We have four children currently in four different grades of school.
One child is extremely intelligent. They struggle a little at first, to be expected, but after hard work and staying consistent with practice, they can usually be successful. In public school they were tested for the gifted program. It didn't happen because this child struggles with anxiety over pleasing and following rules so thinking outside the box isn't a strong skill set of theirs. Homeschooling allows them to stay focused on their goals and appropriately advance where they are excelling.
One child has high intelligence but academically struggles with basic concepts and step-by-step directions. Its been a struggle since they were a toddler. In public school they were in the special ed class to receive a smaller teacher:student ratio. They also received specialized help regarding tests and subjects they struggled the most in. But the "special" help they received, I believe, held them back from really gaining confidence in their abilities to be successful. If its too hard they've acclimated to crying and assuming I'm going to either do it for them or just give them the answer. After I refuse to do both and make them do their work, knowing full well of their potential and ability. They are usually successful but sometimes they still fail but I can see where their struggle is and we can continue to go over problem solving skills. Its a lesson for them to learn that its ok to fail as long as you continue to try.
One child is another with extremely high intelligence. Learning became very easy and sometimes boring to them. Their teacher noticed and reached out, asking if they could have the child tested for the gifted program. Remote learning happened before the testing could be complete. This child strives through arrogance to be better than everyone else, which has them excelling in school.
One child was hard to figure out academically for a while. Their personality is a "seize the day" and "live life hysterically." They are starting to showcase their academic skills with a, "very smart and unmotivated" personality.
Homeschooling has been a challenge the last two years trying to figure out everyone's preferred skill set and interests. Some kids are absolutely thriving, some are right on target, some we've had to set back and start from a lower level. Some are able to have "extra work" at a higher level to challenge them without throwing them "all in." And some (ok, its me), are working on patience and how to positively change the way mental health is being challenged.
All this to be done at the comfort of home.
All this wouldn't be available in public school. I question my ability and decision daily. I still contemplate sending all or some of them back to public school. But then I think about some needs that just wouldn't be met. I think about diagnosis and struggles that would get ignored or questioned. I see strong bonds being formed between these children. Having them so close together has definitely helped but its beyond just age spacing. They are growing relationships and becoming even better friends. They are spending so much time together, playing boardgames, exploring outside, and bonding over similar interests. I'm so thankful that we have this option that allows such things.
And the toddlers. They are the ones that truly test my mental health and capability of balancing it all. One toddler is so incredibly independent and daily steps over that drawn line of curiosity and disobedience. They are hungry for knowledge but it has to be on their terms. If I suggest it I usually get ignored or a no. But I don't push it too much. The other toddler is just a clingy momma's boy. They LOVE to color and draw but more often than not that drawing and coloring ventures to furniture and the walls if they're ignored too long. Potty training is a joke to one toddler and an absolute fit to another if they don't sit on the toilet as soon as they notice their diaper is dirty. They both don't like being told no or redirected by me so I can focus on some other things whether its related to school or basic house chores/duties. (Heaven forbid I try to pick up a game spilled by the same toddlers demanding my attention or cater to another sibling hungry for the same attention from me.) Day after day its the same battle and some days I succumb to the anxiety and give in to my emotions.
I say all this because...well...I don't entirely know. Encouragement for those contemplating. Encouragement for others to know they aren't alone in feelings and struggles.
Its tough balancing everything, whether you choose to homeschool or not. But we know our children are worth it and the struggles we face as parents will, hopefully, lift our children up to succeed.
