There is no perfect decision. And every decision is a trade off. We have one son in public school, one son in private school, and one son being homeschooled. Whatever brings out their spirit and doesn't crush who they were meant to be, wherever they thrive, wherever they feel accepted and OK..that's where I'll take them.

You did make the right decision I am certain of it because in this case there is no wrong decision, just different appropriate choices.

What you need is a sister-wife to do the laundry and entertain the toddler whilst you teach chemistry and Latin.

Nothing is permanent; you find your own rhythm, and dance the right dance for your family. You're doing what your inner voice tells you; trust it. Gorgeous writing, Naomi.

I just wanted to thank everyone for your supportive and kind comments to this blog. It was a really difficult situation and there have been some unexpected developments since. I will have to write another post later this week and give everyone an update. Thanks again for all your heartfelt responses!

"Today feels empty like floating dust motes visible only in brilliant sun. I am the spaces in between, silent and illuminated with the knowledge of what I've done." Beautifully written! I am kind of an accidental AP parent but totally plan on sending her to school. I don't think I could do homeschooling and I think my kid needs the forced socialization.

You know, I am on the oposite end of the spectrum from you. I don't do attachment parenting (my kids always hated being carried around anyway- they're too independent for their own good) I could never breast feed past 4 months because of supply issues, we don't do the family bed, and my kdis go to public school. (or will.) And I do feel I've got it all figured out. I'm close to my kids. They make me happy, and tick me off all in one moment. LOL. I adore them. And they're great kids. My life is good. However, my way isn't for everyone, and i would never DREAM of telling someone that they needed to change. What they (you) are doing must work for them because if it didn't, they'd change on their own. So, when I say 'congratulations' on sending your baby to kindergarten, it's not because I feel like you're doing something 'normal' or 'right'- but because you have figured out what you and your family NEED right now. And that's what makes a great mom!

I admire people with strong principles, but I admire even more those people who have strong principles and dare to change their mind when they're not working for them. Hooray for all of you!

This is a huge transition for you, but I think Nino will be great. My son started Kindergarten in the fall, and I cried when he left, and it's only a half day program. Its hard to see them go off and have a whole life of their own that you don't know every detail of, but I keep telling myself that they have to grow up sometime.

I think Nino will have a wonderful time! And you, most importantly, will have some modicum of life back. You are making the right decision!

As always, such wonderful writing. That moment when your child first goes to school! Sad, awe inspiring and ordinary. But Nino has been learning so many things from the beginning of his life because of you and his papi.

Reality check for all those home-schoolers and attachment parents: Answer this simple question--How would you have liked it if your mother or father had kept you out of school and was your teacher K through 12?

Hey, Naomi, I drink the same AP, babywearing, extended breastfeeding, child-led Kool-Aid and have no idea if I'll be able to homeschool or not. All I know is that I'm so tired of hearing that there is "normal" and then there is what I do. Never mind right or wrong for the family or for the child or the best we can manage given everything else. Nope. Family and onlookers are happy to judge, happy to say "I told you so" and happy to say "thank god you came to your senses because you're so weird you're ruining your kids." And I think exactly that about their "normal" most of the time. Sheesh. Wish it weren't so hard. Hope Nino's happy and you're happy. There are no wrong answers.

Wife Swap, lol! Ok serisouly, I've always said there is no "cookie cutter" or Cliff Notes version of motherhood that works for all. It is NOT one size fits all, so what works for one may not work for someone else. Follow your gut and your instincts and when you make a mistake, dust yourself off and try harder the next day. For you to even recognize this, you're already a fab mommy! :)

Naomi, follow your heart.. Never in a million years did I think I would be homeschooling! I'm the most unorganized person you'll ever meet! I'm serious about that one:)But it happened out of pure necessity. One of God's little tricks to get me to do the right thing for my family, I asked and he answered! I'm sad that I won't see you on Fridays:( but I'll follow your blog and get to know you that way. It's funny, because you were one of the mom's I saw and said to myself, where do all these super women come from and how do I get there? You'll do great and so will your kiddo's:)

Naomi, Your loads of laundry actually made me feel like less of a loser. :) I can never have every room in my house clean at the same time and somehow when I saw you couldn't do it all too, it made me exhale a little easier. Just wanted to share that. :) But I do understand your feelings. I struggle with it sometimes myself. Especially when my littlest one looks out at the kids across the back field going to school and she wants to go too. I have a few years before I have to deal w/ that one. I respect your choices. I know you are doing what is best for your family. You are a fabulous mom!!! Nino is such a lucky boy!!!! =)

I'm addicted to Wife Swap too! It always gives me food for thought. I believe in keeping an open mind about parenting too, and I think it's cool that you were willing to try school, because I think so many people become set in their ways to the point that they refuse to see value in anyone else's approach. I have considered homeschooling, but decided against it for the very reasons that you cited. I think I would come up short on the education end b/c I have a hard enough time doing home pre-school for one kid, along with the house keeping, errands, etc., etc. I do know how stressful these decisions are (I sweat each and every one of them). Good luck with Nino's first day! And don't worry, you're an awesome mom! :)

Thanks, Roechelle. That's so sweet of you to say. I think I just have a guilty personality. I can always find something to be guilty about, esp. when it comes to something as important as my children. But you are right. I'm just trying to do the best I can and hopefully it will be okay in the end.

No need to beat yourself up, motherhood is a full time job you are no less a good mother because you made this decision

Thank you so much, Elise. You are such an amazing friend. If I don't call you crying, expect to hear from me soon, to at least plan a playdate in the very near future!!!! I adore you.

oh naomi, i feel for you!!! call me and we can cry together if you need to :) you're definately the best juggler i know too, we all lose a ball now and again. isn't it good to know nino loves you? and that you're amazing... that should help too ;)

Thanks so much, Dalia. Your sweet response brought tears to my eyes.

No one has the right answer. All answers are individual and custom. There is no right or wrong. Feel good about your decision. Motherhood is all about trial and error. We learn as they do.

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