Penny's SAHM Journal

March 30, 2003

Last week I met a home-schooling mother in a book store. She appeared next to me as I was perusing home-schooling materials. Since she had her children in tow during traditional school hours, I decided to ask, "Do you home school?" She shared that she has been doing so for the past four years. Formerly, she had been a teacher at a Christian school and explained that her primary motive for home schooling was to escape life's "rat race" -- thus, allowing more time for the members of her family to enjoy each other. Rat Race! I could relate.

One of the things that seems so unnatural -- yet is so natural within the context of today's society -- is that morning marathon. The activities of the morning within the home seem so fast-paced in order to arrive at our respective stations on time....whether it be work or school. Of course we could have more time to enjoy our children prior to school -- if we get them up at some ridiculous hour!

Looking at the reality of the situation, in most cases, we have to rigidly stay focused on the morning goal -- TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE. We depart from our homes -- not to be reunited with our young children again until about six hours later -- for those of us who are able to pick our children up as soon as school gets out. However, for those children required to go to after-school care, add about another two hours on to this figure. So, do the math -- the "system" gets our children for about 6 to 9 hours on a daily basis. We get them for about 3 or 4 hours -- after deducting sleep time -- if they have an 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. bedtime. See my point?

It just seems unnatural -- especially after hearing comments from experts who believe we are our children's most important teachers, and that when our children are grown it'll be the things we did with them that they remember most. So, why is the system versus child-development facts such a contradiction? To me, the facts imply that us parents have the greatest influence over our children, so why does the system force parents and their children to be apart for so many hours each day?

I feel absolutely blessed that God's given me the passion to be a stay-at-home mother, thus, I realize that my rat race is shorter than a mother who has to work outside of the home. Yet, my time with my child is still limited, too. If your child is like mine, after spending 6 1/2 hours in school each day, by the time he gets to come home, his goal is getting good ole' fashioned play outside with his friends, which, to me, is also a healthy part of his development. I can't deny him that. When playtime is over, it's basically time for dinner, shower, a book, prayer and bed. Where did the time go?

Now, don't get me wrong, this cycle works and works well for some families. I'm sure some families have no complaints. Something just seems a little "off" with it in my mind. That's why I'm so glad it's Spring Break this week. Thankfully, we have a week to escape the rat race. We'll finally be able to stop and smell the morning roses.


Penny 3/30/03
Momtoaboy@aol.com