Before long, social media will be flooded with heartwarming back-to-school photos. You know the kind: kids with bright smiles, missing teeth, and stylish outfits, clutching their shiny new backpacks. “BACK TO SCHOOL 2023,” a little chalkboard will proudly announce (seriously, where do parents find those chalkboards? Did I miss an exclusive mom event?). “JACKSON GRADE 2, EMILY GRADE 4,” they’ll beam, holding up perfectly crafted signs with fancy lettering.
The signs will detail favorite colors (red or blue, pink or purple — every year, one child will boldly declare “rainbow,” and that kid will be my favorite); future career aspirations that are probably unrealistic; their favorite foods and pets, and whatever else their parents deem worthy of remembrance. There will be pigtails, stylish shoes, and all the cuteness one can handle. It’s equal parts adorable and a bit nauseating, this ritual of capturing fleeting childhood moments.
In contrast, my family is still lounging in pajamas. Our school year began in a laid-back manner this August, one subject at a time, so gradually that we didn’t even notice we were officially schooling until we found ourselves knee-deep in reading assignments and math drills. For us homeschoolers, the back-to-school rush is just another day in our routine, which can be both liberating and a tad melancholic.
Consider the museums and zoos that are typically crowded during summer. Like many homeschooling families, we do our lessons in the morning and reserve afternoons for adventures. Suddenly, our favorite spots are blissfully empty. No longer are there rambunctious kids throwing sand in the dinosaur dig pit or shouting at the gorillas, which is a relief for my 5-year-old, who insists, “They’re apes, not monkeys!” Unfortunately, the older kids rarely take him seriously, conditioned as they are to tune out younger voices.
We cherish the peace and quiet of nearly deserted attractions. We can stroll hand-in-hand through the zoo or engage in thoughtful discussions at the museum without being pushed along by throngs of people.
However, the onset of the school season also signals the return of field trips. Oh, those chaotic field trips! They can rival rock concerts in terms of noise level (and trust me, I’ve seen my share of intense live shows). Rows of children in matching shirts, teachers shouting about lunch, and a horde of kids almost bowling over my 3-year-old can be quite overwhelming. I get it; the excitement is palpable. If my kids were in the same situation, they’d be just as exuberant.
Back-to-school also means our homeschool co-op kicks off, which requires me to drag the kids out of bed every Friday morning. For children used to sleeping in, this is no small feat! I scramble to get everyone dressed, slap on some makeup, gather supplies, and prepare lunches with all the necessary accouterments (like peanut butter spreaders and wipes). For a mom who’s used to a leisurely morning routine, this is quite a challenge. Then it’s off to a church for structured lessons and socialization. Managing my two older kids, who both have ADHD, can be rather… interesting.
And yes, back-to-school means budget-friendly school supplies—like catnip for a tiger. Though we don’t have a long list of necessities, we do enjoy splurging on science kits instead. My kids have eschewed regular pencils in favor of pricey gel pens. We stock up on watercolor sets, glue, and all sorts of craft materials. Who doesn’t need a protractor? Let’s just say, we might end up with two!
After our shopping spree, we return home to play with our new supplies. Then I scroll through the back-to-school photos on social media. They evoke a bittersweet nostalgia. I imagine posing my kids on the front porch. What would that look like? Three boys in pajamas, messy hair, brandishing signs that read: JACKSON READING: GRADE 2 MATH: GRADE 1 SOCIAL STUDIES: WHAT DO YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR? SCIENCE: ALL THE THINGS. I’d need to write really small because it wouldn’t fit neatly on a sign, but that’s kind of the point.
This lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but it’s perfect for us.
If you’re looking to expand your family, consider reading about boosting fertility supplements or explore options on in vitro fertilisation for more insights. For those on a journey toward family planning, check out this journey of hope for a family of four as a valuable resource.
Summary: This article reflects on the contrast between traditional back-to-school celebrations and the unique experience of homeschooling. It captures the joys and challenges of a relaxed education style, the excitement of field trips, and the bittersweet feelings that come with social media comparisons.