It’s happening again, and this time it’s closer to home—another school shooting has shaken the community. Recently, three people were shot at a local elementary school, including two children and a teacher. The assailant, a teenager, also tragically took his father’s life before carrying out the attack. A brave volunteer managed to stop him, but the fear lingers. This incident is a significant reason why I’ve chosen to homeschool my children.
I understand that homeschooling isn’t feasible for everyone. Many parents working multiple jobs or navigating single parenthood simply cannot take on this responsibility. It requires resources, time, and often a parent who can stay at home. I recognize how fortunate I am to have the option to opt out of the traditional school system.
My partner is a public school teacher. His school conducts elaborate intruder drills that feel surreal. Windows are covered, doors locked, and he can’t even open the door for a student claiming to be injured. During these drills, the atmosphere becomes tense and somber, with signs stating “Do Not Open. Active Shooter Behind This Door.” It’s sobering to think that preschoolers are now part of these drills, with parents sharing stories of their children practicing hiding techniques. One viral photo showed a little girl standing on a toilet, a stark reminder that their innocence is being stripped away.
Experts say that even young children should learn to act in such dire situations. However, the thought of my little ones facing such a terrifying scenario is unbearable. I can’t imagine sending my children to a school where they might be asked to confront a gunman. Active shooter drills were a significant factor in my decision to keep them home. The frequency of these tragic events weighs heavily on my mind. Every time I send my children off, I feel a knot in my stomach, knowing that no one can predict where or when the next tragedy will occur.
My middle child, in particular, struggles with anxiety and would be deeply affected by the very idea of school shootings. While my eldest would brush it off, my younger son would obsess over the details, leading to sleepless nights filled with fear. I can’t allow that kind of anxiety to dominate his childhood.
But concerns over safety aren’t the sole reason we’ve chosen homeschooling. We fundamentally disagree with the current testing-heavy approach in American education. My background in education allows me to curate a learning experience tailored to my children’s needs. We have the freedom to explore topics in-depth, like my six-year-old’s fascination with space and dark matter. This personalized pace means we can foster their interests without the pressure to conform to a standardized curriculum.
Data from studies show a staggering increase in mass shootings since 2011, with incidents happening on average every 64 days. Between 2013 and 2016, there were 160 reported incidents of firearms discharged on school grounds, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities. I can’t bear the thought of my children becoming another statistic.
In the end, homeschooling provides a layer of safety that is hard to ignore. While dangers exist everywhere, the risk of school violence is significantly lower at home. This choice, while multifaceted, remains fundamentally driven by the desire to protect my children from the harsh realities of today’s world. For those considering alternatives to traditional education, there are many resources available, including an engaging blog post on intracervicalinsemination.org and reputable online retailers like Cryobaby for at-home insemination kits. If you’re seeking support or more information on fertility and pregnancy, Drugs.com offers excellent resources.
In summary, while school shootings are not the only reason for my decision to homeschool, they are a significant factor. The ability to provide a safe and personalized learning environment for my children is paramount in today’s unpredictable world.
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