Homeschooling Family Interview: Billie

Today's interview comes from admitted night owl, Billie. I wonder if she typed out her interview answers at 3 a.m.?

1. How long have you been homeschooling (or if finished, how long did you homeschool)?

I home schooled my kids from birth. My husband did just decide to put the kids in this semester though. My oldest is 14... so that'd be 14 yrs... or if you want to talk more formal schooling... My oldest was reading at 3 1/2 so about 11 yrs.

2. One of the main benefits of homeschooling is the freedom and flexibility it allows. Can you give us a few examples of how this freedom and flexibility benefited you (your family)?

Homeschooling truly does allow great freedom! Freedom to teach what interests your child. Freedom to slow down or speed up the learning process as each child needs it. And lots of freedom where time management is concerned! If you're a night owl (like me) that means the family can adjust their school hours to fit when they get the most restful sleep.

Freedom to school around family illnesses or appointments. When my father-in-law was dying the kids took turns going with us to the VA hospital and seeing Grandpa while the other stayed home and schooled with their maternal Grandmas. They got the extra Grandma time and got to spend the last available moments with their Grandpa as did their father and I.

Freedom for vacationing/fieldtrips! That's one of my favorite. I love to vacation after the majority of kids go back to school in the fall or before they are let out in the spring. You get private tours, no crowds, shorter lines & lower rates.

3. Another benefit of homeschooling is the fun factor. Can you give us a few examples of some especially fun times you had as a result of homeschooling?

Fun? Hmm... how about JOY? The joy of getting to watch their great discoveries and achievments! Not just the first spoken word and the first step... but the first written word, the first read word, the first math problem, the first scientific discovery, the first everything! Why stop at rejoicing with the first step?!

And yes fun too! Playing learning games, giggling over the little mistakes or misunderstandings that happen, hearing all the cute funny things your little ones say. Going on fieldtrips. Park days or Game days with other homeschoolers. Nature hikes. Every moment of joy your kids have...you get to enjoy along side them.

4. We all have funny experiences while homeschooling. Can you share one of yours with us?

I can't think of a specific instance at the moment, though there have been plenty!
-Billie