Hello, I am alive, and I have an announcement!

Lindsey, I know this was very difficult and you are very tender right now, but I have to come to Kim’s defense above, as I didn’t pick up from her post what you claimed she did.

Yes, you shared your heart, but can someone not express both disappointment or sadness at your decision (there was major sadness in your own post) AND what she said here:

“I hope the best for you!”

You seemed to have overlooked that part. She wasn’t scolding you; she was expressing her sadness and opinion at your decision with a legitimate concern, as she said:

“Schools are so bad right now…”

Like I said, I know you probably feel sensitive right now, for a variety of reasons, but does that mean, when you make your decision known to a homeschooling group, that others aren’t free to express their honest feelings -with decency – about your decision in return? In all honesty, I think her expression is something you’ve got to be prepared for, and without assuming the worst of the one who said it. Besides, no one can MAKE you feel guilty.

I don’t think Kim’s intention was to “scold” you at all; she was just expressing her own sadness at the decision, in addition to her hopes. She was being as vulnerable as you had been.

Lindsey,

I am glad to “see” you. I want you to know how much you inspired my family to simplify and get out of debt. We paid off all our debt, sold our home, and how we live in a 850 sq ft home with no mortgage. We do still homeschool but I always just take it one year at a time with no pressure on myself to continue. Be encouraged in your decision! If I know you, you prayed over this and it is exactly God’s plan for your family. I will miss you and hope that you won’t be a stranger. You still have so much experience you could share with others. Many blessings to you in your new journey with your children. 🙂

Mollie

Good thing Robin, as I had my eyes on your living book library! 🙂

Lindsey, I have missed your posts as well. I put my autistic son in public school in 7th grade because it was our best option at the time for him and for my girls on the whole. He has thrived in some significant areas; his speech and behavior, however, have been negatively affected by the public school environment.  But it has enabled him to receive the help he needs to take him forward in life, and it has enabled my girls to continue their homeschooling with me–in fact, one of them graduated this past June!

I will lift up your family in prayer about this new journey.  The only two pieces of advice I would give you is to stay close to your children (which I am sure you will) and to stay close to their teachers as well. Too many kids in brick and mortar schools withdraw from their families as they go through middle school and high school, and then their friends and teachers become so much more influential to them, not always in a godly way.  I also say to stay close to their teachers because you will not know half of what goes on in your children’s school day if you don’t, but if you keep in contact with their teachers, both you and they will appreciate the involvement and support.

I wish you well in future days.  And, as you said, if one or both of your kids hates public school (or if you & your husband do), homeschooling is still an option. If school goes well and they are thriving in their new school, then that’s more important than what other people think.

God bless your family.  We’ll miss you here….