I think this is hilarious so I'm sharing but if it's not...

[Trivium Academy]

Oh well.

I posted today that we're going to put ds4 in preschool (go read the post if you're curious). Anyways, an Anonymous person says

You've just lost a blog reader. I don't believe it is a wise decision and it refects a double standard for your daughter and your son. I'd rather not read your posts anymore.

Lol :lol: Okay, so I'm supposed to care about someone unwilling to identify themselves who may stop reading our blog because of a life decision that affects our family only?? Not to mention my dd8 went to preschool.

This cracked me up, the absurdity of it- maybe those with the same sense of humor will laugh too. :D

[camibami]

I'll bet you're *really* going to miss that blog reader, huh?

:D

[OnTheBrink]

That is kind of funny. It's not like you're going to lose a dime because someone's not going to read your blog. LOL

[elegantlion]

Oh well.

I posted today that we're going to put ds4 in preschool (go read the post if you're curious). Anyways, an Anonymous person says
You've just lost a blog reader. I don't believe it is a wise decision and it refects a double standard for your daughter and your son. I'd rather not read your posts anymore.

Lol :lol: Okay, so I'm supposed to care about someone unwilling to identify themselves who may stop reading our blog because of a life decision that affects our family only?? Not to mention my dd8 went to preschool.

This cracked me up, the absurdity of it- maybe those with the same sense of humor will laugh too. :D


:lol::lol::lol: Don't tell, my ds went to preschool too.

[TeacherZee]

You are crushed I can tell:lol::lol::lol::D:D:D

[clwcain]

LOL

I got that once on my blog, when I still kept one. I ran down the IP address and discovered that that person had never visited my blog before. :lol:

[Cadam]

Oh dear Jessica, you really need to revaluate your life decisions based on the feedback of an anonymous stranger. Whatever will you do if someone disagrees with you!! :lol:

[DB in NJ]

:lol::lol::lol: Don't tell, my ds went to preschool too.

Mine did too. My dd and my youngest ds didn't.

Jessica, I think part of the "problem" may be that you've been very public in your curriculum choices, plans, school room doing and re-doing, etc. Many have followed your story of curriculum switches, etc. And after all that, you're putting your 4 yo in school.

Yes, it's a personal matter that only AFFECTS your family, but the entire process has been public.

I have no idea if that's on target or not; just trying to figure out WHY someone would feel the way this person does. I personally have no feelings on the issue whatsoever. It's your choice to make, and you've made it.

[Faithr]

Some people are so self-important. Really the arrogance is quite absurd. . . .

[Michelle in TX]

I just read your blog post about it and all the comments. What a harsh response from a total stranger, no less! Really incredible. I hope you let it roll off. Everyone has to do what's best for their own family at any given time. I think for a 4 yo boy to be able to spend some time just with friends, crafts, and play time is a win-win.

[H.S. Burrow]

:lol: Both of my kids went to pre-school.....and public school until 3 years ago!

Of course, I don't have a blog that someone - and an anonymous someone at that - is not going to be reading now!:lol:

I mean, what works for YOUR family is what works for YOUR family...

[krazzymommy]

Huh. Well, as one of your "blog groupies" :lol: I have followed your blog about how you have gone back and forth about putting D in preschool and your reasons for/for not doing it. It's appeared to be a hard decision and one that I don't believe you or your husband to have taken lightly. I applaud you guys for doing what you believe to be best for your family. (I better go read your blog post from today now, huh?)

My pastor always uses this example: he says he gets a lot of negative emails from people and he really does take to heart people's complaints and suggestions. However, when people don't care to acknowledge themselves, he has a hard time taking them seriously.

Don't worry, there's a lot of us who still do look to you for inspiration. ;)

[5knights3maidens]

Gee, I guess I'm really bad. 5 of mine were in pre-k plus 2 of them and #6 were in daycare for awhile. I was working there for necessary reasons. Oh well, I guess I'm bad. ;)

[Trivium Academy]

I'm not upset at all, I do think it is hilarious. I'm not 100% on board with ds4 going to preschool but it might what is best for him right now so I'm willing to step out of my comfort zone to try it. Personally, I think he'll love it and I can use this year to get dd8 to transition to working a little more independently. We'll see, like the post says, I can take him out at any time.

[Ishki]

My oldest went to pre-school and kindergarten. Guess I was setting a double standard. Some people have too much time on their hands.

