How many times have we, as homeschoolers, been asked that question? Boy, it’s a loaded one, too! If we could all display our myriad of reasons on a list, I’m sure they would range from spiritual, emotional, practical, complex, simple and every thing in between. The truth is that we all have our own personal convictions as to why we chose this very demanding and very rewarding course for our families. Because in my opinion, one must truly be called to do this or otherwise it would prove to be too difficult a task for any of us. My family has been homeschooling for 4 years and it’s been wonderful! Our son is entering second grade and our daughter, K4. So, why did we choose this path for our family? Well, I discover new reasons why I am grateful to be in this place everyday but here are a few of my thoughts for educating at home:
We desire a place where our children can be deeply rooted in their faith and freely speak the name of Jesus.
We want an environment that allows our children to learn in various avenues and to move on or slow down as needed and without consequences.
I desire, as a Mom, to be able to go through my children’s educational achievements and disappointments in the safety and nurturing of our home.
We want the ability to pick and choose curriculum that suits each of our children’s individual needs and challenges them to think outside of the box.
We believe that our children can learn more thoroughly and in less time during the day if we educate at home.
FLEXIBILITY–I love being able to not rush in the mornings, go on vacation any time, meet Daddy or my grandmother for lunch, have play dates any time of day and no worries when one of the kids get sick…
it is important for us to spend as much time with our kids as we can, “training them up in the way that they should go” (Proverbs 22:6), equipping and preparing them for this world…it seems such a short time that they are under our wings and our supervision anyway, so we consider homeschooling a great investment!
Now, obviously, that list is very difficult to wrap up into a concise response when I am asked that infamous question: why homeschool? But I am happy to reply with something like: “oh, for lots of reason, but mainly it’s what the Lord called us to do and it suits our family”. I am a former elementary school teacher in the public school system and many people tend to think that I am a successful homeschooling mother because of my background….I disagree. Don’t get me wrong, it helps, but the HEART of homeschooling has nothing to do with a degree and everything to do with desire and that is what makes you successful. So, whether we all homeschool for a short time or for years to come, it is a gift of eternal proportions!
—————
Tiffani can also be found writing at Bears and Belles
Photo by Lady-Bug
No related posts.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Very well written my friend. I am so proud of you! On days when I am feeling very inadequate as a homeschooling mother and wondering if the grass is greener on the other side, I will be pulling this post up! Therefore, by the end of the school year I will probably have it memorized:)
Well said, Tiffani. I can identify with every one of those reasons and have probably listed all of them at one time or another for my family.
I look forward to reading more of your thoughts and ideas.
Hey!
I found ya. :)
Good job, well said, and congratulations on the new blog!