*sigh* Some people just don't get it.
~ Joanne ~
Mom to Jacqueline (7), Shawna (11) & Cimion (13)
anunschoolinglife.blogspot.com/
Yesterday, my two unschooled daughters, 13yo and 16yo, were at their aunt's house. The 16yo goes down to use her updated computer to manage her camera, photos, photobucket. The 13yo went along for the ride. The 13yo mentions that she is considering going to school again (something she considers every now and then, my cue to quit taking a break and get on the ball again). Her aunt, who will be starting a new teaching job at a nearby school this year says, "Good. I think that will be good for you. I think your mom and dad never should have pulled you two out in the first place."
The 13yo says why, what's so great about school? Aunt says, "Well, for one thing school teaches you responsibility." At this point, the 16 yo is hooked into listening (thank God, she's more verbal and willing to state her position than the 13yo is, YET). The 13yo asks her aunt what she means by more responsible. Aunt says like getting up at the same time every morning to go to school. [Really poor example, I know, but both girls verify that she said it] The 16yo by this time can't stay out of the conversation. She walks in and asks her aunt if she knew that they did not get themselves up when they were going to school, their mom got them up, which is the case in most households. Aunt says you know what I mean.
When the girls related this story to me I told them I thought it was so ironic that she was concerned about my girls being responsible when this particular aunt has had both of them at one time or another babysit for her baby. If they hadn't displayed some type of responsibility, they would not have been asked.
In a different conversation with an old friend, I too, mentioned Jessie was thinking about it again. This "friend" said, "Well I would tell her that if she went back this time, she HAD to finish." I said Bullsh**! She said, "You aren't concerned that your kids will think they can quit anything any time they wish?" I told her NO. I had seen an example this summer where the 13yo got upset with her softball coach, considered quitting, we told her she could if she wanted, we understood why, and she ended up hanging in till the end of the season. I said I saw no reason why I should force my dd to stay in a situation that would potentially cause her unhappiness. The friend went on to state she did not understand our "path", when her kids were in school they provided educational activities most weekends and on holidays and she thinks that is why they are so smart. At this point I changed the subject because we had beat this horse before. NONE of her four children live near her or visit her regularly. There are even two grandchildren that one daughter is keeping from this grandma. I brought none of this up. But I did tell my own kids about it and how I felt. The 16yo said, "I would choose family over anything else, too."
Sally