Janet

[CookieMonster]

Oh dear Jessica, you really need to revaluate your life decisions based on the feedback of an anonymous stranger. Whatever will you do if someone disagrees with you!! :lol:

I know, right?! :lol:

[Sharon in SC]

We, veteran homeschoolers in our *10th* year of homeschooling, sent *both* dds to preschool. Gasp!! Older dd has been homeschooled since 1st grade, younger since Kindergarten. Preschool (two mornings a week for us) was but a blip on the screen.

[Mom to Aly]

Oh, Man!!!! Do you think if you cancel preschool they will come back? If you cancel preschool and beg? Pretty please? I think you should rethink your whole life, what if there is something else this person doesn't like? Huh????

;)

[Trivium Academy]

:smilielol5::smilielol5::smilielol5:

[Andie]

I'm not upset at all, I do think it is hilarious. I'm not 100% on board with ds4 going to preschool but it might what is best for him right now so I'm willing to step out of my comfort zone to try it. Personally, I think he'll love it and I can use this year to get dd8 to transition to working a little more independently. We'll see, like the post says, I can take him out at any time.


Jessica, I'm sorry you got such a dumb comment.

Thank goodness I'm not blogging anymore! I'd be in big trouble this week - The Littles are BOTH in preschool this year. 3AMs for Leo and 2AMs for Eleanor. Since we started hs'ing, we've still sent all our littles to nursery school and hs'd them for K and on.

Last year, when I blogged about Leo starting preschool, a good online "friend" reamed me out. Questioned my judgment and my mothering and my legitimacy as a homeschooler. I have to admit, it was hurtful.

You do what works for you! (They'll be by in a week or so to tear up your Really Really R E A L L Y A Homeschooler Card, though.;))

[magistramom]

Argh.
Don't let it eat at you.

It's like this with a lot of groups (your not a true or good Christian, Republican, parent if you_____). There are some die hard homeschoolers who will adhere to the notion that if you are in a PS, co-op, online school, vote or take a tax credit from the state (where available), dual enroll, afterschool, take online classes, attend educational seminars outside of the home... Well, if you do any of that, you will never be a homeschooler in their eyes.

These same people will also say that school in a box is okay (as long as it is from a particular school with a particular philosophy) and are sometimes the same people they don't blink when they are asked to check in with their distance teacher or take a test through that particular school, or fill out multiple forms to prove they've been homeschooling.

These same people do not count unschoolers as homeschoolers.

Sometimes the logic just isn't all there...

Reaching now, for chocolate...

[Dayle in Guatemala]

:lol::lol::lol:

Jessica, as a faithful blog reader I know that this has been something you've been really giving some thought to. It's funny to me that people would feel that way. I'm looking forward to reading about your ds's experience in school!

[magistramom]

sorry, double post...

[magistramom]

That didn't sound too illogical did it?

Anyway, I'm glad you're able to move beyond that comment and laugh!!!I think you will both have fun with this new venture. (we did it...) Enjoy!

Reaching now for the bag of M&Ms... and moving onto another thread.

[Mrs Mungo]

*All* of my kids attended one year of preschool, twice a week for 3 hours. It was playtime more than anything. *I* taught them their numbers, *I* taught them to read. My eldest is in seventh grade and I'm still homeschooling. So, you're in good company, Jessica.

[lovelearnandlive]

*All* of my kids attended one year of preschool, twice a week for 3 hours. It was playtime more than anything. *I* taught them their numbers, *I* taught them to read. My eldest is in seventh grade and I'm still homeschooling. So, you're in good company, Jessica.

:iagree:This is what I'm doing with dd4 and I will do it with dd2 also. I don't really consider preschool "school." It's more just somewhere they can play hard, get dirty and messy with art projects, etc. and I don't have to clean it up. =D

Anonymous comments crack me up. If you're too embarrassed about what you're saying to declare yourself, why bother??

[TN Mama]

Well, I don't really read any blogs on a daily basis (ok, maybe Ree), but I'm going to make it a point to read you daily now. Must make up for the one you've lost, right?

Give me a break. It's preschool. By the way, add me to the bad mommy list of those who sent their children to preschool (and public school). Not only did my oldest go to preschool, but then to public K and 1st. Now she's at home and - get this - I've sent her little sister to ps K. I know, I know... I'll never forgive myself.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

Oh well.

