Volume 6, Number 47 - December 2, 2005

ISSN: 1536-2035

One of the most wonderful things about homeschooling is when you discover that even when you feel like you are failing your children as a teacher, they still continue to learn, grow and thrive. I'll never forget the day I realized it was okay to read books to my children for hours in bed in my pajamas while pregnant and mis- erable. Up to then I had struggled with attempts at using formal curriculum and lived with the guilt of not really "doing" school. My boys were frustrated when I tried to get them to write... or do math... or just about anything that required a few minutes sitting down desk-style! So (yup!) I became what most would call a relaxed unschooler. But wait! Don't stop reading! I really do believe there are many legitimate ways to home educate. This is just what works for us! What I really want you to see is this: If the Idoni family can do "nothing" and raise absolutely brilliant children (grin), then *I* should be able to relax a LITTLE BIT.

For a crash course in getting to know our family, here is a 5 year old article about us and how we came to our style of schooling, check out our website.

Keep in mind the boys you are reading about are now 5, 8, 10, 13 and 15 and have VERY different lives! My oldest completely "owns" his own education and now uses textbooks, outside co-op classes, college level courses, and self-study. I have no idea where he is heading, but he could probably be a college history professor! My 13 year old all-boy young man is simply passionate about ballet and spends several days a week at dance classes. He also is part of a ballet theatre company and loves the stage. He was, and still is in many ways, my shy one. Go figure! My 10 year old, whom I predicted would be an early reader if I left him alone, did indeed become my youngest reader at age 7 1/2. He took an Alpha-Phonics book and went to his room. Except for occasionally coming out to ask a brother about a new sound at the beginning of each new lesson, he indepen- dently taught himself to read in 3 days. That was pretty amazing! I'm glad I let him wait till he was ready. With him I would have been tempted to push earlier. (I do recommend Dr. Raymond Moore's "Better Late Than Early" for anyone struggling with boys and reading!)

We've had many changes in our lives since that article was written. For one, I now own and run a local children's bookstore part-time, counsel local parents, prepare high school transcripts, and run the boys to MANY more activities than we ever were involved in 5 years ago. We no longer have goats and chickens, but we did get a VCR and then a DVD player. Now we seem to own as many movies as the rest of the world! We also do a small amount of computer games. (I have stopped short getting them a "play station" and will continue to try to draw the line there until they are adults!! LOL) I can see a difference between my younger and older children (who weren't raised with the visual stimulation) and I wouldn't do it over again if given the chance. Still no TV, so we have less heartache than some who struggle with that as well.

Actually, our boys primarily still just play Legos(tm)... and read. They appear to be intelligent, social, creative and happy. They choose what they want to study and so far have exceeded what I would have planned for them.

So... if you are worrying about not "doing it all", just remember you are probably doing plenty! On those really bad days when you have given up on "doing school" -- when you are sick, pregnant, or just feeling a little anxious -- remember this strange unschooling mom who "does nothing"... and is doing fine. :-)

It should at least help you relax a LITTLE.