Homeschool2boys – My comments come from a different place than many others here. I am the mom of a 31 year old and look back from the perspective of one who raised a successful and well-adjusted child. You and your wife are absolutely doing the best for the boys by home-schooling them. Contrary to what many believe (without facts and based on their prejudice for socialization at the exclusion of excellence) your children have a greater chance of excellence mentally, morally, and spiritually, as well as a unique opportunity to pursue their passions at an early age, by your home-schooling sacrifice.
If your wife were to go to work outside the home, I believe you would have 2 very stressed children due to their unique issues, which would make your wife stressed, which would spill onto you.
As far as the house, do you think it’s a good idea to disrupt your children by moving? I would counsel you to take a step backwards and refinance to a 30 year loan and then cut back on your work load.
I encounter so many parents who torture themselves with the belief that their children have no future unless they attend a prestigious university that will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. If that were the case, all of my family should be failures with our Community College or State or UC degrees. Somehow we are all doing anywhere from o.k. to “OMG can you believe how successful he/she is?” in spite of nary an Ivy League diploma among the lot. Your kids will be successful if you nurture the inner fire in them. A degree can’t do that, it is the quest for excellence instilled in early life that determines later success.
Regarding that blood pressure – I keep mine in check by walking. Not gym workouts, walking. A few miles several days per week, where I can relax and let my mind wander, does more for me than miles logged on a treadmill. I also take time for a couple of yoga sessions weekly.
I realize it’s difficult to feel that you are losing ground financially because of your decisions in favor of your family. Choose family over career; your rewards are greater long-term.
