A New Beginning: A Filipino Mom's Journal

I have written an article here saying that I am convinced that Homeschooling is best for Theo. I still am. The problem is that when we attended a seminar at CFA for parents who plan to enroll their children in the homeschooling program, they were very strict with the age requirement, which should be 5 years old and above. Theo has just turned 4 so unfortunately, he is not yet qualified. They said we should just let Theo play. But i think, Theo is more than ready for school. Also, I feel a lot of time will be wasted if we just let one year pass by. Sure, I can still teach him. But as days pass by, I am getting concerned that he might start to think that life is just all playing. I worry that he might just get used to it that when it's time for him to start school/homeschooling, he will no longer be interested. At the same time, since my internet work is just starting to pick up, it's just right that the 'homeschooling' take a backseat for a while. I'm pretty sure that next year, my schedules and activities will be a lot more established already. CFA is also very strict about the parents who will be the ones to teach the children. They really have to be FULL-TIME (NO part-time whatsoever!) So, next year I have to make sure that my internet work doesn't interfere with our homeschooling sessions.

At Theo's school (the one he's enrolled at now), the headmaster (or was he the founder?) gave a very long, interesting and detailed talk about the school's policies, vision, mission and style during the orientation seminar for parents prior to the start of classes. After his talk, it gave me a feeling of assurance and relief that we have come to the right place. Before listening to him, I had a belief in my mind that there is no school or teacher who can equal the way a child's parents can teach him/her. But after listening to him, my mindset has somehow changed. I am now a bit more open to the possibility of letting other people take that responsibility of educating my son, simply because they are qualified. It's comforting to know that there is a school who can accommodate my child's educational needs aside from me.

So, we'll see after one year. If I am satisfied with the results and with Theo's progress, we might just let him continue to study there. Otherwise, we'll push through with the homeschooling program, especially if the pacing there is just too slow for Theo.