Our Story
My Original Thoughts
“Homeschool? Who? Me?” That’s what I use to say. I grew up in public school. All I ever wanted to be when I grew up was a public school teacher. I had never met a “normal” homeschooler.
Then it was time for my son to go to kindergarten. The school he was districted for was not a great one. I decided that, as a last resort, I would homeschool him. At the last minute, however, he got into a magnet school. I was surprised when I felt a little disappointment that I wouldn’t be homeschooling him.
The first half of kindergarten turned out to be a less than stellar experience. My son was not getting the individualized education that was promised. He was studying letters and numbers when he could already read, add, and subtract. My little boy that loved preschool came home crying and worn out every single day. When he woke up at 6:00am the next day, he begged not to go back.
Our Decision
Making the leap to homeschool in the middle of the year was not an easy decision. I was a preschool children’s minister at the church across the street from the school. Our church was very active in the community and the school. I was worried about what the church would think and what the school would think. I also volunteered at the school once a week. (As a previous teacher with 10 years experience, a masters degree, and my National Board Certification, they had me making copies for an hour.)
Once I felt called to homeschool, prayed, and made the decision, however, the process was quite simple. All we had to do was notify the school board and let them know what curriculum we planned to use. That was that!
Ultimate Revelations of Why You Should Homeschool
Homeschool may not be for everyone, but there should definitely be more people answering the call. Click To TweetSince that time, I have had several revelations of why you and I should homeschool. I know there are exceptions to every rule. Homeschool may not be for everyone, but there should definitely be more people answering the call. Here are my ultimate revelations of why you should homeschool…
Train up a child in the way he should go even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 ESV
1. A Strong Christian Foundation: Although I am a Christian, this was not my main reason for homeschooling. As time goes on, however, Christian homeschooling becomes more and more valuable and part of the reason we continue to homeschool. We can center almost all of our subjects around God. Our children are learning a Christian worldview. We discuss how God is practical and real all day long. Not only do we learn about Him, but about how to live for Him. We can take part of our days to go and serve others. We don’t have to de-program anything that our children have learned at school from curriculum or other students.
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV
Guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge.” 1 Timothy 6:20 ESV
2. Individualized Education: You can’t beat an individualized education! Classroom teachers are responsible for meeting the needs of about 25 students each. Realistically, how well do you think a teacher can do that? Teachers are human. Imagine instead, an education that is tailor made to exactly what your child needs and wants to learn, as well as their learning style. No one knows your child and what they need better than you!
3. More Time for Reading–And Anything Else that Interests You: My son entered kindergarten reading about 4 easy chapter books every single day. (He really loved to read!) He barely had time to read one book by the time he got home and had dinner. We were sending him to school to learn to read (which he could already do), yet he wasn’t getting enough reading time! Homeschool enabled him to read more and study things that interested him. 4 hours is the typical homeschool requirement because you can take out the transition times that public schools must incorporate. You have a lot of the day left over for whatever interests you!
4. God Comes First. Family, Friends, and Character Come Next: When your family spends more time together, they will naturally draw closer together. Likewise, when you homeschool, you will have more time for developing friendships as well. No matter what you hear about socialization, the truth is that you will have plenty of activities outside the home where you can develop friendships–homeschool cooperatives, field trips, social events and more. You will also have more time with your child to focus on their character.
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31 ESV
5. You Can Call the Shots When You Make the Choice to Homeschool: If you are called to do public school online due to surprising curcumstances, you will have to do it on someone else’s schedule. You may not be familiar with the requirements or like the way it is carried out. When you homeschool, you can decide exactly when and how you want your child to learn. If you want less computer time and more book time, that is not only a viable option, but one that their eyes and brains will welcome, even if it is not their heart’s desire. You will have the freedom to make wise educational choices that your child might enjoy. Choosing to homeschool does not mean choosing the less academic path, in fact, it could be choosing to let them be challenged and have an excellent education in the midst of uncertain times.
Put Your Reservations Aside
Anyone Can Homeschool
Homeschooling may not be for everyone, but I do believe God is calling more and more people to this lifestyle. Anyone with a high school education can homeschool. There might be a learning curve, but that’s what homeschooling is all about–learning! You will learn alongside your child and grow closer as you do.
