I homeschool my kids, so I'm blurring the lines between mother and teacher. I'm worried they're now too dependent on me.

The author is homeschooling her two kids.

Courtesy of Chantel Henry

I homeschool my 7-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son, so we spend most of the day together. Our mornings start with hugs, kisses, and breakfast conversations, but the affection rarely stops there.At the beginning of each school day, we review the rules: raise your hand to be called on, and do not leave your seat without permission. I also remind them: "Mommy is not here. My name is Teacher Toye while class is in session."Within 15 minutes, I hear, "Mommy, can I have a snack?" When I remind my son to call me Teacher Toye, he asks, "Mommy, why can't we call you Mommy?" as though I have not explained it several times.My daughter will stop in the middle of reciting her multiplication facts and ask for a hug. My son will leave an assignment, find me on the couch, and climb on top of me because he "just needs a hug." Most of the time, I give in. When I say, "no or not right now," I wonder whether I am rejecting them or damaging them emotionally.I wonder if homeschooling my kids is making them too dependent on meAfter my daughter learned how to write a formal letter, I asked her to complete one independently. She barely started before asking for a hug. Because it was hug number four that morning, I told her no."Teachers are not allowed to hug students," I said.She started crying, so I took off my teacher badge, swooped in, and gave her a warm mommy squeeze.