The suburbs are vast, and everyone is looking for that parent that’s just like them. This month we’re taking a look “Behind the Trike” and meeting the parents who bring Lake County to you every day. Today we’re meeting Genevieve, the accidental homeschooler.
Genevieve was one of the first moms I meet {IRL – in real life, as they say!} when I moved to Lake County. Her husband answered our Craigslist ad and came and took all our moving boxes, and I meet Genevieve the following Monday at preschool drop-off. My son is friends with and went to school with both her boys before she became an accidental homeschooler.
Explain how/why you are an “accidental” homeschooler…
I call myself an “accidental homeschooler” because I honestly never thought I would be homeschooling ANY of my children. I always thought they needed to be in a classroom surrounded by other kids and a cadre of high-tech resources to learn best. But, after spending so much time watching my boys’ natural sense of curiosity develop as they grew from babies to toddlers and preschoolers; and then seeing their love of learning diminishes in a crowded classroom, I realized that something had to change. After exploring many options, I prayerfully considered homeschooling and feel that it was a calling on my life all along. I am so grateful to have this opportunity with my sons. But, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that my daughter in public school has always been wildly successful in that setting. It just goes to show that one size does not fit all when it comes to education.
Had you ever considered homeschooling prior to all that happened?
I am a very structured person. When my children were little, I would schedule our days to include lessons and games just to avoid getting bored. People kept telling me I should be a homeschool mom, and I thought they were crazy. “No way! I’m getting these kids ready for school so I can have a break during the day!” But now I see that wasn’t part of God’s plan for my family. I think those people must have been put in my life to lead me closer to the day that I would finally embrace this opportunity.
What would your kids say about you?
My boys would say I’m fun and silly and really, really strict because I don’t let them get away with anything. My daughter would say I make the world’s best gluten-free pizza!
What was your most challenging moment at a Mom?
Nothing, absolutely nothing, was more challenging than when I had a toddler in the house! There isn’t a homeschool day yet that has been as difficult as those early years. I truly have a heart for young moms, especially moms who homeschool AND have little ones in the house. Now that my children are older, most days are bliss. And even if they aren’t, mom can always take a nap while the kids work it out!
What room in your house would you be most embarrassed of if someone dropped by unannounced?
The Master Bathroom, because there are dirty clothes everywhere!
Favorite Date Night Activity or Location:
This is going to sound really, really lame. But I love to go out with my hubby for dinner and then read books together at Barnes and Noble. Sometimes, we even close out the night with a stroll through Home Depot while we brainstorm future home improvement projects. . . I’d like to say we were more exciting before kids, but that would be a lie.
While they’re dates may be lame I can attest to how awesome their family activities are:
That would be a backyard “drive-in” theater complete with vintage drive-in commercials. They invite everyone in the neighborhood and then some. It’s quite possibly the coolest thing I ever did in the suburbs, and it’s the quintessential suburban summer activity. I think I tweeted it’s “what suburban dreams are made of“
Genevieve has been with Little Lake County since the very beginning and is spreading her wings this year as an Illinois Field Mom. She has three kids and lives in Grayslake. In her first life, she was a Health Educator. She is a certified Health Education Specialist and has a Master’s degree in Public Health. She may return to the field one day but for now, her expertise is used to prevent the spread of runny noses, sore throats, and the occasional upset tummy.
Read more by Genevieve.
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