Dr. Phil,
I admire you in a huge way. However, I truly believe you missed it big on what it means or what it is to homeschool. Do you understand the process of homeschooling? Do you know the training classes that are involved or not involved? Conferences? Support Groups? Curriculum? I truly believe you missed the mark. You only scraped the edges of homeschooling. And its much bigger than you or anyone else understands. Unless you delve into it and really get to know a day in the life of a homeschool family you nor your audience can objectively see homeschooling for what is really is. I hope that you are enlightened in a way you never expected.
On your show, you provided your audience with 1....1 disgruntled homeschooler. How long did it take you to find that one? And why wasn't the other side represented? Those individuals that believe they had the best education? LIke the girl from Los Gatos California that was granted 3K$ from an HP scholorship to attend Standford to become a doctor. Where are those kids and why aren't they represented? You didn't broadcast a homeschool highschool or 8th grade graduation. You didn't broadcast what the kids get to do their Senior Year of high school. I believe that you were partial to one side and thats the side you aired to your audience. Who knows, maybe HSLDA will set you straight, and I can watch your show again without wincing in pain.
A loving Homeschool mom,
Kelly Byrne
oh btw, if you really want to see REAL homeschool kids and their homeschool experience, check out www.flickr.com/photos/kellyschaos or www.kabobskorner.blogspot.com and try to tell me you think my kids are antisocial or dont participate in enough outside activities with other kids.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Proud Homeschooling Mom
In response to Dr. Phil's un-enlightened episode on homeschooling on October 16th.
I am an extremely proud homeschooling mother of two beautiful children! I have the privilege of watching my children learn and explore their world through their eyes everyday. I can say with pride, I saw my childrens first steps, and heard them read their first words. I see the succeed everyday in every way. My children aren't social outcasts. They aren't behind in school. As a matter of fact my daughter excels in all areas of academics. She just turned 5 and reads and writes better than most 2nd graders. She is a social butterfly. Any time we go out she politely makes conversation with adults and kids alike. Shes a wonderful ray of sunshine. She is this way because I can instill in her daily, the mindset and attitudes that are appropriate for getting along in the world. I am in charge of her every day. I make the choices of what she is exposed to and what she will learn and when. When my daughter is approached by an unkind child at the park, we can sit and talk about it. I dont have to find out months later when she comes home from school devastated that someone was mean to her at school. My daughter attended preschool. A Chrisitan Preschool. Every day that I picked her up from school, the teachers had something negative to say about her. This is not the kind of influences I wanted on my daughter. I want more for her than what public school offers. I want to instill a love for learning and the love of people. I want her to know she can make a difference in the world. How? By participating in community service activities, volunteering etc. At 5 she has a kindness and a passion for others that far surpasses most high schoolers. And this because I have the impact to help her to develop into a productive part of society, not an outcast.
My husband and I both attended public schools, my husband in Canada and myself here in the states. There isn't a difference. My husband is extremely gifted and was bored through the majority of his school years. He was beat up on a daily basis because he was smart and didn't fit into the "mold". He had teachers tell him he wouldn't amount to anything as an adult! (his mother verified this to be true she fought many times for him in the school system, she was a teacher in that system).
Now for me, in 5th grade, myself and the other kids in my class were unable recite our multiplication facts. By the time I was a junior in high school, I hated attending school so much that I missed 75 days that year. It took me 5 times to pass the PSAT test to graduate. I left my Senior year to attend College and excelled. My first year of College I learned more than I had in my 3 years of highschool. In highschool I was more worried about why my friends decided not to speak to me on a particular day instead of listening to what was going on in class. And hearing the chuckles of those same so called friends and crying through most of my classes, being told to grow tougher skin. A whole new world opened to me, and for the first time I was thrilled to learn! I was sponge soaking up as much knowledge as I could still hungry for more. A passion I had never known before.
I swore at the age of 19, that when I had children it would be different. At that time I didn't know how it would be different but it would be.
Everyone sees homeschooling as parents locking their kids in their homes doing school all day and never seeing the light of day. All you hear is what about sociallzation, the kids will be weird, they wont know how to act in public. What people dont understand is, Socialization is the reason TO homeschool. The kind of socialization my daughter and son will learn in public school is the kind I will pass on. There are many kids that leave public school without social skills. Social skills dont have to be developed just inside of school. My daughter partcipates in Homeschooling Soccer, church activiites, swimming, we goto plays and shows and parks and have playdates weekly with other homeschoolers, and many field trips each month with other homeschoolers. My daughter is able to participate in more as a homeschooler than she ever would in a public school. When She has questions we stop and answer them, if she wants to learn about something we stop and spend as much time as she is interested in to learn about that topic. My daughter can tell you the lifecycle of a plant, what anemonies are, what it means to be a loving person, and how to include others and be kind. Already she far exceeds most adults. Because she has learned to love, care for others, and listen to other needs. If thats all she learns till shes 10, I have succeeded in educating my daughter.
