Within one year, she quickly moved from a budding fashionista to a promising musical theatre performer. Now she just wants time to turn the music she loves into movie soundtracks. Becoming a D.J. also interests her. However, high school academics are demanding. After hours spent at school she has hours of homework. Just the other night she said, "Mom, I just want time to curate my music, learn how to edit and mix music, finish reading The Catcher in the Rye, write a screenplay, and play with my hamster. But I never have time with all this homework!"
I have been lobbying to homeschool her, but she gives much resistance. I know that if I could provide her education at home, she'd have time for the things that interest her. Her interests would be incorporated into the curriculum.
Maybe someday soon I'll figure out that I am the mom and her education is ultimately my decision. I am conflicted because I also want her to be happy. I fear she'll resent my demand for her to be homeschooled.
In the meantime, I'll capture the moments (pictured below) wherein she is experiencing joy, free from the academic pressures of traditional education. These moments are extraordinary, maybe not to her, but to me they quietly scream she is an amazing woman in the making.
Sperk, we have several friends who have decided to homeschool for different reasons. I think it says a lot to your daughter that her creative passions are so important to you and just, well, important that you would be willing to homeschool her to give her time to pursue them. I think she is a crucial part of the decision at this age, so if she is unwilling to leave a traditional school program, I think that is an important thing to hear and honor. Lay out your argument, explain what it would look like and mean for her, and then have the discussion. You are offering her a unique opportunity. You just have to be ready for the possibility that it's one she may not want to accept. Good luck and awesome photo. Erin
Wow, homeschooling... I don't think I could do it, but I definitely see the benefits. I just have no patience.... I have brought up my kids (at least I hope) to be disciplined to a certain degree at least, but homeschooling would be a huge challenge. Can you try it and go back to conventional if it makes her unhappy?
Also, my daughter is in High School now, experimenting with things she likes to do and trying to determine a path for later. Next semester she's taking Video Production and Drama and I'm pretty excited for her. Can't wait to see what path she's gonna end up choosing!
I have been hearing so much lately about the hours upon hours of homework that kids are saddled with. I know it's something a lot of families are struggling with and even have conflicts with teachers over. It seems like a complex issue but offering the option of home schooling is incredible. At this age, friends and social life can be super important to kids as well, I hope everyone is able to reach a happy balance with enough room for schooling and personal interests both.
What an amazing picture, and it sounds like you have an amazing young woman too! Finding that perfect balance between what you have to do and what you want to do is a challenge that I think we all have. Thinking outside of the box and helping her find a solution that works is a good life lesson. I'm sure you two will find a balanced solution.
I love this! She does indeed sound like an amazing woman in the making. Extraordinary even!! I was home-schooled for 6 years (3rd to 9th grade) it was a wonderful time of creativity and I am so glad I had it. On the other hand, I loved my high school years in public school...mostly because of the extra-curricular programs however. Luckily today there are many more programs not connected with public schools that home-schoolers can participate in. There are even wonderful communities of home-schoolers that one can connect with. Finally, many public schools will still allow home-schoolers to participate in their sporting/theater programs as well as after school clubs. If she already has a close knit group of friends from school, she can easily stay connected with them and may make a slew of new and interesting friends outside of the public school community as well. I think it is definitely something to consider. And I'll take a cue from Deirdre (above) and say that you should present your daughter with a plan so that she can see the many pro's and all that you plan to offer her with a home education, ultimately let her guide you in the decision however because as amazing as she is I'm sure she has her own compass of wisdom already. :) Can't wait to hear how things unfold! ~Tamar
At 14, she could be enrolled in college. It sounds a little crazy - but my cousin did it with three of their children, and they thrived. If she was doing college part time (two maybe three classes) she might feel like they are a little more worth it than high school because she is working toward a degree, and she might be able to slip in a class that is in line with her interests. If she is happy to read literature on her own (which it sounds like she is!) you can count that toward a homeschool English class.
This is why we homeschool. When she wasn't getting her homework done until after I went to bed (upon moving to VA), we decided enough was enough. And she's done so much this year that when I gave her the required standardized test, she tested 93% better than the 8th graders who took the test (Iowa test). She is skipping 8th and going to 9th. She's old for her grade anyway. She still spends a lot of time studying but she has time for her art and music. She didn't have that before.
