Discuss Amongst Yourselves - December 5th, 2005

Sarah has taken on the job of homeschooling our kids this year. It's a decision she made for a variety of reasons. Because some of our kids needed more one-on-one support than they were getting at their
school. Because full-day kindergarten is an under-resourced, over-stuffed gong show. Because she was spending so much time volunteering at the school helping other people's kids when she could be more directly helping her own. And, fundamentally, because she felt called to do it.

I was nervous for her. There was absolutely no question she was capable of teaching the kids. She's an omnivorous learner, she's brilliant, and she can explain pretty much anything to anyone. What I was worried about was the weight of it all. We're playing it year-to-year, so it doesn't have to be a decade-long commitment, but even locking in for just one year is a tremendous responsibility. It's a full-time job and a half. And with the mix of ages between our kids, it's a challenge meeting everyone's needs inside of a day, ensuring the right content gets delivered at the right level. And beyond the teaching part of it, there are the opinions you have to hear. There are a lot of choices you can make about your lifestyle or your family that most people won't question, but when it comes to homeschooling people don't offer up the usual polite deference. People ask direct questions (why are you doing it? for how long? what about socialization?) and they expect an open accountability from you about the success of failure of things in a way they wouldn't if you worked most other jobs. Which is not to say that everyone's been critical. Some people have been incredibly supportive. People have said to me, "If anyone can do it, Sarah can!" and "Can she teach my kids too?!?"

And how is it going? So far: really well. Is every day perfect? Of course not. But by and large the kids are engaged, and happy, and really enjoying things. They have little-to-no stress about the school day. They have the time they need, whether it's to slow down when something's not easy, or go down the rabbit hole after something that's interesting. And Sarah can take advantage of when they're best equipped to learn - so there's no more forcing them to do homework when they're wiped out after a full day.

Sarah doesn't presume she's doing a perfect job. She's critical about what's she accomplishes, but she keeps her expectations realistic. Like the time she said, "I feel bad, because I don't think I gave them equal amounts of attention today . But, I mean, it is only day two..." In all other aspects of her life, Sarah wants to be better, do better, be more impactful - and she brings that same commitment to homeschooling. She knows, better than anyone, what these kids need, and she'll provide it to them firsthand. Being equipped for it and knowing what needs to be done doesn't stop the job from being very hard. But she'll stick to it and do great things. Because she is selfless, and committed to good, and wants to do the right thing. Just like always.