The world today is one that honors gay marriage, sex before marriage, teaching children about homosexuality in kindergarten, publically selling Porn in magazines in the corner mag stands, but when it comes to parents schooling their children its considered abusive. The world does not fit into a tidy box. Its filled with diverse individuals. And who are we to judge people for their differences or how they choose to live their lives. You may not agree, but we as homeschoolers never asked for your permission in the first place. But we ask for the peace to raise our children the way we see fit without the interferance from those who are ignorant about the process. Educate yourself and just maybe you might be enlightened.
I gave birth to these children. God gave them to me to raise. And raising them is what I will do....up to and including school.
EDUCATION
(Webster’s 1828 Dictionary)
The bringing up, as of a child, instruction; formation of manners. Education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness in their future stations. To give children a good education in manners, arts and science, is important; to give them a religious education is indispensable; and an immense responsibility rests on parents and guardians who neglect these duties.
I am an extremely proud homeschooling mother of two beautiful children! I have the privilege of watching my children learn and explore their world through their eyes everyday. I can say with pride, I saw my childrens first steps, and heard them read their first words. I see the succeed everyday in every way. My children aren't social outcasts. They aren't behind in school. As a matter of fact my daughter excels in all areas of academics. She just turned 5 and reads and writes better than most 2nd graders. She is a social butterfly. Any time we go out she politely makes conversation with adults and kids alike. Shes a wonderful ray of sunshine. She is this way because I can instill in her daily, the mindset and attitudes that are appropriate for getting along in the world. I am in charge of her every day. I make the choices of what she is exposed to and what she will learn and when. When my daughter is approached by an unkind child at the park, we can sit and talk about it. I dont have to find out months later when she comes home from school devastated that someone was mean to her at school. My daughter attended preschool. A Chrisitan Preschool. Every day that I picked her up from school, the teachers had something negative to say about her. This is not the kind of influences I wanted on my daughter. I want more for her than what public school offers. I want to instill a love for learning and the love of people. I want her to know she can make a difference in the world. How? By participating in community service activities, volunteering etc. At 5 she has a kindness and a passion for others that far surpasses most high schoolers. And this because I have the impact to help her to develop into a productive part of society, not an outcast.
My husband and I both attended public schools, my husband in Canada and myself here in the states. There isn't a difference. My husband is extremely gifted and was bored through the majority of his school years. He was beat up on a daily basis because he was smart and didn't fit into the "mold". He had teachers tell him he wouldn't amount to anything as an adult! (his mother verified this to be true she fought many times for him in the school system, she was a teacher in that system).
Now for me, in 5th grade, myself and the other kids in my class were unable recite our multiplication facts. By the time I was a junior in high school, I hated attending school so much that I missed 75 days that year. It took me 5 times to pass the PSAT test to graduate. I left my Senior year to attend College and excelled. My first year of College I learned more than I had in my 3 years of highschool. In highschool I was more worried about why my friends decided not to speak to me on a particular day instead of listening to what was going on in class. And hearing the chuckles of those same so called friends and crying through most of my classes, being told to grow tougher skin. A whole new world opened to me, and for the first time I was thrilled to learn! I was sponge soaking up as much knowledge as I could still hungry for more. A passion I had never known before.
I swore at the age of 19, that when I had children it would be different. At that time I didn't know how it would be different but it would be.
Everyone sees homeschooling as parents locking their kids in their homes doing school all day and never seeing the light of day. All you hear is what about sociallzation, the kids will be weird, they wont know how to act in public. What people dont understand is, Socialization is the reason TO homeschool. The kind of socialization my daughter and son will learn in public school is the kind I will pass on. There are many kids that leave public school without social skills. Social skills dont have to be developed just inside of school. My daughter partcipates in Homeschooling Soccer, church activiites, swimming, we goto plays and shows and parks and have playdates weekly with other homeschoolers, and many field trips each month with other homeschoolers. My daughter is able to participate in more as a homeschooler than she ever would in a public school. When She has questions we stop and answer them, if she wants to learn about something we stop and spend as much time as she is interested in to learn about that topic. My daughter can tell you the lifecycle of a plant, what anemonies are, what it means to be a loving person, and how to include others and be kind. Already she far exceeds most adults. Because she has learned to love, care for others, and listen to other needs. If thats all she learns till shes 10, I have succeeded in educating my daughter.
