I am married to a non-Catholic and we disagree on the education of our kids right now. I have never had a problem sending them to public school but suddenly in the news I read how more and more public schools are pushing homosexuality on our children, even in kintergarden! My son starts kintergarden and my two girls will soon start preschool as well. I have seriously considered homeschooling since we cannot afford the Catholic school nearby not to mention it’s too far to drive each day given the cost of gas and time…but I hate the thought of homeschooling. I don’t think I would be good at it and I worry for the lack of socialization my children need, especially my son since where we live families are more rural and not that close to each other.
Plus the biggest problem is my husband who is opposed to homeschooling. He believes socialization factor is SO important. What do Catholic moms in this situation do when their spouse is against such a most important decision? I don’t know what to say to convince my husband on this issue. Anyone have any ideas?
I was in a similar situation as you and I can only tell you what I did. My husband and I had agreed before we married that the future kids would go to Catholic schools. However, most of the Catholic schools here are CINO and the public schools are academically good. My husband wanted them to go to public school and I wanted to homeschool. I laid out all of the pros and cons and even ordered curriculum material to show him. I contacted the homeschooling support groups to prove that the kids could have plenty of opportunities to interact with peers. I also said that I would have no part in the kids going to public school. I would take on 100% of the homeschooling responsibilty but I wouldn’t do so much as sign a permission slip or attend a teacher conference at the public school. If he wanted them there, he would have to do it all.
As things happened, I stumbled on a small independant Catholic school that was just starting up. I drive about an hour each way (morning and afternoon) and everyone thinks I am crazy to do so. I still homeschool part time to supplement what they learn in school.
I do not recommend drawing a line in the sand like I did. I knew that my husband would never take on the full responsibility of the kids schooling so it was not a risky position to take.
Check in you area for local homeschool support groups(they may even be online). They generally have plenty of social activities for kids. They could also probably get you in touch with homeschool dads who could talk to your hubby.
The socialization factor is a running joke among seasoned homeschool families - it’s the first objection we get from those outside homeschool circles. School is not a “natural” social setting. People do not generally spend 6 hours a day with a room full of 30 people their own age.
Generally homeschooled children are very social (ofcourse there always shy children in any education circumstance.) Our daughter is an only child- so yes in the beginning socialization was a big concern. As you get more experienced you realize socialization comes naturally and it is a non-issue. She has all kinds of activities in social settings that I have better control of.
Did you get married in the Catholic Church? I believe one of the “requirements” for the non-Catholic spouse is to fully allow for the children to be raised Catholic, that includes the Catholic parent’s responsibility for a Catholic education.
Socialization is important, but I think you should think about what kind of socialization is important. In the public schools, there’s plenty of it but what kind are they getting? I argue that it’s more about peer pressure to act immorally and to think and act on things that aren’t holy.
Honeschooled kids can still play sports and be involved in clubs, etc. offered by the local school districts. There are more and more homeschool groups that comprise families and kids of all ages. Some are very large and offer plenty of mixing and learning opportunities.
There is plenty of curriculum options that offer solid Catholic teaching. I too struggle with this as I think I’m leaning towards homeschool unless I can find an affordable AND orthodox Catholic school. I personally think the gift of eternal life (through the solid knowledge about Christ and His Church) is worth more than any “socialization” a public school can offer.
Just my :twocents: Pray for your husband and do some research about the socialization issue. I’m sure he’ll come around!!! Good luck.
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I knew that my husband would never take on the full responsibility of the kids schooling so it was not a risky position to take.