Support

How many times have I cringed when attending an event because I know the questions will arise? Making the choice to homeschool is a very personal decision for each family.  Each caretaker weighs the options and chooses the best path for their child.  I have been doing this for awhile so I can dodge the snarky comments and avoid the anger (mostly). Being judged by anyone is not fun, but what about when it’s your support system?

The decision made, you are excited.  You rush to tell your parents, your siblings and other close family. Only, you are met with doubt, confusion, and sometimes open hostility.  You put on a smile, (or not) while you try to put into words this deeply personal decision.  

Now the questions start.  “How will they learn to stand in line?” Yes, I was asked this.  “Will they even learn to socialize?”  Really? I thought we got past that one.  “How will you know if they are learning what their peers are?” I’m homeschooling for a reason. “Will they ever get into college?” Really?  Just really?

Then you go to your friends for support.  There you get, “I could never deal with my kids all day.” Maybe they don’t know how this sounds. Or better yet, “I wish I could afford to stay home and do nothing.”  Maybe they don’t know that the choice to give up at least a part-time income and at most a full-time job means you make choices. That you choose to spend money on learning materials, or field trips, instead of girls night out, or a concert.  For some of us it means driving an older car to avoid a new payment, or putting off buying ourselves new shoes because we saw a new learning aid that we have to have.  

Some of us search for a community that understands, one that embraces us and our choices. That is what I found with Wake Forest Homeschoolers.  If we are lucky we find a tribe where we can get advice on the best way to teach fractions, or someone to talk to after that last fight with your mom about socialization.  

Support is key.  If you don’t find it in your circle of friends and family, then extend your circle.  We are lucky to be homeschooling in a time where you can find a group by just searching the web. It may take a bit of looking, and not every group is right for everyone, but it is worth the hunt when you find your support.

Hang On Mom

“Hang on, mom!”

Famous words from kids all over the world who just want to stay, play or even sleep a little longer. Sometimes I feel like that phrase is said just to push my buttons.  This is of course not true.  It seems it just usually stems from kids, just being...well kids.  

It seems that when I give a warning about time, like we will leave in a half hour, I see better results.  I have three kids. Two of them are adults and I learned a long time ago, it is usually better to give a warning. They have time to wrap up whatever they are doing and prepare to change gears.  

That said it does not always work and I have had to drag a crying or upset child from a playdate or down to dinner.  Now that my last child is older, it is easier.  He knows when we serve dinner and is usually ready for the interruption.  

I think the more aware of time they become, the easier it is.  Younger kids have no real handle on time.  You say five minutes until dinner, but that does not have any real meaning to them.  So when the five minutes are up and you call them, they do not see that it has been that long.  When you are young it can seem like an hour or the blink of an eye.  

Somewhere someone has done some scientific study.  I am not that impressed with that.  I know that each and every kid is different and they all learn, grow and mature at their own rate. No amount of prodding, poking or pleading with change that.  

So we do our best to be understanding and get stern when we have to, but mostly we just continue to hear “Hang on, mom!” and sometimes smile knowing that all too soon they grow up and leave the nest.  That someday you will miss that silly phrase.

Posted by Heather Garcia

For Wake Forest Homeschoolers

Finding a Group

Finding other homeschoolers with whom you can exchange ideas and support is a key when embarking on this journey. I don’t know how we went so many years without this amazing asset. Now I can not imagine our lives without it.

There are tons of groups out there. With MeetUp, Facebook, and other social networking sites it seems the choices are endless. So with all of that, how do you find a group that fits you and your family?

I started by deciding what I was looking for. I needed a group with at least a few kids around my son’s age. There also had to be a good variety of events to choose from. Mostly I wanted to find a community that we could become part of, a place where we could both make friends.
Wake Forest Homeschoolers is that home for us. I am still a member of several other groups but this one is our home. I love the twice a year co-ops where my son can enjoy classes taught by other parents. The classes are usually fun and the five weeks seem to fly by.


At the end of the fall co-op we have a trunk-r-treat for the kids and even some of the parents dress up. I tell ya this has been so much fun. I can’t wait for this fall’s classes to start.

Finding a group of people you feel comfortable and safe with really is key.

　

Posted by

Heather Garcia

Event Success

WOW! What a fun night for the kids. The "Come As You Are Dance" was a success. The DJ kept the kids on the dance floor. They were well fed and had a great time. The pictures coming in are of kids dancing and smiling and having so much fun.

The community all rallied around Jessica and her event to see it become a success. There were tons of chaperones and lots of help to clean up. It is so exciting to see the kids enjoy a fun and safe event. Even more so to see them all be able to express their personalities and be accepted.


I am consistently reminded how diverse and bright the kids are. I talked to more than a few about music choices, and how they enjoyed the dance. All seemed happy and engaged. Other than feeling a bit old that my music is classic, I was amused at the results.

I was thrilled to hear that another dance might be coming. Seeing the kids have fun and dance makes me a happy mom.

Gearing up for co-op

We are less than a month out from our next epic co-op.  Starting on October 2nd and continuing for the entire month, every Friday will be full of fun, learning and friends.  Our fearless leader Kristie has been hard at work to make this a successful venture.  Making sure it all runs smoothly is no easy task and she makes it look so simple.  

The three hours we spend at the WFHS co-op are some of our most enjoyable times.  We all come together to share fun and learning.  Kids get to take some fun classes like “My Spidey Senses Are Tingling”, “Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem”, and “Cryptozoology”.

I have to tell you I often wish I could sit in on several classes to enjoy the lessons myself.  However I am teaching a class about money management, so I will be busy.  I get excited when I am teaching.  We have such a great group of kids who like to learn it is hard not to share in their joy of learning.

So on the last day of our co-op we are doing a Trunk R Treat.  We tried this last year and it was a success, kids and parents alike enjoyed it.  I loved seeing all the costumes, and of course dressing up.  So let’s see what this year brings.

Again none of this would be possible without Kristie’s hard work and the talent of our teachers and assistants.  They all deserve a great big THANK YOU!!!

Posted by

Heather Garcia