On Homeschooling Life…..

Vulnerability ahead…. I have been homeschooling for 5+ years, and the main reason I chose to homeschool was because I did not feel that I nor my family were seen or valued in the available educational environments. I am not assigning blame, only stating what I felt from my experience in the school system with my child. Which, was not much different than what I felt as child over 30 years ago. Fortunately, I as my children’s mother am able to give my children a different experience. I realize that I am privileged to be able to homeschool my children. I am sure that we are all aware of the choices and sacrifices that are made to share this experience with our children. For me and my family, there is nothing that can compare to the joy I feel in sharing this time and space with my family. However, I am sure many of you know the isolation that can be felt when you are one of the only people that you know who chose this lifestyle…..Much like when I chose to have home-births or when I chose to breastfeed beyond 3/6 (whatever societal limit), but those choices were different those, mainly affected me and my adult sensibilities. Homeschooling in isolation of the fear (I know we are not supposed to l lead with fear, but it is real) of my family and I being the token black family (because I have been that most of my life) is very inhibiting. I say all that to say….I am courageous and open and am hesitantly stepping outside of fear (horrible grammar, I know) of being seen, in hopes that I will be seen and not token-ised, or treated as other, and I will find people who are not scared to be seen either. Not scared to respectfully and lovingly, and sometimes, probably very passionately engage in the messiness of navigating through the sometimes murky and uncomfortable adventures and experiences of being human at this time in creation.