The world today is one that honors gay marriage, sex before marriage, teaching children about homosexuality in kindergarten, publically selling Porn in magazines in the corner mag stands, but when it comes to parents schooling their children its considered abusive. The world does not fit into a tidy box. Its filled with diverse individuals. And who are we to judge people for their differences or how they choose to live their lives. You may not agree, but we as homeschoolers never asked for your permission in the first place. But we ask for the peace to raise our children the way we see fit without the interferance from those who are ignorant about the process. Educate yourself and just maybe you might be enlightened.
I gave birth to these children. God gave them to me to raise. And raising them is what I will do....up to and including school.
EDUCATION
(Webster’s 1828 Dictionary)
The bringing up, as of a child, instruction; formation of manners. Education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness in their future stations. To give children a good education in manners, arts and science, is important; to give them a religious education is indispensable; and an immense responsibility rests on parents and guardians who neglect these duties.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Tom persuading me to read parenting advice......
tom: hey honey my sister sent me this email article about tough love vs spanking
Kelly: I really dont need to read anymore parenting advice. I have enough crap swirling around in my head I just need to be consistent.
Tom: No honey it was really good and I think you would like it. Its a pretty short article.
Kelly: No I'm not really interested.
10 minutes passes, and before he leaves for work
Tom: honey can I just have 5 minutes of your time.
Kelly : what honey I'm trying to get ready for school
Tom: just 10 minutes
Kelly: *sigh*
Tom: read this
Kelly : *grumbling in my head, he never freaking listens to me.....why does he bug me so much, why can't he see I'm rushing to get ready for school, doesn't he realize that I'm trying to get back in the groove, and reading a stupid parenting article is the last thing I have time for or want to do...fine I will humor him because I want to honor him and not be a fiesty brat today.
*kelly reads......a smirk grows on her face*
Kelly: ha ha that was funny...ok ok that is about how I feel 100% of the time :)
Tom: I knew you would like it
Tough Love vs. Spanking
Most of America's populace thinks it very improper to spank
children as
was the preferred method of yesteryear. I recently heard from a
friend who
has tried other methods to control their kids when they have one
of "those moments."
One that she found very effective was to just take the child for a
car ride
and talk.
They usually calmed down and stopped misbehaving after their
little outing
together.
I've included the photo below of one of those sessions with my
friend's son
in case you would like to use that technique.
Kelly: I really dont need to read anymore parenting advice. I have enough crap swirling around in my head I just need to be consistent.
Tom: No honey it was really good and I think you would like it. Its a pretty short article.
Kelly: No I'm not really interested.
10 minutes passes, and before he leaves for work
Tom: honey can I just have 5 minutes of your time.
Kelly : what honey I'm trying to get ready for school
Tom: just 10 minutes
Kelly: *sigh*
Tom: read this
Kelly : *grumbling in my head, he never freaking listens to me.....why does he bug me so much, why can't he see I'm rushing to get ready for school, doesn't he realize that I'm trying to get back in the groove, and reading a stupid parenting article is the last thing I have time for or want to do...fine I will humor him because I want to honor him and not be a fiesty brat today.
*kelly reads......a smirk grows on her face*
Kelly: ha ha that was funny...ok ok that is about how I feel 100% of the time :)
Tom: I knew you would like it
Tough Love vs. Spanking
Most of America's populace thinks it very improper to spank
children as
was the preferred method of yesteryear. I recently heard from a
friend who
has tried other methods to control their kids when they have one
of "those moments."
One that she found very effective was to just take the child for a
car ride
and talk.
They usually calmed down and stopped misbehaving after their
little outing
together.
I've included the photo below of one of those sessions with my
friend's son
in case you would like to use that technique.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Caitlin School Funny
So we are going over money in school. You know, the difference between pennies, nickles and dimes. Which are more, less, equal to etc. Well here is a conversation Bean and I had about money and I had to blog it.
So I ask caitlin, " I have 10 pennies in one hand and two nickles in the other, which one would you rather have. Caitlin looks me in the eye serious as can be and she says, "all of it cause I love money and I want to go shopping"
* kabob slaps herself in the forehead *
At least she's honest!!!
So I ask caitlin, " I have 10 pennies in one hand and two nickles in the other, which one would you rather have. Caitlin looks me in the eye serious as can be and she says, "all of it cause I love money and I want to go shopping"
* kabob slaps herself in the forehead *
At least she's honest!!!
