[forty-two]

At first I couldn't think of any sacrifices, per se, because I don't want a WOH job and am so thankful I don't need to find one. Being home with my kids is like the ultimate flex WAH job *ever* . I am my own boss , and have plenty of time for my interests - living life with my dc is awesome 90% of the time (and the 10% less-than-awesome bits would still be an issue even if I WOH).

And since researching and planning homeschooling is a hobby for me , that part is enjoyable. Figuring out the best way to teach my particular dc is just an extension of parenting in general to me - I'd be doing it in any case, and with hs'ing I get more practice at teaching as well as more use out of my teaching skills - win-win .

But I realized there is a significant downside, and that is finding ways for my dc to be social. I am *not* social, and my dh is likewise not social - we'd happily spend the vast majority of our time within our immediate family circle. Which is a good thing - in moderation. Mostly we let socialization happen to us , and that ends up being more than enough for us .

And that is what we have been doing for the dc, and I'm realizing as R gets older that that just isn't enough for *her* to find some good friends . I'm going to need to be proactive in arranging playdates (I hate the very idea of scheduling playtime ) and otherwise getting us out enough that she, and the other dc, have enough chances to meet people, and continue to connect with them, so as to have some friends.

And this is hard for me . But I do think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks (or else I'd not be doing it ).