I posted today that we're going to put ds4 in preschool (go read the post if you're curious). Anyways, an Anonymous person says


I'll mail you a box of kleenex, Jessica. :D

You know, my big kids loved preschool. Adored preschool. They weren't full time, but they would have loved going every day. Both begged (in separate conversations) me not to home school kindergarten with their baby sister because of what a special time kindergarten was for them. And the now 4 y/o loves, *oh* how she loves kindergarten.

We still do Horizons Math and science and geography and reading and snuggling and giggling at home. It's just fun, and we fit it into the time that surrounds her happy days away from us.

We, like you, will figure this out a year at a time. And I know for certain that you are a concerned and conscientious mom and a bona fide grown-up who can make good decisions for your kids.

As for the drop in your blog traffic? Ah well. You can't please all of the people all of the time. :nopity:

[5wolfcubs]

I was just at your blog and saw that comment...and had to comment! :lol: I think I'll go back and join your readership now.

Doing the best for each child is one of the great things about homeschooling...and it doesn't necessarily mean doing the same thing for each child! Families grow and change, children grow and change, moms grow and change...but you already know that!

:grouphug:

[lovemyboys]

Argh.
Don't let it eat at you.


Ds here all went to preschool. I always thought it gave them time to be alone with friends and not be "the little brother" all the time. Can be kind of a nice time for them.

I'm sure you've done lots of research on what's best. Try not to let it bug you too much. Maybe it's someone who wanted to follow your lead on things and was surprised or discouraged by this change in your plans. She'll get over it, as will you.

Hope the little guy absolutely loves it and you and your daughter get some nice time together.

[VaKim]

Now, if you got lots of money for everybody who read your blog, just maybe...:D

[Sophia]

With the exception of my 6 y.o., ALL of my dc have enjoyed 3 y.o. preschool class.
Especially my boys.
We never had a problem transitioning them back to homeschool either.
You are still a first class mom ;).

[melissel]

Oh, for pete's sake. If DD3 would go, I'd enroll her in a heartbeat. And what's more, if there was a similar 6-hour-a-week version for DD6, I'd enroll her too!!! DD6 went to camp over 3 days a week over the summer, and their relationship benefited immensely from a little time apart. Plus, DD3 is still in the stage where she can't stand for too much direct attention to be paid to her sister without involving her, but she doesn't want to be involved in schoolwork, so she makes life difficult.

Our local play-based preschool is the equivalent of a Mother's Day Out program. It's not exactly Harvard for Tots. Some people just need to lighten up.

[runningirl71]

Sorry Jessica that someone was so judgemental on something that doesn't even affect them! But, you're not the first! I was subscribed to a ladies blog a few years ago that had her kids in public school. It wasn't a homeschooling blog but a recipe/how to save money one. And, yes, she did sell things. Anyways, she got an influx of nasty e-mail when some of her subscribers found out she didn't home school!

Anyways, look at the bright side. You actually have faithful blog readers! :)Well, minus that anonymous one!:lol:

Going to go and sign up as a "follower" right now . . . :) Oh. I already did that! :)

[Beth in SW WA]

Oh well.

I posted today that we're going to put ds4 in preschool

Great news, Jessica. My dd 4 is in preschool and we all are loving it! Its quiet here in the AM for the big kids to work on Algebra and Latin. Its a win-win :)

Your ds will have a ball -- and he won't be damaged for life. All my kids had the luxury of attending a really well-run, loving, clean, safe Christian preschool. No short-term OR long-term negative side affects. :)

[Kris]

I think this is hilarious so I'm sharing but if it's not... Oh well.

Well, it is.

What are they afraid of? Contamination? Good grief.

[Mom2legomaniacs]

Hmm, mine both went to nursery school as well. Even knowing I was going to home school. It was a good thing for us. Good luck with your ds for this!

[Crissy]

This cracked me up, the absurdity of it- maybe those with the same sense of humor will laugh too. :D

Oh, Jessica. I am so glad you have a great sense of humor about it.

Where do these lunatics come from? And do you really want them reading you blog in the first place? :D

[Jennifer3141]

Why would you care who reads your blog?? I don't get the blogging thing but that's just odd.

Jen

[Crissy]

Why would you care who reads your blog?? I don't get the blogging thing but that's just odd.

Jen

I don't think Jessica cares, but the anonymous poster seems to think she should.

[Danestress]

How much did you struggle with the feeling of, "but if I send him to preschool, FIL will feel like he "won" and I don't want to give him the satisfaction?"

