why i quit homeschooling and chose public school..
for context: i am a 25 year old stay at home mom to 4 boys, 2 of which have complex needs.
i really thought homeschooling would be THE thing for our family.
slow mornings, cozy lessons, learning at our own paces and delving deep into special interests.
then there’s reality. everything sat on my shoulders at once and it was too heavy for me.
we had to move in july right before the kids would have started school. for this reason alone i kept them home. i worried the transition would be too much for them, it was a lot for me, i thought i was doing what i knew to be the best choice. we moved again in august, a month before i gave birth to my 4th son. more big changes, more reasons to keep them close. shelter them. silently carry the stress of it all alone.
i didnt quit because i was lazy, i was burnt out in a way rest cant fix.
we took a break during my first week home with the new baby, and it was hard to get back into it. i have an argumentative 6 year old with big feelings, some days were hard on us both. although we did have the days we loved, achieving those days was no easy feat.
what public school gives us:
1. structure i don’t have to build myself
2. trained professionals with support and resources
3. consistent routines (huge for my kids)
4. social interactions without me forcing it 🫣
5. a mom who isnt constantly overwhelmed
for our family, especially with complex needs in the mix, its a support system. not a failure.
i 100% grieve the homeschool dream. i loved the flexibility and being involved with what my child is learning. just not the right season for it right now.
anyway i don’t think homeschool is bad, i don’t think public school is superior, i think when you’re considering your childs education to just really consider EVERYTHING and plan for the season of life you’re in.
i will definitely continue on with my 2.5 year old until he is old enough for prek, but hoping to have him evaluated for an IEP this spring to start school in the fall.
💬 anyone with similar experiences i would love to hear from you!
#homeschoolmom #embracevulnerability #parenting #education #letschat
As someone who has also navigated the challenges of homeschooling, especially with children who have complex needs, I can truly relate to the feelings of burnout and overwhelm that come with shouldering all the responsibilities alone. Homeschooling often looks idyllic with its flexibility and cozy lessons, but the reality can be much harder, especially during seasons of major life changes like moving homes or welcoming a new baby. One key factor that stands out in choosing public school is the access to trained professionals and resources that can support children with special needs more effectively. Evaluations for an Individualized Education Program (IEP), for instance, can open doors to personalized learning plans and therapies that many parents simply cannot provide by themselves at home. This doesn't mean homeschooling is a failure—it’s about finding what works best given your family's current season and circumstances. Furthermore, the consistency and structure public schooling offers can be invaluable, especially for kids who thrive with routine. Social interactions happen naturally in school, which can be a relief for parents who find it challenging to orchestrate social opportunities. This can reduce parental stress significantly and improve overall family dynamics. From my experience, it's important for parents to listen to their intuition and acknowledge when a change is needed. Homeschooling isn’t a static choice; families can move between options as needs and situations evolve. Grieving the loss of the homeschooling dream is natural, but embracing the new path can bring unexpected peace and progress. Lastly, connecting with other parents who share similar experiences, whether through online groups or local communities, can provide emotional support and practical advice. It’s empowering to know you’re not alone and that many families find balance through different educational paths. Remember, choosing public school over homeschooling isn’t about giving up—it’s about prioritizing your children’s well-being and your family’s capacity to thrive.
I like the idea of homeschooling, but it was so hard when I tried it. My son was eight and could never see me as a teacher could only see me as a mom. So when I was mom, I was gentle and kind. When I was “Mrs Bragna” I was strict and hard on him because I was trying to get him to do his work and he just couldn’t understand why mom was being so mean. I wasn’t being mean I just wanted schoolwork to get done. I wasn’t being mean I was upset that it took him an entire day to do a single page of math that he knows how to do. it was all very frustrating.