Tuesday, March 07, 2006

A Nation of Homeschoolers

I received this note in my e-mail box this morning, and it just blessed my day. I've heard from many different sources about how the caller at Bard's dance was impressed with the group we had, about 100 people, and most of them homeschoolers. Sometimes it's obvious to me how well-behaved and impressive most homeschoolers are (there are always exceptions), but sometimes I'm so close to it that I can't be objective. Reading this from a non-homeschooler who works with a lot of people on a regular basis, I was encouraged.
"A belated thank you for the check for the birthday dance. I thought you did a beautiful job of organizing the event, and your daughter handled the surprise with great poise. It is a treat for me to work with home schoolers. I wish the whole country were full of home schoolers, from families that care so much about them."
Can you imagine it? A WHOLE COUNTRY full of homeschoolers from families who care so much about them? Wow! What an amazing thing that would be. A whole nation of parents who claim, who WANT, responsibility for their own children's education, who actually enjoy being with their children and learning new things together. Who don't blame someone else for their child's weaknesses but work with him to help him overcome and find his niche in life. Parents who provide the day's meals for the child, who actually know what kind of food is going into that child's body, helping to form his brain. Parents who literally oversee the child's learning as opposed to just trying to be sure that he finishes his homework and gets on the bus every day. Parents who care enough about their children that they actually stay home with them, converse with them, and get to know each other. Parents who actually protect their children from the violence, crassness, obsenity, ridicule and abuse that goes on in the public school setting. Children who actually know right from wrong and are free to use their day to learn instead of fighting through all of the distractions, fears, peer pressures, red tape, testing and requirements. Parents who can evaluate, daily, their children's progress and customize their education accordingly. Parents who are intimately aware of each day's activities and are always available to offer a hand, give advice, provide motivation, a pat on the back, or, better yet, a big hug when needed.

A family. A working, caring, functional family. What a concept.

What an incredible nation that would be.

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