The Savage’s are enjoying a much-needed Spring Break. But when it’s over, I’ll be returning to something that I thought I’d never do again: homeschool.
Many years ago I homeschooled Anne in 7th grade and Evan in 5th and 6th grade. We made the homeschooling choice because quite honestly, Anne desired to be home and because Evan needed it from an academic perspective. It was for a season and for a reason.
This year has been an incredibly hard year for our 17-year-old. The fall was difficult emotionally and relationally. She even struggled academically—a first for her in the high school years. Throughout the fall she kept saying, “I need to get out of the high school environment. It’s not a good place for me.” Of course we did what all parents would do—we encouraged her to persevere. “Life get’s hard sometimes. You have to stick with it. It build’s character when you push through the hard stuff…” we encouraged.
Over Christmas break Erica became lethargic. She slept more than she was awake. This continued into January and we didn’t know if there was something physical causing this (all tests were coming up negative) or if the emotional was causing the physical. It was a very hard season for her and for us. By the end of January, Erica was asking me to finish out her highschool by homeschooling her. My initial response was no because she was so close to being finished (she was set to graduate in Dec 2008).
The physical exhaustion continued into February and finally on a third set of blood tests we had our answer—she tested positive for Epstein-Barr virus which is a marker for Mono. Now we had an answer!
After much prayer and discussion, Mark and I decided that the best thing for Erica emotionally, academically, and physically was to bring her home. The school has let us keep her textbooks for the remainder of the semester and she will finish up next fall with a mix of homeschooling and as a dual enrolled student at Heartland Community College earning both high school and college credit.
She made the transition about three weeks before Spring Break (and two weeks before the Hearts at Home conference!), so we’ve just started into our new routine, but we’ll really transition fully next week.
But the difference we’ve already experienced has been amazing. Erica is as relaxed as she’s been in a long time. She’s self-motivated to learn and has been very receptive to my leadership and teaching. She’s been pleasant to be around. It’s like the weight of the world has been lifted off her shoulders.
One of the reasons I value being home is because it affords us options. No, not the kind of options that money buys, but the kind of options that time buys. I honestly never thought I’d homeschool again but I guess it is again for a season and a reason.
Wow, lots and lots of prayers for you and for Erica on adjusting. I am so thankful to live in a country where home schooling *is* an option–where it can have it’s time and season.
May the Lord strengthen you for the journey ahead and may this last 1-1/2 years of high school with Erica be truly a blessing.
In Him,
Marcia
Praying that this season will be a blessing for you and for Erica. I am excited for both of you and praying for her healing!
Becky
High school can be so hard on kids today. What an amazing mom you are to make this decision!
I pray it is a refreshing time for Erica!
Thanks for the post Jill. Mya starts her school journey this fall. We are going to start with public school. I sometimes struggle with whether homeschooling would be the better option. It is good for me to remember that what we choose one year may change the next year. If I think about taking it one year at a time, the school decision seems less overwhelming!
I pray these next few weeks will be a special gift for you and Erica.
Megan
Jill! Congratulations for being flexible and listen to your child’s needs. That teaches me a lot! I homeschool my two sons and I encourage you to do it…..not that schools are bad,….but sometimes it doesn’t meet all emotional needs.
You have a lot to deal with now, so keep doing a good job in prayer!
Jill, that is great! I think it is a reminder to just stay tuned to each child and keep options open! I am sure Erica is SO grateful to have a mom who cares so much!
God bless!!
You’ll never regret the time spent with your daughter, regardless of her age, Jill. I’m praying this is a season of physical healing and emotional bonding! God has an
awesome plan for her!
Best of luck to you, Jill! It sounds like this is best for Erica right now. And, what a blessing, like you said, that you are able to do that for her.
We will be beginning to homeschool after the summer, and I am both excited and anxious. We are just trusting in God that this is what He has called us to do right now.
Jill,
Thanks for sharing your story. I am stsrting to homeschool my 9&6 year old children in Sept. 2008 and it feels good to know that we are all following the Lord’s leading concerning our children.
Ranita