I know I would feel that way. You are probably a bigger person, lol.

My boys both went to a Montessori preschool and *loved* it.

[Jennifer3141]

I don't think Jessica cares, but the anonymous poster seems to think she should.

Which is the part I don't get. Jessica would probably care if a friend or someone she respected questioned her decision but who cares what "anonymous" thinks?

And I'm not a blogger but do you lose points or something if people stop reading your blog?

Jen

[3lilreds in NC]

It cracks me up that someone would write that! As if you would take an anonymous post seriously enough, or any comments like that, to change your decision. WHATEVER.

Both my girls went to preschool. It was long before I considered homeschooling, but you know, I don't regret it a bit. They had a ball and I had a little break. Schmooey is most likely going to go, too. I don't think preschool is of the devil, for Pete's sake.

[riada]

... when people don't care to acknowledge themselves, he has a hard time taking them seriously.


:iagree: If you feel strongly enough about something to want to write to them and express yourself then you should be willing to sign your name to it. It means much more when you know who wrote it. If it is unsigned then I would toss the comment out and move on. In such a personal matter in the end all that matters is your family's thoughts on it.

[Jumping In Puddles]

My daughter goes to a wonderful montessori preschool 3 mornings a week and she loves it and so do I!

The anonymous poster seems to think that just because you are supporter of homeschooling that you are AGAINST traditional schooling.

With school, it doesn't have to be You're With Us, Or You're Against Us kind of mentality. :confused:

[ticklbee]

I find this whole thread funny. I guess when you blog, you open yourself up to all kinds of people.

Oh well, you can't take their comment seriously if they didn't believe enough
in what they said to leave their name.

[Trivium Academy]

Yeah, I'm trying to do what is best for ds4 not FIL or me. We're touring a Montessori preschool Friday, I think it'll be perfect from what the director said on the phone.

:D

[Mom2legomaniacs]

Yeah, I'm trying to do what is best for ds4 not FIL or me. We're touring a Montessori preschool Friday, I think it'll be perfect from what the director said on the phone.

:D

Good luck! It was a good experience for us to do that. Like a 2 morning a week play date with a lot of other kids.

[beansprouts]

Where do these lunatics come from? And do you really want them reading you blog in the first place? :D


Okay... I confess...
It was me.

[mcconnellboys]

I've heard this before, on our old boards. When someone would put one or the other (or all) their children into school for whatever reason, no matter what great reasoning they provided (as if it were any of our business), there would always be someone who would just castigate them for it. Weird.

Anyway, good luck to you on your journey!

[Kelli in TN]

Echoing the others regarding your decision to enroll him in preschool; I NEEDED my now 13 year old to go to mother's day out just to have some time for the tougher school subjects. He never did, there was no money for that, but it would have been so good for our family. We survived, but still.


ETA: I needed my now 13 year old to go to mother's day out when he was a toddler. Looking back at that, it seems like I might want to send my 13 year old to mother's day out.

Wait, do you think I COULD send my 13 year old to mother's day out? That sounds pretty good now that I think about it!

[clarkacademy]

I think it is your business. Your child. That goes for strangers FIL MIL whatever. I don't appreciate people trying to tell me how to raise my kids. That was really rude. Sometimes it is nice for the little ones not to be underfoot while the olders do school.

[Mommy22alyns]

Oooooo. They should probably stay off my blog too. Sylvia goes to preschool 2 days a week, and Becca did so too, for 2 years.

There's a world of difference between their little preschool for 8 total hours a week and full time school. Anyway, who is that anonymous person to judge? :tongue_smilie:

[Dayle in Guatemala]

Okay... I confess...
It was me.


Seriously?

[runningirl71]

Wait, do you think I COULD send my 13 year old to mother's day out? That sounds pretty good now that I think about it!
:lol:





I really shouldn't be laughing though. My now 13 yo goes to public school!:)

[beansprouts]

Quote:

Originally Posted by beansprouts http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?p=538542#post538542)
Okay... I confess...
It was me.


Seriously?

No, of course not! I would sign my name :D

Seriously, though, I admire parents who can be flexible enough to meet the needs of each of their children when it means making different choices for each of them. They are all unique and special individuals, and there is no "one size fits all" approach to parenting.

My dd did not attend preschool, but my 4yo did. It was what he needed, and he grew a great deal through the experience. I don't know yet what we will choose for 2yo ds, but I plan to stay flexible with him as well.

