This Job I Do For Free

Don't let anyone tell you that homeschooling isn't a job. No, it's not one for which you'll receive any monetary compensation. There may be other rewards along the way and at the end, but they aren't monetary in nature (unless, of course, your child gets merit scholarships, but you still don't personally receive that money).

Don't let anyone tell you that being a homeschooling parent is just like being a stay-at-home parent. I've been a stay-at-home parent, and I've been a homeschooling parent. They aren't the same.

I have three distinct jobs. I'm the stay-at-home mom to Purple Child. I'm both stay-at-home mom and teacher to Fabulous Boy and Eclectic Girl. I'm also the administrative and support staff - I have to make disciplinary and curricular decisions, after research.

This job I do for free is one that I choose to do, out of love. I care enough to do it to the best of my ability. I devise replacements for colored cardstock (construction paper, trimmed to 8 1/2" x 11"). I collect slow cooker recipes. I chauffeur to classes, co-ops, and extracurricular activities. I do everything I did as a stay-at-home mom, except I also research curriculum, make lesson plans, correct math work, discuss literature, teach Latin, run a science lab, and desperately wonder where to post a timeline. Without meaning to be conceited, I do this, and I do it all well.

Don't tell me it's not a job.