of their time? I am kind of on both sides of this fence. When *I* was their age, my mom was a stay at home mom. But I had to get ready for school and rode my bike to school every day.
Or is this something that is irrelevant when they join the work force? When you know you 'have' to be somewhere, that prompts you to get on the ball and get ready...right?
Or should I consider this one of the benefits of homeschooling? The luxury, at least for a little while in their lives, to enjoy starting out the day in a pleasant way, ready to tackle their 'job' of learning with more enthusiasm.
What do you all say?
Hmmm...tough call. I, myself, don't use an alarm unless I have to be out of the house. So, it's pretty obvious my children don't use one either. We're not set on bedtimes and wake-up times, so we don't fit the mold there. I think being a homeschool family has cemented that situation for us...unless we have somewhere to be, then we soak up every ounce of waking time we can with the kiddos. (No, it's not ALWAYS productive...sometimes it's vegging in front of the TV or a movie).
ReplyDeleteSo, while yes, this is an important life skill (as are many), I don't think it's necessary until it's necessary. :) If what you're doing works for you, then GO FOR IT! As they say...'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.' (I know, I just revealed my true Southern upbringing right there). :)