Andi Eigenmann defends why she homeschools her kids: 'This is what works best for my family'
For Andi Eigenmann, homeschooling "works best" for her two children Lilo and Koa.
On her Instagram account, the former actress shared a video compilation of her kids doing all sorts of experiences as home-schoolers in their home in Siargao. She accompanied it with a lengthy message detailing what they did for their "first semester."
"We've done quite a bit of exploring this year, both in discovering more of ourselves and our abilities, and in exploring the wonders that nature has to offer," Andi said.
"As they grow more keen on becoming better surfers, we are getting the chance to delve into life beneath the waves," she added.
According to her, Lilo and Koa have done a "lot of tree-climbing and fairy house building," and as they get down and dirty, they are also learning "a whole lot about fascinating bugs and animals and plants and flowers, and how to take great care or make good use of them."
"On top of all of this, I am also proud of their progress as little writers and early readers. Sounds like a busy year for them, eh? It doesn't seem like so, when we let education thrive in the boundless expanse of the real world," Andi highlighted.
She explained why she chose to homeschool her kids instead of going the traditional route and sending them off to an educational institution.
"This may not be your idea of the best form of education for your children, but this is mine. All educational paths are valid, and this is what we believe works best for my family," Andi stressed.
"I embrace this privilege of nurturing their curiosity and creativity, and together we're creating a rich learning experience that allows us to focus on their unique qualities, and the incredible lessons nature has to offer. While most of all, ensuring that they are healthy and happy," she continued.
The content creator received overwhelming support from followers who resonated with her message. One user commented that the experience "will be forever treasured by these two kiddos."
"They enjoyed their lives to the fullest! Doing what they love most!" the user continued.
Another wrote, "Teaching your children about life’s skills is more important than focusing what is in the books and being glued to gadgets. Children’s mind are like sponge. They absorb everything. Parents are the first teachers of their children. And they learn by examples from their parents."
However, one social media user disagreed with Andi and argued that a school setting is still superior, commenting, "Mas ok sa school talaga yong Naka uniform Kasama mga classmates nag ponytails hair at clif hinatid sundo sa school."
Andi later reposted the comment on her Instagram stories with the caption, "Not sure if my children will be legitimately miserable if they don't get to experience wearing a school uniform. But don't worry, in our homeschool, they not only get to wear their hair in a ponytail and a clip if they would like, they will also learn to spell the word CLIP correctly."
Andi moved to Siargao in 2017 and has since been sharing her island life with her husband Philmar Alipayo and their children.
Ellie, her eldest daughter with Jake Ejercitio, started her high school journey in Manila earlier this year after being homeschooled in Siargao for three years.
