I am a Pagan Homeschooler

Seriously! I am, and it's not an oxymoron. Many people still live under the misunderstanding that homeschooling is for the extreme Christian right-winger's living in a 'compound' somewhere in the west. But homeschooling is actually becoming more and more popular with Pagan families. Why? Well, for one, we Pagan parents tend to think outside of the box about parenting. We tend to fall within the Attachment Parenting purview. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term - Attachment Parenting is defined as parenting principles based on the attachment theory and developmental psychology. According to Wikipedia, "According to attachment theory, the child forms a strong emotional bond with caregivers during childhood with lifelong consequences. Sensitive and emotionally available parenting helps the child to form a secure attachment style which fosters a child's socio-emotional development and well being. Less sensitive and emotionally available parenting or neglect of the child's needs may result in insecure forms of attachment style, which is a risk factor for many mental health problems. In extreme and rare conditions the child may not form an attachment at all and may suffer from reactive attachment disorder as defined in DSM-IV and ICD-10. Principles of attachment parenting aim to increase development of child's secure attachment and decrease insecure attachment." Basically we tend to breast feed, don't do 'cry it out', may withhold vaccinations, and believe in keeping children "intact" (no circumcising). Not all Pagans live this way, nor do all homeschoolers, but I believe a large part of being a Pagan is believing in nature - if the Gods made my son with a foreskin I'm not going to cut it off unless his health demands it.

Furthermore, I wanted to give my children an education that was completely molded to their personalities. One that would allow them to focus on their strengths while gently working on their weaknesses. One that encourages them to be a 'square' rather than forcing them to be just another 'round peg to fit into the pre-formed holes' that represent the general public school system. I wanted them to not have to face peer pressure and discrimination until they were so strong in their own sense of self, that they would find such discrimination ridiculous instead of psychologically damaging.

Homeschooling also relates directly to my faith. I wanted to give my children an education strong in science and nature, one that was strong in History with an unbiased view - one that gives honest historical counts instead of the 'might makes right' that is taught today. I didn't want them cooped up in a cement building learning about nature, I wanted the freedom to take them within the beauty the Gods had blessed us with. I wanted to have High Holy Days off of school so that we could spend each one honoring the day and the Gods. A large part of my oldest sons curriculum is based on building his first Book of Shadows (he's 9 y/o). I'm trying to give him a well rounded religious education - one that teaches him the major tenets of all the worlds major religions, not just my own. Since being a Druid is about knowledge, I want my kids to know what I believe but be informed enough to make an educated decision about their own beliefs later in life. I wanted the freedom to take the Pledge of Allegiance and change the wording slightly - "under the Gods". I wanted them to be free to give blessings throughout the day without persecution, whenever the mood strikes them. Next year I'm hoping to expand his Book of Shadows to include the medicinal and magickal uses of herbs.

So, yes, my homeschooling is unique because we are a Pagan family. But, being a Pagan didn't really make the decision to HS for me. Really when my oldest was about 2 y/o I asked a friend who tested kids from Head Start to Kindergarten, what children needed to know to get into K. I was shocked and dismayed to realize he was already far past children 3 years his senior. I was dumbfounded - I didn't think he was a genius or that we did anything special.....just talked and read to him regularly. So I had to decide what to do, and I researched homeschool. I found out that in my state there were no rules about what I could and couldn't teach - no restrictions. That my kids could still go to a great college or get a scholarship later. That they could still play sports and do activities. (Which was mostly what convinced my hubby..lol). Once I realized my kids wouldn't miss out on any of the big events of childhood - except being bored out of their mind in school for 9 hours a day - I didn't hesitate. My kids have never been to PS. My 9 y/o tests at a 5 - 6th grade level and my 6 y/o tests at a 2nd grade level (which is common, since homeschool is mostly one-on-one teaching, kids tend to be about 2 grades ahead of their public school counterparts.) Anyone looking for more information to begin homeschooling, or encouragement, feel free to contact me! Or you can read my articles - Kickbuttmama's Articles. I'm working to put my son's Book of Shadows digital, which includes my lesson plans on things like the seasons and science. Once it's complete I'll be happy to share it!

Brightest Blessings!
Shannon
aka - The Kickbuttmama, Mistress LynxSeer