As I sit here writing this post I’m overcome with emotion that we (my husband and I) have finally come to a decision about the future of our family. I know the title is “Why I Decided to Homeschool,” but the truth is I couldn’t have made this decision without my other half.
I know not everyone will agree with why I decided to homeschool and not everyone will be able to support the decision, and I totally get it. It’s perfectly okay. You see, this decision hasn’t been an easy one. In fact, we (it was mostly me I think) have been fighting this decision for two years now. But when I know something and I feel it within the deepest part of who I am, I’ve learned over the years that I should follow my instincts and hang on for the ride.
So when I first felt that nudge over two years ago, I thought of every reason why NOT to homeschool. Looking back, I should have heeded the calling and obeyed. I know this may sound overly Jesus-y, but honestly y’all, it’s my heart. I’ve tried to keep my heart out of the business side of things here on the blog, but the truth is, it’s who I am. While I know we all come from different walks of life, I hope you’ll let me share more of me.
I really don’t talk much about my faith here on the blog, but my faith is a huge part of who I am. As the wife of a Children’s Pastor and the Praise & Worship Leader at our church, everything that I do somehow relates to my faith and who I am. From the miniscule things in life to the big things in life, my relationship with Jesus always has first place.
And I’m going to need him now more than ever as we embrace this homeschool journey as a family.
What a peace I feel now that I’ve followed the path laid out before me. I’m excited. I’m scared. I’m anxious. I’m nervous. But above all else, I have peace within me that I can’t describe in words. I know why I decided to homeschool. I know I’m doing what is best for my family. I know I’m not teacher material and I know that we will encounter struggles along the way. I’m fully aware that this homeschool journey is not going to be easy. And, I’m perfectly okay with that.
Why I Decided to Homeschool
- I want to be in control of what my children are learning. The curriculum I learned from is not the curriculum that is being taught in schools today. It may be a sound curriculum, but it’s just not for us.
- I want my children to be influenced by positive role models. The last couple of years as my child experienced intermediate school (5th and 6th grade), I’ve been mortified, embarrassed, and saddened at how some children represent themselves. These are the years that children are so easily influenced by their peers and I want to do everything within my power to ensure that my children are influenced by people who are respectful, kind, and compassionate. Our world needs more of these types of people.
- I want them to learn at their own pace and not the pace of their peers. Whether it be faster or slower, I want my children to learn at their pace. I don’t want them to be held back because their peers are learning slower and I don’t want my children to be passed by because they’re learning slower. I want to give them every opportunity to succeed and learn as much as they can.
- I want them to have some input on how they learn. With 20-24 children in a classroom, there is no way for children to have input on how they learn. Teachers use what is best for the class as a whole, as it should be. But since I will be able to work with my children one-on-one, they will be able to learn in a way that is easier and more effective for them. We will be able to do book work, life work, field trips and more.
- I want to protect my children. I know that I can’t always protect them and shield them from the evil in this world, but I want to protect them for as long as I can. I feel it’s my duty to do all I can to protect their little hearts and minds.
- I want to open up their schedule for more purposeful time together. I picture our family traveling more together experiencing this wonderful world that is waiting to be explored. I picture our family having more time for thoughtful conversations. I picture our family becoming closer, not because it’s being forced, but because we have time to spend with each other.
I’m pretty sure that over the years my reasons for homeschooling will change. I have yet to sit down and write out a mission statement for our homeschool journey, but I have it all stored in my heart, ready for pen and paper. I want my children to know the reasons why I decided to homeschool. I think by me laying my heart out there and letting them see the heart of their mom, they’ll see this decision was made with them at the center.
I know we will all need a lot of GRACE to get us through our homeschool journey, but I know that He is faithful and when I obey, He always comes through for me. He hasn’t failed me yet!
Are you thinking about homeschooling? Or are you already homeschooling? I’d love to know the reasons why you decided to homeschool.
1StopMom says
I tried homeschooling with one of my daughters when she was in 9th grade. Unfortunately I got very sick that year and it didn’t work out liked I had hoped. My youngest (13) has asked me to homeschool her. She feels like she is not learning enough. I have thought about it again because the school system where I live is not very good at all. Especially at the middle school and elementary levels. She starts high school next year so we will see then. I look forward to following your journey.
Debra says
I give anyone who home schools a lot of credit. I’m not sure I would have the patience for it. But it would be good to have an input into what they’re actually learning…
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Good luck on your homeschooling journey. I have such respect for any parent that can put in the time and dedication it takes to homeschool.
Jeanine says
I homeschooled for many reasons, but mainly for my kids safety. Only one wants to continue in September so we are moving to make sure our other kids get into a better area for schools. Homeschooling is amazing.
Michele says
Maybe because I lived in an area growing up that had a marvelous school system that our parents did not have to worry-home schooling was not as big back then. A couple of my high school friends have home schooled their children over the years (please note they had moved to various other parts of the country where the school systems were not that great) and those children did end up going on to college and on to careers. I think it is totally up to the parent to decide what is best for their children at that particular time and place.
Debbie Denny says
I think these are great reasons. This is a decision that is chosen as to what is best for your children.
Jasmine says
All valid reasons! Good for you!! I could never homeschool, I just don’t think I’d have the patience with five boys but I totally respect those who decided to.
Pam says
I homeschooled my son and my daughter. My daughter went to public high school, but my son graduated as a homeschool student.
Liz Mays says
I definitely understand your reasons. I considered homeschooling at one point but we decided on public schooling.
Kelly Hutchinson says
I love that you put Jesus Christ first in your life! We also homeschool due to bullying issues we ran into in public school.
louise says
It’s so rewarding in the end. And you do get to travel more!!!
