Why This Muslim Family Homeschools

by WordsAplenty | More from this Blogger

27 Mar 2006 10:00 AM

On my oldest daughter's first day of school, she came home and said, "John says I'm his girlfriend. What does that mean?" I explained to her that everyone, boy or girl, is her friend and there is no need for special terms like boyfriend or girlfriend. As she was only five, that seemed like enough of an explanation. The next week, she announced that she could no longer wear her favorite dress because, "Susie says it's stupid." I explained that she is free to choose her own clothes and that Susie's opinion shouldn't sway her. The following month, she came home and said, "What's a homosexual?" That's when we took her out of school and began to homeschool.

Don't get me wrong. It's not that I don't want her to learn about homosexuality -- I don't want her to learn about any sexuality. Not right now. No, my daughter is still sweet and innocent, childlike in a way that is too quickly passing. I don't want that taken away from her. Not yet.

The same with the boyfriend and girlfriend issue. Although Muslims do not date, I know that the day will come when we'll have to have the dating and premarital sex conversation. Not in kindergarten, though.

There are too many things happening in our local public schools that I don't want my children exposed to. Kids are experimenting with their sexuality at a shockingly young age. Things that used to be taboo for married couples are now happening in school restrooms. Kids go to school showing off their bodies in a way that is so far beyond their years. Children are trying alcohol and drugs at younger and younger ages. So many kids do not respect themselves and cannot respect anyone else. That is not what I want for my daughters.

Rules have been taken out of the schools and out of many homes. Too many of today's kids have no knowledge of God, Heaven and Hell, and consequences. They can do as they please with no fear of repercussions. My daughters will not be like that.

People say that we're sheltering our daughters. Maybe we are, but I prefer to think that we're protecting them. No matter what people think, I consider that my main job in life. I want to teach my daughters values -- our values. I want them to hear about Allah, to have religion be an integral part of their life, not just something that is jammed into a busy schedule "when we have time."

I realize there will come a time when my children will need to be exposed to different morals and values. They will need to be able to say "no," and learn from their mistakes when they don't say "no." If they never have the chance to distinguish right from wrong, how will they ever learn? I know all of that, and I agree. My daughters will have those chances, but not today. No, today they will learn about our faith, our religion, our values, and our morals. Today we are building a strong foundation so that they can stand on their own... when the time is right.

I intended to write about how to bring Allah into our homes and our children's lives, but I got carried away! I guess that's a topic for another day, En Sha Allah (God Willing). Until then, Assalamu Alaikoum.

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Heather Long (16954) 28 Mar 2006 02:31 PM

Misty,

You are a parent who has strong principles and values. You are honoring the trust of being a parent by bringing up your child in the manner in which you feel is best. I admire that. I do not want to homeschool my daughter, but that's a personal choice. If confronted with a situation I found unacceptable either morally or ethically, then I know I would make similar choices to protect and raise her as you have done. As always, thank you for sharing.

Kevin (1275) 04 Apr 2006 12:37 AM

Just testing out the comment system. Don't mind me =)

Leisa Wilson (528) 07 Apr 2006 03:25 AM

I agree with you on all counts. My kids are in a Christian school for that very reason.

WordsAplenty (4029) 07 Apr 2006 04:38 PM

Leisa, yes, private religious schools are another good alternative. My stepson went to an Islamic school for several years. With four kids, though, we can't afford it. Besides, the Islamic schools in our area are not yet able to hold on to highly qualified teachers. Turn over is very high. Maybe one day. Till then, we homeschool.

maggie6394 (20) 26 Apr 2006 12:41 AM

Mist, I am very impressed with your blog. I too am a Muslim convert (revert) . I think I may know you from a yahoo group. Anyway, homeschooling is something that I have considered also. I see that my third grader is only wanting to wear provocative clothes and has asked my why kids in her class are trying to be boyfriend and girlfriend. I immediately called the teacher and she told me that she would look into it but I don't think she took me too seriously. I have had talk after talk with my daughter about rights and wrongs and about religion. However, her being the only muslim in the school doesn't help. At times I feel she resents us for being Muslim. It is very difficult to instill good values and morals in our kids these days!