How this all began!

As I sit here in this dark room listening to the waves crash against the rocks (sound machine), I am looking up how to write an NOI (notice of intent). "Why should I tell a perfect stranger-someone who I've never met before-how I plan to raise my children or what type of education I feel is best for them. Why should I explain?

It's unfortunate, but not everyone has the best intentions for their children, and some parents are far removed from their kids' daily lives. We all know this. But these are my kids, and I want to do what I think is best for them.

Why did I start thinking about homeschool? The world began to change in a way NO one saw coming. I avoid getting political in general, but I think our government could've been a little better prepared. Anyway… things we're changing. We were warned that schools might shut down. That there was a serious disease spreading rampantly. Did we listen? No…

“it’s just a bad flu? This will all be gone in two weeks." So then we went on the longest spring break anyone has ever known. I could have gotten pregnant and had a baby by now!!!

Because of all the unknowns and frequently changing mandates, the idea of pulling our kids out of public school seemed more appealing. My oldest has ADHD and doesn't do well with change. All of the interruptions caused by COVID were causing him visible distress. My second child loves other kids. He says he doesn't, but he needs people! What to do? Just as my family is leaning towards homeschooling, our district has decided to send kids back to school a few days a week. Finally, it seems like a light at the end of the tunnel. Oh, just kidding! The number of COVID infections is going up. Being in public without a mask is unsafe. Restaurants are being forced to close. Then just as everyone starts getting the hang of things, living this new normal, we're told that our schools are rolling out a Hybrid schedule, meaning kids are in school some days and not other days. Oops, the teachers in our school district didn't like this idea because they thought it was unfair to certain students. "What's that you say? Our teachers went on strike?" Well, that's just great.

Don't get me wrong. I understand why the teachers chose to strike, and I agreed with them. But it doesn't change that what the kids (and parents) went through was less than ideal. Kids switched teachers but then switched back. Finally got that figured out. Switched teachers again. "Well, guys, we'll go back to the hybrid model at the beginning of the quarter." So we start hybrid, which lasts about three weeks before COVID numbers in the school and state skyrocket again. Meanwhile, my kids (all of our kids) are adjusting to these new teachers, schedule changes, plus going to school, then back home, every other day. So pack all your shit up, kids. Then unpack it all every other day.

Then on top of all of this, one of my sons' teachers commented that if things were more organized and quiet in our home, while the kids were sitting at the dining table on their laptops, trying their best to be attentive in their virtual classes, it would be helpful. "Karen!! Would it?" This same teacher implied that she has to work, then go home to help her children with schoolwork. So maybe since I'm home, I could watch over what they do during the day. Say what? I'm sorry, I have a 3 yr. old that's potty training, a middle schooler who is feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out multiple classes, oh and I run two businesses. Sorry, I don't report to a building or traditional "job"' where I clock in and out of, but I do have more than being an SHM going on. Just because a mom doesn't share how busy she is on social media doesn't mean she's bored.

And this is my beginning/why…