Monday, November 13, 2006
A new Church
So we've been hunting, searching, seeking for a church for quite awhile. Our church Closed down the last Sunday in July. We've been to many churches. One church I had found to visit before the close of our church was The Journey. I had showed Tom and he wasn't interested, his reasoning, we hadn't left the church we were at. God knew what he was doing, shortly after our church closed. After the close, we just started to visit churches our friends would invite us to. Needless to say we didn't find anything. I had lightly mentioned The Journey again, but he didn't take the bait until our friend Jon started going there and invited us to come. I was soo not happy. I was mad because i couldn't figure out why it took Jon inviting us before he would go visit. Thinking back, I probably should have been more like, we are visiting this church on this sunday. Its not like I lack the bluntness gene or anything. I can be pretty demanding when I want to be. Anyway, before our visit, everywhere I looked somehow The Journey would pop up. Now that we've been visiting I think this is the church for us. I really like the Pastor, he is real and very confident in what the church is doing. Stable. Oohhh Stable. I dont know what thats like, a stable church in the Valley. And everyone is so nice. When you walk by they just say hi like your a regular attendee, or if your talking they will jump in and join in the conversation, its not like they seek you out and get into those all to uncomfortable, so your new conversations. Or try to "recruit" you into their church. If its a fit, awesome come join us, if not good luck finding the place God has for you. Its definitely a switch. We will keep praying that this is the place for us. We will keep you posted. In the meantime if you want to check them out, its takethejourney.org.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Newest Member of the Byrne Clan
Tom and I are the proud aunt and uncle to the newest member of the Byrne Clan. Michelle and Vince are the proud parents of Rebekah Marie Laframboise 8lbs 13 ounces 20.5 inches long. She was born this evening (not sure exact time) Mom and baby are well!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Home at last...
Ok so I'm finally home. When the wheels touched down on the pavement in San Jose, I let out a big sigh. Mostly of relief but some of it was from just pure exhaustion. It felt so good to be so close to home. My own bed, my husband, and my kiddies. I could see our house, ok so our neighborhood, as we flew by. I gotta put something on our roof that you can see from the air, we fly so much it would be fun to have something like that up there that we can have on so we know at night exactly where our house is. But anyway I'm home. However, I just do NOT know where to start. My house needs a good cleaning and my kids need a good playing with, I need to get school going again and I need to vote so I have rego over all my stuff for that. (Its been so long since I've been in the area I almost forget whats up on the ballet) I do know with great certainty what is on the ballet in Ohio.. Kinda weird that way. (pause) Ok I was fixing my glassse and apparently I dunno how, but I glued my fingers together. Its been awhile since I had the super glue in my hand, musta been a wet spot on my glasses. I have so much to post to, but I guess I should really start with something constructive, like playing with my kids :)
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Sustaining Grace Group Photo 2006/2007
Christian would not sit for this picture, so Caitlin is only pictured.
Halloween 2006
This year I missed taking the kids trick or treating. However my amazing husband took over and escorted the kids around the neighborhood for some fun.
Long time No type......
Wow, so its been several months since I've blogged last. I was shocked to find that my blog was still active. A lot has been going on here. We've been extremely busy with our usual day to day family routines. We started homeschool in September after labor day and have been going strong. Caitlin seems to be enjoying school and is flying through everything. I almost have a hard time finding challenging things for her to do. Shes working on 2nd grade reading, which we've finally hit an area that challenges her. Everything comes so easily for her that it makes her VERY angry when she has to work to get her words correct. She is a whiz at Science and Math. And she loves both. She loves to write stories and seems to write at least one or two princess stories a day. One of which was a story about mommy princess that was eaten by a dragon....I believe that was the jist, I'm not sure if I like that story tho. :) School as been fun, we've been on break since October 24th, as I flew to Ohio on the 25th to help my mother with my grandmother. Its been a challenge to be here watching and ultimately waiting for my grandmother to pass away. We've a great time one friday evening. It was just her and I. The way I've always enjoyed it. I actually said a few words at her funeral and had them play a song for her. It was nice and I did make it through the entire thing without fumbling and crying to much. I did have to stop a few times but it went well. I will post my words at the bottom. My brother caught me afterwards and said He was doing just fine until I spoke. In my mind I keep thinking *cha ching* Others could feel how I felt and thats what I wanted. Anyway, I will be going to the cemetary tomorrow for the burial of the ashes, next to my grandfather. Mostly just immediate family. I am going to place a few things in the vault for grandma's safe keeping. Things I know she will love. During the services I finally was able to see my cousins whom I haven't seen in so long. It was great to get back in touch with them. Of course we all exchanged email addresses (gotta love the information age) and there should be no reasons we can send out a howdy every now and then. After the burial, I will be heading back to Columbus to catch my flight back home. I am so excited to see my babies. I've missed them so much. Oh and I miss my adorable husband as well. He's a trooper. He's put up with so much from me these past couple of weeks. Bouts of sobbing, yelling and even some down right temper tantrums. :) Stress it does crazy things to ya. All in All everything went smoothly, but I'm glad its over. Hopefully when I get home I can do some journaling about death and my experiences with watching someone die. Morbid I know, but I've learned a lot the last couple of weeks and I think sharing would be a good thing. Ok off to finish the packing I go........
Me and my Grammy August 2000 at Tom and I's wedding
Me and my Grammy August 2000 at Tom and I's wedding
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