“Why do you homeschool?”

 

This is a common question we are asked each time we meet someone new or after someone finally gets the courage. LOL  Their second question (that tends to repeat itself each coming year) is, “are you going to homeschool all the way through?”  So I thought it would be fun to answer these questions here so you can know the full answer.

 

Before I delve into these questions let me start by saying that there are many reasons to homeschool and many reasons not to homeschool.  Each decision is different for each family.  We may do things one what that works for our family that would be totally wrong for yours.  In no way am I saying that my way is the perfect and only way to raise and educate children.  It is however, the right way for OUR family. 

 

Okay, so why do we homeschool?  Shortly after Tyler was born, we prayed about homeschooling.  We were friends with many homeschoolers at our church, and were impressed with their children.  We felt that the Holy Spirit was giving us direction to homeschool.  After much prayer, wise counsel and preparation, we started homeschooling in 2001 with Tyler for his kindergarten year.  Every year since, we have prayed and asked God if we are to continue.  So far, we are continuing.  So why we homeschool is simple; it is because we felt God’s calling to do so.  And we plan on homeschooling as long as God’s calling remains.  There answers to questions #1 and #2.

 

Now that said,  there are many benefits to homeschooling, and for some that’s the reason they homeschool.   But for us, it’s the icing on the cake.

 

One homeschooling benefit that is important to our family,  is being able to pass on Christian values and beliefs .  We want our children to serve God with a wholehearted devotion.  We want them to be able to pray, read the Bible and seek God daily.  We want them to know they were created by God that has a wonderful plan and purpose for their lives. 

 

With homeschooling, we determine what our children learn and when they learn it.  Therefore, we are able to address “big issues” in life when we feel they are ready.   We are able to be a buffer from influences that would be detrimental to their healthy development. 

 

We are able to make learning exciting and appropriate for each child.  We are able to tailor teaching to fit each child’s learning styles.  There is more 1 on 1 time, therefore they get personal attention in subjects in which they struggle or excel.  We are also able to nurture their natural talents so they thrive and grow.

 

We are able to be flexible with our schedule during the year and take time off when it best fits our family’s schedule.  We can even take vacations that pertain to our areas of study to make learning “come to life”.

 

We are able to build intimate and meaningful relationships with our children. Share the common, everyday joys of life with one another. And help our children mature through the difficult times in their lives.

 

Now that sounds very rosy.  So I will balance it with some of the common disadvantages to homeschooling. 

 

You sometimes have to spend 24 hours a day with your children for several days at a time. 

 

You will have to justify your decision to homeschool to family or friends who oppose your decision to homeschool. 

 

You have to be very patient with your children while they are learning or having difficulties with schoolwork. . You have to research and sometimes “get out of your comfort zone” to be a good teacher.   You have to encourage your children when you don’t feel like it.  You have to persevere when you feel like quitting.

 

Homeschooling can be a financial strain since it requires the family to have only one income.  The materials can also be expensive.  And while it is expensive, you must be open to keep looking, researching and buying, when you don’t find the right fit at first for your child.  You have to give up the urge to  just “make it work”. 

 

You have to try and find a homeschool support system and be comfortable with asking questions and learning from others who have “been there, done that.”

 

And lastly, the one that comes up in most conversations, socialization.  You have to put forth more effort to find children with whom your children can build quality relationships. 

 

So there you go, while not exhaustive by any means, it gives good idea of some of the positive and negative of homeschooling, and why we homeschool.