Affording the Homeschool Life
Most homeschooling families live on one income. Families really can live on one income with some prioritizing and creative financing. It might be tight, but it’s worth it! There is also a growing number of homeschool families in which both parents work.
Still Curious?
If you are still curious or not yet convinced of my ultimate revelations of why you should homeschool, check out 8 Reasons to Celebrate Your Homeschool. You won’t know what you are missing if you don’t give it a try!
Do you homeschool? Why or why not? What are your reservations?
Andrea says
I think it’s SO important that this be an individual decision
Malinda says
Homeschooling is always in the back of my mind. You make good points! My hubby works for our school district as director of technology, so right now, it seems public school is our place to serve.
admin says
I think public school can be a good place for some, but it wasn’t a good fit for our situation. You never know what the future will hold!
Gwen Llana-Serrano says
It’s good that there’s an option to homeschool nowadays. People need to learn about these advantages.
Karen says
I have always considered homeschooling my kids. With the way the economy is I am not sure we could afford to not have two incomes.
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admin says
Living on one income is challenging. We think it’s worth the sacrifice though if you can make it work.
jhilmil says
Homeschooling is actually such a great idea for kids! Though public schools are good & the best I feel is that kids learn to be more social but guess it wasn’t that great in your case.
admin says
I agree that socialization is important. We attend Community Bible study weekly, a weekly co-op, are in a field trip group, and church activities, plus our regular outings of errands, etc. so there is more than enough socialization. My older kids don’t have a shy bone in their bodies!
Afra Said says
This is something dear to me and I love how you have put down the benefits. It’s been something that has been on my mind and I have just recently enrolled my son in partime preschool (he’s almost 4). I am 7 months pregnant with my 3rd child and feel completely overwhelmed so I need the break with the kids in a school environment. I will however consider homeschooling in a few years max when my daughter who is almost 2 will need to start. It is impressive that your son was able to read before going to school, my son can’t read but he does know his letters/numbers/etc. Lets see how it goes I will be saving your blog post for future reading 🙂 P.s I love the Religious aspect to it, it is also something we consider in Islam 😀
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admin says
My son went to preschool too. It was a great way to get him use to being with others and see what the school environment was all about. Even though we homeschool, there are still co-op classes, events at the library, Sunday School, etc. where children need to know how to act. Best of luck to you this school year! Congratulations on the coming baby!
Scott LaPierre says
Hi Tara,
As a homeschooling family, there’s a lot about this post I loved. You listed your reasons, and mine/ours are similar. I’d say:
1. To give our children the Christian instruction we want them to have.
2. To have more time with our children.
3. To help them to avoid unhealthy/immoral teaching, situations, relationships, etc
4. We believe God commands us to be the primary teachers of our children.
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admin says
I love your reasons as well. Having more time with the kids is such a blessing. I love that I get the awesome responsibility of being the primary teacher of my kids alongside my husband.
Kathleen says
We homeschooled our seven. I’m so grateful for the time I had with them as they went through higher grades.
Thanks for encouraging others to consider this education option.
Marissa says
I love that you were able to know that you were called to homeschool your kids and you are confident in that decision because I’m sure there are times when you have to remind yourself that this is what you are called to do during this stage of life.
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LauraOinAK says
We had our older boys in a church school for a while. When my eldest started kindergarten, I had a mix of feelings. I was glad to have one on one time with the other son. But, I missed having him home and helping guide him as he learned.
It took a few years before our journey began. However, I know that when it happened I had a real sense of peace about the decision. It was definitely a call at that point in time for our family.
Ailie Baumann says
Awesome post. I was homeschooled all the way through Varsity so I only really know one way of education. My hubby wants to homeschool the kids. I do to but I’m fighting the timing of it for so many of my cautious reasons. I think for me its a matter of timing and my capacity. I know my boys would love homeschooling. I want to train them up in God’s ways and prepare them for the world so I’m still in this place of working things out in my heart with God. I’m not worried about finances even though we’d be a one income family. I guess asking God for the right timing is more the issue right now than anything else. God knows 🙂
I love your blog by the way
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Elizabeth Marshall says
Love this! So many great reasons to homeschool. Thank you for sharing your journey!
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