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Re-Reading People in the Library

Tamara Kidd, Tutor Your Own Child, April 2014

Overhearing a humble Librarian to patron conversation about how her not yet 3 year old still wasn't comfortable leaving mum to be in daycare, the words "Oh give her time, she'll get use to it. She has to. They all have to get use to it. And you know it's so important for their little social development. We just can't give them what they can get in daycare and preschool. It's good to learn it so they can succeed in school".

I hug you tightly in my mind fellow home educating parents. I hug you as a child who was neglected, a grown student who fought the system, a teacher who saw cruelty from people in power to children and their families. A parent who helps everyone I can but puts her children first then fails, says sorry, then puts them first again. I'm not forgoing 20 years of paid work for me... it's for them, my children. It's not a sacrifice really but it is... and WE ALL HERE ARE DOING IT. I listened and I felt angry about the lie we have in our culture...and I thought of all of you! Pushing that lie into the light.... seeing it for what it is and saying "NO MORE!"

What stopped me from saying something? Outspoken Tam... It was this....The mother then said "If I didn't have to I wouldn't... I just hope this job works out, I can't afford to loose it.... wish me luck" the Librarian replied "yes, you need a break hun."

It reminded me that there are bigger stories involved. It reminded me of so many people I've met who have said "I wish I could do that.... but...." and I've thought after hearing some terrible stories 'yep, it's not for you atm'.

We are doing it! How lucky are we. How brave are we. How wonderful is this life where we embrace the natural state of being with our children as they learn from the world. Just like other animals in nature, our children will leave us in early adulthood. I wonder if the Librarian knew there was an option but was saying those things to appease a mother in a no win situation? I know I've said the same to my friends who are mothers to schooled children.

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