I was never academically motivated. In my school days, I moved with socialization incentives. My mother swears that every morning I woke up to go to school so I could participate in the extracurricular activities. I would consider myself a "people person" and I have recently been diagnosed with ADD. Only few teachers could reach me in my learning days. I was/am a dreamer and even though physically, my body was sitting behind a desk, mentally, my dreams were far from the lesson that was being taught in that classroom. I regret being that kind of learner, but I feel that is the person I am. I learn from seeing and doing. I learn from getting my hands in the dirt and experiencing the lesson hands on.

With my learning style in mind, I wish for only a successful education for my children. I do not know their learning type, and it is my hope that they are clear thinkers and are able to focus. I am unsure of how they will be able to be reached with a lesson, but I refuse to let them sit back and miss out on the enjoyment of educating their minds. That is one reason my husband and I are considering home schooling this year.

I am not talking about the type of homeschooling one would assume with the normal stereotypes. Homes chooling has either changed or has never been what I preconceived that it was. They wear normal clothes and they are "normal" families. Some drink wine with the husband after dinner, and others pray with their families before dinner. In researching for this article, I have sat back and looked at the home school community in Cape May County. I sit back speechless; I sit back in awe. To this day, I have yet to meet a mom that had long hair and dressed only in skirts, who wore bear feet and was meek and mild. Maybe they are out and about in Cape May County, but I have yet find them. The women that I know are strong independent thinkers and they are intelligent human beings. They are an inspiration to me. Many are committed wives. The people that I have been introduced to are technologically savvy, domestic goddesses, chefs, homemakers, chauffeurs, caring citizens, and great moms. Many are certified teachers who choose to stay home with their families using their kitchen as the classroom. Some are single moms, some are working moms, and some are stay at home moms. None of them are anything what I had pictured (a few years back) as a home schooling mother.

Their children, for the most part, are hard workers, caring siblings, respectful, and little ones that are enjoying their youth. I have employed 2 home school teenagers with Fitness Playhouse and could sing their praises for longer than your attention span can take. I am delighted with the love this home school community gives.

I had to laugh at the numerous remarks that were on blogs posted by naive people advocating for public education. I asked a mom of 7 if socialization seems to be a concern to her. She replied, "socialization is only a problem if you let it be one. My children know how to deal with many different personalities just by waking up in this house," she said with a chuckle. "But," she continues,"we are part of a co-op, a marching band, and many other activities....just to be safe!" Socialization is not a problem unless you let it. These words can't stop repeating in my head. I agree with her. In a time of facebook, e-mail, and myspace, communication is far from being neglected. In a moment's time, I can find many home schoolers in Cape May County online. Is it possible that technology has changed home schooling? There are basketball leagues, band lessons, and full fledged drama productions, all serving the home school community in Cape May County.

I am sure that home schooling is not for everyone. Is home schooling for our family? We are still deciding. In writing this article, I have learned that homeschooling is more than what one uneducated person would assume.