:grouphug:

[runningirl71]

No, of course not! I would sign my name :D

Seriously, though, I admire parents who can be flexible enough to meet the needs of each of their children when it means making different choices for each of them. They are all unique and special individuals, and there is no "one size fits all" approach to parenting.

My dd did not attend preschool, but my 4yo did. It was what he needed, and he grew a great deal through the experience. I don't know yet what we will choose for 2yo ds, but I plan to stay flexible with him as well.

:grouphug:
:iagree:

[StaceyinLA]

I know *I* wouldn't be able to sleep knowing that a complete stranger thought I was an unfit parent! :tongue_smilie:

I have home schooled forEVER!! Out of my 4 kiddos, one (oldest) went to ps for first grade, and only because my 1st dh had left me, I had given birth (alone-well, with no hubby) to my son, and lost my father, all in a few month span. I really didn't think I could pull off hsing that year, though, looking back I realize that I should've kept her with me. Of course, she NEVER gave me any trouble about going to ps. (she is now in her 3rd semester of college)

#2 dd has never gone to any type of school at ALL (she'll go next summer though, when she starts beauty college)

#3 dd went to preschool for a few hours/day a few days/week. At the time, I was a single mom keeping kids for money. I had a 7 year old, 5 year old, was keeping another 5 year old, a 4 year old, keeping another 4 year old, a 2 year old, keeping another 2 year old. SO, I had 7 kids 7 and under all day. My 4yo and the 4yo I kept (good friends' child) went to the preschool/playgroup. It was one mile from my house, and it probably SAVED MY LIFE!! That dd was home schooled for TEN years and just this year has gone off to ps for the last 3 years of HS.

#4 - no school ever - he may go for hs, but I'm hoping he'll stay with me a few more years!

All this rambling is to say that EACH CHILD IS DIFFERENT!! I know that I never thought I'd send a child to ps, and I will admit to even being judgmental of friends on occasion when they made that choice. I really regret that now that I realize there is a season for everything. There are also some kids who thrive on the school environment. My 10th grade dd is one of those. She is THRILLED in school, and she has been miserable for the last 2-3 years at home. I'm just glad I finally opened my eyes and realized that it didn't have to be all or nothing (or everyone or no one).

Okay, sorry for all that - don't know why I needed to go there, but apparently I did!

[beansprouts]

All this rambling is to say that EACH CHILD IS DIFFERENT!! I know that I never thought I'd send a child to ps, and I will admit to even being judgmental of friends on occasion when they made that choice. I really regret that now that I realize there is a season for everything. There are also some kids who thrive on the school environment. My 10th grade dd is one of those. She is THRILLED in school, and she has been miserable for the last 2-3 years at home. I'm just glad I finally opened my eyes and realized that it didn't have to be all or nothing (or everyone or no one).

I was one who used to be very judgemental as well. Then my best friend (a homeschooler for ten years) decided it was time to put her five children into public school. I gained a whole new perspective on the issue. I have learned to trust that any thoughtful parent knows better than I do what is right for their own children ;)

[BusyMum]

Sounds to me like your anonymous respondent is more committed to what is best for the promotion of their homeschooling ideology than what is best for the individual children.

I thought that the whole idea was that we homeschool because that is what meets the needs of our child/ren best not because homeschooling is the be all and end all.

[*anj*]

:lol::lol::lol: Don't tell, my ds went to preschool too.

So did my oldest. For two years, mind you.
When he was three years old he attended something a lot like a homeschool preschool, except it wasn't at our home. My friend Lisa and I hired a third friend to teach both of our boys three days a week at Lisa's home. She taught them a lot, but at the end of the year we decided to send them both to a regular preschool.

The regular preschool helped me to see that I needed to homeschool. He learned next to nothing at that preschool, most of the teachers really didn't seem to care about him as a person, we spent a ton of money, I could go on. Oh, and he was just on the cusp of reading when he went there, but completely lost all of that during the year.

But yeah, my ds went to preschool and he's fine now. There is simply no shortage of annoying people in the world. :glare:

[Tree House Academy]

Precisely why I don't have my blog in my signature.

But really, thanks for the laugh tonight. I needed that! Perhaps it was a queen or something since she seems to be used to her opinion being held in such high regard. ??

[Lisawa]

Boy.. you must be heart broken eh?:D losing 1 out of probably hundreds :lol: lol Good grief...

Your to cool Jess... I like your attitude.:D