The biggest thing that happened for us this month is registering the kids for school. As some of you know, my kids have been home schooled by my ex-wife for the past four years. It was originally my idea, so I have to share the blame for it not working out. We had our kids in a private school for eight years, starting with Fred in first grade. The school started going in a different direction with its instruction, and I was having difficulty coming up with tuition for four, so my then wife and I discussed it and started home schooling.
Unfortunately, while the idea can be great, especially if you're a certified teacher, or have a lot of education classes, and are suited to BE a teacher, not everyone is fit to be a teacher. As it turned out, my now ex-wife was not suited to be a teacher. She is not a self-sacrificing person, and over a period of time, the kids turned into little servants for Mom, instead of Mom's students.
My ex provides the kids with a list each day, of what they are to do. The first year of home schooling, these lists had school at the top, and things like "clean your room" at the bottom. By the second year, work for my ex's farm operation became part of the list. By the third year, the farm work was at the top of the list, and studying was something you did while you minded the shop. By the fourth year, you were lucky if there was any studying at all on the list for the day, and if it was on the list, there was so much to do ahead of it that you had no hope of getting there.
The worst part is that my ex put no priority on education. She would occasionally ask if you got some studying done, but never check. She was critical of public schools, private schools, internet learning, etc. Basically she doesn't trust authority OR respect it.
The good news is that, by pushing my ex all summer long, I've apparently pushed hard enough to get her to allow the kids to go to public school this year. Christy will be in 5th grade, Nicky in 6th grade, and Al will be in 9th grade.
We just spent the weekend buying new clothes and school supplies for the kids. Very expensive to buy a new set of clothes for everyone. But well worth it if they can be clean and comfortable in school, so they can learn.
Heather and I are nervous that my ex has something up her sleeve to sabotage the public school experience for the kids. But we have them for vacation this week, so we can prepare them for school without interference. Hopefully they will be well rested and ready to go when school starts next week.
I feel a real sense of accomplishment that we (Heather and I) were able to do something to improve our children's lives. Heather helped a lot. She truly earned the title of "Bonus Mom".
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