Homeschool Perfection

Here is my chance to vent. Do you ever get tired of the standard of perfection that we homeschoolers seem to be held up to? Here is what I'm talking about. Homeschool how-to books, curriculum magazines, conference speakers sometimes tend to paint a very rosy picture of how the homeschool life is lived. Sure we all have our days when things are very good - all seems to be clicking along just fine and we are so glad of our decision. But what about those days when we seriously question this decision? I've had so many days like that! Days when nothing goes well -- my children try my patience to the end, the so-called perfect curriculum ceases to be perfect (or even so-called), schedules just go out the window, my children are in tears because they just can't "get it" - and I'm in tears because I don't know how to help them. I told you I want to be honest and transparent. We go to homeschool support groups and it seems that everyone (including me) paints on a smile and when asked how it's going with them you hear the same answer - "Just fine" - and someone launches into a dissertation of how wonderful homeschooling is. It IS wonderful, don't get me wrong. I just wish we all could be honest and when things aren't that wonderful, we are not afraid to say so. Ladies -- let's be transparent! It's OK to say that we are struggling, that we can't live up to that standard that is placed upon us by friends, family, media, and society. We are just normal, everyday parents trying to provide the best education for our children in the manner we have chosen.