Going to School?

Now that my son is four and it is September, he is constantly being asked if he's starting school this year. Here where I live, 5 years old is the normal kindergarten age, though we don't have to start our children in school until they are 6. However, it is quite the norm to start children in pre-school as early as 3.

I just smile politely, and respond with, "No, we plan on homeschooling," to which I generally receive a funny look in return. Some respond with great favor while others get verbally defensive. The latter usually back off when I explain which school district we are in, which is a really good indicator that I SHOULD NOT send my child to such a school.

To be honest, I don't think I could send my child away. I don't think I could wait with him at the end of our driveway and willingly place him in a school bus driven by a stranger and full of children we've never met before. I don't like the idea of him being away from me for 6-7 hours in a day in the hands of people I barely know where I can't see what he's doing and what others are doing around and to him. I can't tell what his influences are. It boggles my mind that I'm expected to do this with my 4 (or 5) year old little boy!!

That's just me. I'm not saying moms who do send their kids away are somehow wrong. I just personally can't justify it with my own child.

And yes, a part of me does like the nostalgic (and convenient) idea of sending my child off to school as I was sent off. But, when it comes to reality, I think as soon as those school bus doors opened to receive him, I'd grab my son and run for the house.


Comments

The Kitchen Witch said…
I completely agree! Sometimes the looks people give me when I say I plan to homeschool my son are just over the top. It's like I looked normal until all of the sudden I sprouted two heads or something! I can't understand why people are so eager to get their children into school, the time I spend with my son is some of the most satisfying time I have during the day.
8:19 PM
Ry said…
We gets a LOT of understanding where I live abt homeschooling. Sooooo many ppl do it these days that, thankfully, we get a lot of support with it (aside from my family...)
12:23 PM
Erika said…
We have many friends who homeschool but we do not (at least not at this point), but school is not like you describe here.
there are no busses.
the children usually start K' between 5-6 yrs old (most are 6 or turning 6 soon).
We can go into the classrooms whenever we want and stay and help as much as a parent (or grandparent, aunt, uncle, friend, ...) wants to and is willing to.
Most of the teachers have children at the school and live in the neighborhood and they are involved in various community activities, so we usually have met them before school starts.
The principal knows most of the children and stands in front of the school to meet parents before/after school and has an open door to her office.

I'm happy that homeschooling is an option available, but I'm also happy that we have a school available to help us educate our children.
11:34 AM
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