So, my baby boy turned fourteen today. After weeks of indecision about what he wanted to do for his birthday, he finally settled on going to the beach. Turns out that was a good choice for him. The surf was up, but not too much, making a perfect day of boogie boarding for him and his buddies.
Sitting on the beach with another mom that I’ve only known for a short while, I had the chance to discuss homeschooling with her. Turns out she leans as heavily to unschooling as I do, and – not surprisingly – has faced the same concerns. Those questions that seem to hover at the edge of the conviction that this is the right choice seem to be universal: Are they getting what they need? Is it doing them a disservice to be so different in our education plan? Are they going to be successful?
That final question led to a great conversation about just what defines successful. I have always said that if my kids grow up to be happy and can provide for themselves, then they will indeed be successful, regardless of whether or not the rest of the world would classify them as such. And, you must know that when I say “providing for themselves” I simply mean that they no longer depend upon me or their dad to pay their expenses. I have no financial expectations for the boys. I will not measure their success by how much they earn – to me, that’s not important. If they choose to spend some time touring the USA in a VW Bus and working their way from town to town, I say go for it; what a great opportunity that would be. If they choose to work part time and live a frugal life so that they can pursue their non-paid interests, just grand. If they choose to focus on becoming a millionaire, that’s fine with me too, so long as they remain true to their hearts and are happy.
Happiness and a passion for life are much more important to me than a big bankroll. I believe that the style of education, the style of life that my kids are living creates that passion for life. Even if us moms have to talk through it on occasion to be reminded that we are doing the “right” thing.
by Meg, on October 22 2006 @ 4:42 pm
Lol – I have a very similar view. I usually say that I’m not an expert on homeschooling, only on homeschooling my family; and I won’t truly be an expert on homeschooling my own family until they are both out of the house and living their own lives. By which I mean, making ends meet and getting some sort of satisfaction from it.
by JoVE, on October 23 2006 @ 3:37 am
These ideas fit really well with some thoughts I posted last night. You might want to check those out, too.
by Tricotomania, on October 23 2006 @ 3:39 am
Process vs. product…
I recently had a conversation with Kim, which started in the comments of my last knitting post, continued by e-mail, moved into a post of hers and so on. It got me thinking. I thought I’d share those thoughts. At…
by Atypical Homeschool.net » Monday links & pics, on October 23 2006 @ 6:04 pm
[...] So, a perfect third party in the conversation is Paradise Found: I have always said that if my kids grow up to be happy and can provide for themselves, then they will indeed be successful, regardless of whether or not the rest of the world would classify them as such. [...]
by lapazfarm, on October 26 2006 @ 2:22 pm
I have exactly the same feelings about success. I couldn’t care less how much money my kids make or what they own. I just want them to be independant, happy, and fulfilled in their chosen vocation, whatever it may be.