Andrea @ Honestly Andrea says
I commend you for making this decision because it’s what you feel as a parent is best for your children. I have thought about homeschooling my oldest because he has Asperger’s and has a very difficult time socially with the other kids. I also fear some of the things my kids might be learning from other kids that I might not want them to learn at their young ages. My husband wants my boys to be in school so it’s something we discuss now and then but can’t come to an agreement on.
I know you’ll do a great job with your kids and I’m sure they’ll love having you as their teacher!
Ora Lee Gurr says
Good wishes for this new episode of your life. I had every one of my children in one class or another when I taught school. It is a challenge, but nice to know that you are giving them they knowledge they need to succeed and the room to do it in.
Jennifer H says
I can totally relate to your situation. I’ve been on the fence all summer, for some of the reasons you’ve mentioned, but mainly because I want to protect them. This world keeps getting harsher and harsher. We’ve decided to keep them in school for now, but I applaud your decision.
Dawn McAlexander says
Though my daughter went to public school, I can definitely see pros and cons in each. Your choice to homeschool for safety reasons is definitely one I have considered a lot. Though not the majority, some kids can be so very mean in school, and they can make a harmful lasting impression on others.
Catherine S says
Deciding to homeschool is a big decision and these are all great reasons. We homeschooled our son and it was the best decision we ever made.
Jennifer @ Mom Spotted says
Home schooling isn’t for me. Our state is actually ranked #1 in public schooling. I have great pride for the school my children attend even though it’s public. I know my boys have great teachers who are teaching because they love to, not have to. I know not all areas are like ours though and maybe if we didn’t have such a great school system here I’d think otherwise.
Realistically though I just don’t have the patience or the attention span to offer my children a sound education. I don’t doubt homeschooling though. I strongly believe it works for some. My aunt home schooled 2 of her 3 kids. She has a Doctor, a Registered Nurse, and a an unemployed child now. Guess which two were home schooled?
Raijean says
Wow, that’s a huge decision! Congrats, I’m proud of you and know that it’s for the best.
Debra says
I am glad you have found what is right for you family! When we lived in Texas there was no question we were going to homeschool, but right now we live in a wonderful district so they go to school. It might change in the future. 🙂
Amber K says
Congrats on your decision! It sounds like you’ve put a lot of thought into homeschooling and it’s the right fit for you 🙂
Kristi says
A great post… I love that we live in a country where can decide what is best for our kids and their education and that there are options.
Cindy Brooks says
For many of the same reasons you’ve mentioned we are making a change this year, too. Our grandson came to live with us when he started the 2nd grade. We live in a very small town in a rural area and had no idea what the schools were like. We were happy to find amazing schools with amazing teachers. His first three years here were awesome and then came Common Core. We still have amazing teachers, but they are stuck using standards that are deficient and use a one-size-fits-all approach to learning. We gave it two years, but can no longer leave him there. We have purchased a second house in a town 80 miles away and he will be attending a private, Christian school with high standards both academically and morally. We considered homeschooling, too, but didn’t feel it was the right fit for him. I am excited about the opportunities at the new school, but it breaks my heart to leave the district here. We had a real cry fest when I told his teachers and the principal we were leaving. They knew before I told them why we were leaving. Several of the teachers have told me we are doing the right thing. They hate Common Core, too.
Amanda O. says
I would love to be able to homeschool. Good luck to you this coming school year.
Nicole Escat says
A good and valid reason . mothers knows best for their child, I understand your reason. but for me i never decision to home schooling my kids we need an experience and we learned each people they meet
Tammileetips says
It can be such a hard decision to make!! All of your reasons are great ones and I am so glad your husband is on board with it too!!
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
I’m happy for you that you’ve made a decision you feel is best for your family! Teaching is difficult but it can be so rewarding!
Ellen Christian (@ellenblogs) says
I homeschooled the kids for a while. It didn’t work out to be the best choice for us but I did enjoy it.
Danielle K says
It’s definitely a big decision on whether to home school or do public/private school. I’ve debated on homeschooling, but haven’t quite made the choice on what to do yet. Thanks for sharing!
Marina says
I wish I was confident to homeschool but I am not. I know the LORD will give you grace and wisdom as you start on this journey. Saying a prayer for you.
Michelle says
Good luck to you! I admire those with the discipline and organization skills to be able to homeschool! My kiddo learns best in a classroom setting with his peers. There are just too many distractions at home.
Jaclyn Anne says
I enjoyed reading your reasons behind your decision and wish you all the best as your begin your homeschooling journey!
susan says
These are great reasons, I would love to be able to homeschool, but that is just not in the cards for us at this time. I know many homeschool kids, and some are more advanced than non-homeschool kids,.
Regina says
I commend you for taking this first step. I have homeschooled my two from the beginning, except for a two year adventure at a “Christian” school (worst decision ever)…
I know what my kids are learning and we have a wonderful homeschool group in our area that goes on field trips, offers sports, has both spring and fall co-ops, etc. Homeschooling- is for sure a journey, but your heart -when placed with prayer -will lead you. Blessings to you!!
Amy @ItsAMindfulLife says
All of the reasons are wonderful and I wish you all the best on this next journey with your family. Blessings!
Tracey says
This was so interesting to read. There are definitely a lot of positives to home schooling.
Kiwi says
Believe it or not there are a lot more people home schooling these days. Because of technology making it easier to create your own curriculium for kids I think its an awesome idea!
Rosey says
I have considered it. I’d like to do it, but I just can’t have it for an option anymore, I have to provide for the family which means full-time work or bust.
Ann Bacciaglia says
I have a few friends that home school their kids. They love teaching them and are so creative with lessons. I did not have the patience for it.