As parents, we are our children’s first teachers. We’ve taught them how to be human – to eat, walk, and talk. But can we teach them how to read, write, and do basic math? I say yes, even if you’re not a teacher by profession. Homeschooling doesn’t have the best reputation. I used to believe that it was a strange and extreme concept. Some people think it’s damaging to a child’s education and childhood. I’ve learned through several homeschooling bloggers that it can be a beautiful lifestyle and a way to bond deeper with your kids.
One of the major reasons I plan to homeschool is that it’s a safety issue for my three-year-old daughter, who has special needs. She can’t speak yet, so I am her voice. Since I’m a stay-at-home mom, I feel it’s my responsibility even more to educate my daughter.
After all, I’ve been with her every day since she was born. I know how she learns, and since she doesn’t speak yet, I know what she needs that a stranger would never know. Also, giving my daughter one-on-one attention for her education is crucial for her development, and unfortunately, that can’t happen in the school system.
My daughter is only three, and with her condition, we aren’t sure yet if she will have an intellectual disability. So, it is more important to me that she learns how the world works and how to function and survive in a world where I eventually won’t be able to guide and help her.
Just being out in the community provides so many learning opportunities. I need to foster the things she’s interested in that will eventually help her as an adult, and homeschooling allows us to do just that. I think most parents feel this way, whether their child is typical or has special needs. We all want our kids to succeed, to be self-sufficient, and to be well-rounded.
