Why we homeschool

I have to say, it’s for a slightly selfish reason. I love having them home! I love seeing them every day, hearing their stories, and being a main part of the learning. It’s not always easy but I know it is right for us at this time in our lives. I did not start out feeling this way. Homeschooling was something I never would have considered; and I do not have a teaching degree.

It all started 7 years ago, when our oldest child turned 3. I knew that we should really start thinking about school. Should we send him to public school or private school? We have time decide that later! Then he turned 4. Oh jeez! This is getting real now! 4K is what everyone does. But he was an August birthday and he was an early 4-year-old. I talked with many parents and teachers, and they said that it’s okay to hold your child back at this time, especially if they are a boy because they typically develop later. Okay good, I have more time to keep him at home! Then he turned 4 1/2 and we officially couldn’t blow this off anymore. We had to make some decisions.

I went to public school my entire time growing up. I enjoyed it but did feel that I could have been pushed more. I was very shy as a kid and sometimes felt that the teachers would let me slip by instead of pushing me more and encouraging me to do better. My husband was homeschooled when he was in Kindergarten, and then went to a private Christian school, with high educational standards, until 8th grade. After junior high he was sent to Public High School, where he met me! He felt that the Christian School gave him a superb education, and that he really did not feel as challenged in high school as he could have been. The Christian School my husband went to regrettably closed down, so that was not an option for us.

The school district in our area has a unique charter program that gave us the best of both worlds. We could be part of the public school while homeschooling our child. They allowed our son to attend school 1 day of the week and the rest of the time he was home with me. Perfect! And if all fails, he will just go into the class he visits each week. I could still spend that time with him and give him a day of “socialization”.  4K won’t be so bad. I mean, I know how to teach colors, numbers and the alphabet. Let’s give this a shot.

Well… I loved it! We had so much fun that first year of school! We sang circle time songs, read tons of books, did letter of the week crafts, learned numbers and how to add and subtract. I successfully taught our son how to read! Me, with no teaching degree! It was an amazing feeling. And I didn’t have to be jealous that someone else got to have those special moments with my child. It turned out that I had a hard time giving up my son that one day a week for school.

I am now on my 6^th official year homeschooling. After all these years, I still love it. Although, my reasons for loving it have shifted. I still love spending time with my children and learning together as a family. But most of all, I love the flexibility that homeschooling allows. We school on Saturday’s,  and are off Sunday’s and Mondays to spend more time with Dad. I love that we can choose what we want to learn and go down rabbit trails whenever we want. I love that my kids are growing strong relationships with their siblings. They teach and encourage one another and I get to witness it. I love that we can learn about God and pray for people all over the world.  I love that we can focus on responsibilities, chores, and household duties. I love that that we can spend the cold days cuddled on the coach reading books, the beautiful spring days outside discovering nature, and the fall days out in our barn taking care of animals. I love this wild and free lifestyle where learning happens so naturally!

Our homeschool days are not all perfect. We have had a lot of bad days. It is challenging dealing with a strong-willed child. It is hard teaching 4 children, all at different ages, and sometimes they all want your attention at the same time. It is hard managing your home, homestead and school. But, through the grace of God, we make it. And I get to have those special moments with my children.

Do I worry about “socialization?” Not at all! Our children participate in a lot of additional activities such as dance and soccer. We have made connections with other homeschoolers and do field trips and occasionally school lessons with them. We visit the library! Do I worry that I do not have a teaching degree? Not really. There are so many amazing homeschool options. Most teacher’s manual’s give you all the information you need or you can even do an online school. The opportunities are endless!

I know that this option for school may not be for everyone. And that’s okay. I know that some people would love to do this but do not have the option too. We are blessed to be able to live on one income at this time.

I once read “You will never look back on your life and regret the time you spent with your children.” They are my greatest investment. I do not know what our future holds, and if the time comes, that homeschooling them does not work for us anymore, then I will happily move on to that next phase. Until that day, I will cherish the moments we have together.

-Lindsay