The Words Parents Never Want to Say
By Mimi Rothschild
In the life of every homeschooling parent there comes that special time, when the moment comes that you realize your baby has grown up. For parents who homeschool, this is often a bittersweet realization. You have been there for nearly every moment of your child’s life, and now it’s almost time for your baby to spread his or her wings and fly alone. It is a proud moment for a homeschooling parent, but it is also a somewhat frightening one. Where will you be when you realize your baby is no longer a baby, and your homeschooler is on the brink of adulthood?
One of the best ways to record and relive the special moments of a homeschooler’s childhood is to write letters to your children. You don’t have to give the letters to them. In fact, it is probably a better idea to keep them yourself, until you can give them to your children when they can look back and remember the things you’ve written about. Writing letters is an excellent way for a homeschooling parent to communicate feelings they are unable to express in words. Often, a homeschooling parent can work out problems they are wrestling with in their minds by writing to their children as though they were discussing it with them.
One homeschooling mom was debating going back to work, at a time when money was particularly tight. In the letter, she asked her daughter what she would think if Mommy had to leave. This homeschooler wondered whether their family really needed the money, or if she was just considering going back to work for her own self-esteem. She wrote questions to her daughter asking whether she would remember their special relationship, or if she would grow more attached to her babysitter than her mother. Once she neared the end of the letter, she had practically talked herself out of going back to work. Soon after, her husband received two raises at work, allowing her to continue homeschooling the children.
Children grow and become adults. Parents who chose to homeschool have made the decision to be present for every moment of childhood. They make the most of the time they have together with their children, and they ensure their children are raised with the solid morals and values they might not receive in a public school. Homeschooling parents are committed to their children. Sometimes, the act of homeschooling can even better prepare parents for that “my baby is all grown up” moment, because they know their homeschoolers have received the best possible education in a loving, caring and nurturing environment. Many homeschooled children become successful, responsible and compassionate adults. This is just what the world needs.