Introduction
Hey! I’m Rina, 27, single mum to two beautiful, smart, caring, cheeky, energetic little dudes. L (Munchkin) is 4 almost 5 years old and E (Bugaboo) is 2.
I suffer with 6 chronic illnesses, Fibromyalgia, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, Obsessive compulsive Disorder and Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction are the main ones. I have a passion for acting, photography and learning… Whilst also having a love for nature, movies, music, crafts, Halloween, exploring, Autumn, Birds, science etc… You name it, I’ll probably find something I like about it! Unless it’s jelly, I don’t like jelly 😂
How long have you home educated for and what made you decide to do it?
Technically I’ve home educated since L was born, but officially been home educating since January 2015.
I’ll admit I was “peer” pressured into putting L into preschool. He started at the tender age of 2.5 just before E was born. I know right, still a bahby! I can tell you now, I wasn’t particularly comfortable with it but thought I’d at least try and it couldn’t be held against me.
Anyway over the year he was there we encountered several issues and difficulties, despite my constant attempt and effort – to cut it short the preschool was not at all helpful or supportive. So I withdrew him at the Christmas half term and haven’t looked back since.
With my continued approach it is now come to light that L has suspected ASD and SPD. This was discovered shortly after I chose to do the right thing.
Parents – you must ALWAYS follow your gut instinct no matter what others say!
Apart from that side of it, I personally don’t believe in the school system. Don’t get me wrong it works for some people but it doesn’t bode well with me and since doing HE, L is so much happier and has learnt way more than he did at his year of preschool!
Briefly describe your home ed style. Do you have a ‘typical’ week and what does it include if so?
At this current moment in time we adopt the Free Range Learning approach with a tiny bit of “structured” learning. In other words the boys are free to learn what they want, how they want, when they want, as they want and for however long they want to. However there are days or moments in the days where L will want to work on reading or writing etc… E might want to learn to balance his blocks or be taught how to use a scooter etc…
Then there are times where I will “set up” learning activities. For example I may put out a science experiment or say that we’re off to the woods to identify trees and birds.
Also not forgetting day trips, our most recent was a free lambing event with other HE kids. The children all got to learn about the lambs and have cuddles with them too! 🙂 🐑
What was your highlight of home ed last week?
Aside from socialising and having lots of fun with our HE friends and our School friends, one thing that stood out to me was when L was trying to help E and he recalled information that he had previously learnt last year. He made the connotation with what he was seeing, adapted it in his mind and then taught it to his little brother so he could learn to do it a different way, a way that would currently be easier for him and his toddlerness. It made me really proud!💕
What is your favourite thing about home edding your children?
Omgosh! Where to start? 😄 Everything! Haha.
There’s zero pressure (in various aspects), especially for the children. Freedom is a big one. You can do what you want when you want and that comes down to the tiny details aswell. There’s no unnecessary laws, silly school fines, uniforms, no need to ask permission to have a drink, no extra fees, restricted times, homework, you get the jist.
You get to be with your children, be a part of their education, see them blossom and grow. See their confidence grow with their understanding of the world. You get to create those beautiful memories with them and not only is it special for us as parents but it’s incredibly important and priceless for our kids! Oh what’s that? You want to take your kids to the beach tomorrow? Excellent off you go, have a great day!
Last week your kid helped you do the food shop whilst helping to pay for the shopping? That’s fantastic, I bet they loved having that independence and learning important life skills.
I could really go on here, but I personally feel the positives massively out weigh the negatives.
What do you find most difficult and why?
People’s complete ignorance and judgemental opinions! Just incase you didn’t know, home education does NOT mean isolation! Seriously, it couldn’t be further away from that. My children socialise way more being HE than being in preschool and clicky baby groups.
Also the assumption, everyone assumes my kids are in school and assume they will be next year etc… and they assume that putting them in school is “easier” but once again, for us that’s the complete opposite. Not only does L have his difficulties but E has multiple food allergies, So….
What advice would you give to other home educators?
DO IT! Those if you considering, do it! 😁 Ok, I know it’s a scary step and we worry if we can provide the right education or if we are skilled and smart enough etc… Yes to the above. Your child will guide you and at the end of the day if it reeeeeally isn’t working then there are other options. It doesn’t have to be forever if you don’t want to but I’d recommend it!
As for other Home Educators, relax, explore, make memories, laugh, take lots of pics, but mostly ENJOY! 📷
If you would like to follow us or see snippets of our adventures, the following social media is where you can find us. Come say hi, feel free to ask questions!
www.facebook.com/rw.pics.official
facebook.com/rinasrandomnessofficial
I will leave you with a lovely selection of Rina’s beautiful home ed photos…
Autumn leaves led to us making these beautiful autumn Munchkin Pumkins…
Thanks for sharing Rina!