Homeschool Regrets?

The following is a slightly modified version of my response to a forum post from three or four years ago asking what homeschool regrets that homeschool parents with older children had. I don't know why in the world I kept it, but it was fun for me to read. I am not sure how my answer would change today- I'll have to think on it.

I was fortunate to begin homeschooling with some guidance from an experienced family that encouraged me to start off slow. Also, thanks to ill health and other difficulties, we kept a fairly relaxed approach to our school. I really do mean thanks.

I probably would have much more intense if I was able to be.

I have always loved seeing and doing things with my kids- historic sights, fun places, service projects. Those are the best memories, and the things I wish we had done more of. When people tell you it goes by fast, you have no idea.

Fortunately, in spite of my many failings, my oldest three children are very capable adults. 

I don't regret too many things, I figure that it is my mistakes as much as the things that I did "right" that made my adult children the people they are today, however...

If I could go back, I would hug them more, listen to them better, be happier when with them, criticize less, praise more, and treasure each moment.

In many ways I feel like I have a second chance with my little guys, but it is not the same as being able to go back and really appreciate my time with my older kids.

I had added this on as an afterthought:
 
After having a chance to consider this question, I find it interesting that any regrets I have had nothing to do with schooling necessarily. There are so many things we did not get to that seemed very important at the time, yet I can say honestly that those things didn't matter. It's how I spent my time with my girls that comes to mind. 
 

Comments

  1. Jamie {See Jamie blog}June 1, 2011 at 12:06 PM

    Love this reminder. As I watch some of mine get older, it's making me re-evaluate what I'm doing with the youngest -- and what I will do with any little ones we add to the family.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJune 1, 2011 at 1:10 PM

    I really like reading this, thanks for the encouragement!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. PattyJune 1, 2011 at 3:40 PM

    Hi Lori,

    Regrets...I think I look back and thing more along the lines of "What if I had...." I can easily fill in the blanks on that one. I love hearing what veteran home school mothers have to say because they are filled with so much wisdom! I'm all ears when they speak (or write!)

    ReplyDelete
  4. GatheringBooksJune 3, 2011 at 2:12 AM

    Such a beautiful post Lori. I love reading through your reflections.

    ReplyDelete

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