Extra-curricular
Usually I (Andrea) am the one who receives most of the doubtful, sometimes accusatory, questions about home schooling. “Why don’t you send your daughter to school?”, “Aren’t you afraid she isn’t going to develop socially?”, “How many hours a day do you spend schooling her?”, “Can she read?”…and on it goes. Admitedly, these threw me for a loop at first. Most of the time I was caught open-mouthed, tongue limp without a reply. Well, I’ve built up my repertoire of responses aimed at educating the masses while (hopefully) maintaining tact and propriety.
Well, the tables were turned just a couple weeks ago and it was Tim’s turn to defend our educational choices for Ireen. One of the many issues raised was that of extra-curricular activities. In response to the skeptisism, my creative and ever-resourceful husband came up with a solution, ‘We’ll hire a swim coach for our children”. Brilliant! We happen to live over the wallfence from “Andrew’s Motel” which has a beautiful arrow shaped pool, replete with 2 rock waterfalls and nicely maintained grounds. We also happen to be friends with a family whose son swam for the Zambia National Swim team and coaches a variety of sports at the outrageously priced yet prestigious American School.
Three days a week my kids are now taking swim lessons. Generally, it’s the highlight of their day and Ian is amused that his Coach is also named, Ian. “Two Ians, Mama!”. Enjoy the following pics of their lesson today:
Andrea,
I sympathize with you! I know it is better than when my mother was home schooling me, but it still catches you off guard when people are so rude. I am blessed to live in an area where home schooling has gained a great deal of acceptance, but I still get the occasional comment about my children. It is nearly impossible to bridge the gap between a worldview that says children are to be raised for the good of society by the government, and a worldview that says children are a heritage from the Lord to be brought up by their parents in the fear and admonition of Him.
I don’t know how much support there is for you where you are, but there are many good homeschool groups for you to connect with other families online. Sometimes it is nice just to know you are not a three-headed monster – and the only one on the planet, at that!
Looks like the kids are enjoying it! I love your photo enhancements, too
Maybe I should hire a swim coach for Isaiah, too…Unlike Ian, he is deathly afraid of getting his head wet…even in a bathtub!