The moment our daughter was born, my husband and I experienced a depth of love that we had never imagined possible. I have always loved children and knew I would love my own more, but there are no words to describe the powerful emotions and responsibility that we recognized at that moment, looking into our firstborn’s eyes. “Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!” Psalm 127:3-5a

I worked hard to obtain an associate degree in Theology. I also worked, in the construction, caregiving, and restaurant industries. In 2009, I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). I enjoyed working as a Paediatric nurse for several years at two different hospitals. I cared for children of all ages and worked with parents to see them recover from their illnesses. It was a rewarding phase and at the time I thought it would be my “forever” job. However, when I moved to Ireland and applied to An Board Altranais, I was told that my education was deficient to work in Ireland. Apparently, the system in the United States of America is vastly different from the one in place in Ireland and they refused to recognize my qualifications. I was devastated, I appealed but was again denied. I received this final denial less than a month before our first child was born.

Later, I realized that this “devastating” life-altering career challenge, was in fact a gift from the Lord. I could no longer work in the field of my choice without massive further education of which I was not ready to start. The only jobs available to me were menial, compared to my education. I would have been willing had we really needed to, but as we pondered on the situation, we really felt that my time would be far more valuable at home. At home, I could care for our daughter full time, I could mind the house, support my husband, and be involved in our growing local church.

When the time came to begin school, we looked into all the possibilities – Catholic school, Educate together, Protestant school, and home-schooling. I talked with other parents, a counselor, and with the principal of the nearest local school. To my surprise, this principal told me, “I always wished I could home-school.” He strongly encouraged me in this, saying that I could have a far greater influence on my child’s education working with them one-on-one than my child would receive in a classroom setting where there are many students to only a couple of staff. After much prayer and considerations, we embarked on the journey of home-schooling.

There are many different ways a family can choose to Home-school. Ireland is one of the few countries that has captured in its constitution that it is the right of parents to educate their children. As of year 2000, families were required to register with TUSLA once a child is six years old. An assessment is completed before you are meant to begin. There are many curriculums to choose from with varying levels of structure. We chose Sonlight, a U.S-based curriculum that includes all subjects. I find the schedules and teaching manuals invaluable, giving me both structure and flexibility to teach with the assurance that I am not missing anything important. For the Irish language aspect of the curriculum, we may take courses or have a private tutor in the future. As for continuing education, there are several options when the time comes. Home-educated children can take the Leaving Cert or FETAC courses, there are also some home-school curriculums that allow for a diploma. My children are involved in GAA – sports and have private music and swimming lessons.

As for costs, it can be expensive to home-educate depending on the curriculum and extra-curricular activities. However, when you deduct the school fees, books, uniform costs, and sports fees. I don’t think the cost is entirely different. Our curriculum is able to be used for all four of our students (children), significantly reducing the cost. There are no school bus or carpool fees, no afterschool or childcare costs. A family may also save significantly on food bills with decreased packaged and restaurant foods.

Now, I have four children and continue to be a full-time homemaker and teacher. I have an amazing opportunity to help our children develop. I get to see the areas where they are struggling, what they enjoy, and also where they excel. We spend countless hours reading, playing, and doing housework together. On sunny days, we go outside. On rainy days, we curl up by the fire. I know my children better than anyone else. When they begin to read their first books, I take pride in knowing that I was able to teach them. My children play together, they have overnights at Grandpa and Grandma’s and are learning to sew, cook, and garden. I never miss their GAA practices and matches, and I nurse their wounds when they come crying for a plaster.

When they have questions about science and nature, we study our books, look on the internet, and then go outside to explore it further. We have been able to discuss sex education and other social and cultural issues from the context of a loving family. We teach them Religion, History, Math, and Geology. They explore art, clay, pottery, and paintings. My children know they can ask any question and expect to receive an answer or to explore it further. As for social interactions; we attend church, participate in sports, arrange play dates with friends, fellow homeschoolers, and Grandparents. They go to the shops with me and learn how to manage money and plan meals on a budget.

One of our children has certain medical issues for which I am certain he would be bullied for. At playgrounds and other events, I have seen bullies approach and heard some of the things they say. Because I am constantly available, I can see when other children say something harmful. My child knows he can come to me and I am able to help him process what was said or done. In the home, we are able to provide a safe and loving environment.

Yes, there are many challenges as a full-time homemaker. There is nearly never a break. It is a 24/7 demanding job. Sometimes, the children fight and I feel like a referee and disciplinarian much more than the image I had of a genteel mother quietly rocking her children to sleep. Bedtime can go on for hours and hours, with constant excuses, “Can I have a drink of water?” “I forgot to brush my teeth!” “I need to go toilet again, really!” “Please, another story.” I am a nurse, a caregiver, an educator, a taxi, a coach, a cheerleader, a chef and restaurant operator, a spiritual advisor, counselor, personal shopper, and friend. I am a mother, a full-time, always available, no chance of quitting, mother. The rewards of this job are endless.

Selah

Heather coordinates the children ministry of our church and blessed are those young ones. Thousands of us left other continents to practice nursing in Ireland but as I passionately interacted with Heather regarding her routes back into nursing practice in Ireland, I observed a mother who has found greater and nobler purpose in home-educating her children and preparing giants for the future. In this leftists' 21st century and with all sorts out there, Heather's is another great path on how to preserve remnants for God.

© Selah Series 2021