I started homeschooling a little over two months ago. When the decision was made and we knew we were moving forward in this direction I had high hopes with respect to seeing the academic progress the kids would make. Lets just say I have not been disappointed.
What had never crossed my mind as this decision was made was the emotional growth I would see as well. The relationships between the kids has strengthened in a multitude of areas. They support, encourage, and cheer one another on. They are a different set of siblings today and I am so proud of each of them.
The biggest transformation has been with Oz and his relationship with me. It is no secret that he has always been Daddy's boy. The relationship between him and I has been an unbelievable slow work in progress. I had fully expected him to be well into his 20's before he allowed himself to completely attach to me.
I was wrong.
I cringe to think just how difficult school must have been for him. Sitting in class each day feeling defeated, less than, and longing to be where his peers are. Aside from his social life, which he LOVED, school must have been a slow prolonged torture.
Since I have home schooled him not only has he made leaps and bounds academically, but he has bonded to me in a way I never thought was possible. When we were about two weeks into homeschooling I noticed he was becoming more affectionate. He would sit my be just because, or find a reason to have some sort of physical contact. Then he started kissing my cheek at night as we went through our bedtime routine. This has been a treat reserved only for Dad. As his academic confidence grew, and our one on one interactions increased, so did his outward displays of love toward me.
It seems that as the weight of his public school experience continues to wash off of him, he is becoming a new person. He is so happy not to have to go to school anymore. He has never asked to go back, not one time. Although he has expressed his desire to go to middle school for 7th grade as he wants to participate in the sports programs.
He recently got over a week long illness which wiped him out. High fever, headache, cough, etc. It was so hard to see him in that state. He needed me a lot during that time, taking care of things like his medicine, water, juice, small bits of food, etc.
This past Sunday was his first day of feeling "back to normal" and it was so good to have my Oz back. We were outside and I told him how much I had missed his smiling face, and I was so happy he was better. That night as we were winding down from our day he said to me "are you the best mom ever?" and I said "I don't know, what do you think, am I?" and he hugged me and he said "Yes I think you are the best mom ever in this whole world"
It took two years for us to get to this point, and it is with joy in my heart that I look forward to what the next two years holds, and each year after that.
Thank you God...