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Beautiful! And what a gift to give- a tailored education. Definitely something to consider. Lol- maybe present her with a proposal.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up with us!!! Have a great weekend. Xo
That is a stunning photo! Good luck with your decision.
ReplyDeleteSperk, we have several friends who have decided to homeschool for different reasons. I think it says a lot to your daughter that her creative passions are so important to you and just, well, important that you would be willing to homeschool her to give her time to pursue them. I think she is a crucial part of the decision at this age, so if she is unwilling to leave a traditional school program, I think that is an important thing to hear and honor. Lay out your argument, explain what it would look like and mean for her, and then have the discussion. You are offering her a unique opportunity. You just have to be ready for the possibility that it's one she may not want to accept. Good luck and awesome photo. Erin
ReplyDeleteThanks, Erin! I sometimes forget to keep her in the loop on the decisions. Great reminder.
DeleteWow, homeschooling... I don't think I could do it, but I definitely see the benefits. I just have no patience....
ReplyDeleteI have brought up my kids (at least I hope) to be disciplined to a certain degree at least, but homeschooling would be a huge challenge.
Can you try it and go back to conventional if it makes her unhappy?
Also, my daughter is in High School now, experimenting with things she likes to do and trying to determine a path for later. Next semester she's taking Video Production and Drama and I'm pretty excited for her. Can't wait to see what path she's gonna end up choosing!
Thanks, Kerstin. I don't know if my daughter would have patience with ME!
DeleteI have been hearing so much lately about the hours upon hours of homework that kids are saddled with. I know it's something a lot of families are struggling with and even have conflicts with teachers over. It seems like a complex issue but offering the option of home schooling is incredible. At this age, friends and social life can be super important to kids as well, I hope everyone is able to reach a happy balance with enough room for schooling and personal interests both.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing picture, and it sounds like you have an amazing young woman too! Finding that perfect balance between what you have to do and what you want to do is a challenge that I think we all have. Thinking outside of the box and helping her find a solution that works is a good life lesson. I'm sure you two will find a balanced solution.
ReplyDeleteHolly
http://notdonegrowing.blogspot.com/
I love this! She does indeed sound like an amazing woman in the making. Extraordinary even!! I was home-schooled for 6 years (3rd to 9th grade) it was a wonderful time of creativity and I am so glad I had it. On the other hand, I loved my high school years in public school...mostly because of the extra-curricular programs however. Luckily today there are many more programs not connected with public schools that home-schoolers can participate in. There are even wonderful communities of home-schoolers that one can connect with. Finally, many public schools will still allow home-schoolers to participate in their sporting/theater programs as well as after school clubs. If she already has a close knit group of friends from school, she can easily stay connected with them and may make a slew of new and interesting friends outside of the public school community as well. I think it is definitely something to consider. And I'll take a cue from Deirdre (above) and say that you should present your daughter with a plan so that she can see the many pro's and all that you plan to offer her with a home education, ultimately let her guide you in the decision however because as amazing as she is I'm sure she has her own compass of wisdom already. :) Can't wait to hear how things unfold! ~Tamar
ReplyDeleteI agree that presenting her with a plan is crucial. Just mentioning it in passing, she rolled her eyes. ;) Great feedback, I am grateful.
DeleteAt 14, she could be enrolled in college. It sounds a little crazy - but my cousin did it with three of their children, and they thrived. If she was doing college part time (two maybe three classes) she might feel like they are a little more worth it than high school because she is working toward a degree, and she might be able to slip in a class that is in line with her interests. If she is happy to read literature on her own (which it sounds like she is!) you can count that toward a homeschool English class.
ReplyDeleteCollege may interest her, I will look into it. Thanks, Tracie.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis is why we homeschool. When she wasn't getting her homework done until after I went to bed (upon moving to VA), we decided enough was enough. And she's done so much this year that when I gave her the required standardized test, she tested 93% better than the 8th graders who took the test (Iowa test). She is skipping 8th and going to 9th. She's old for her grade anyway. She still spends a lot of time studying but she has time for her art and music. She didn't have that before.
ReplyDelete