Why Homeschool?
My hubby and I were watching the season finale of “So You Think You Can Dance”. (I am so incredibly behind on my tv shows these days, and thanks to Tivo I am catching up). Nigel Lithgoe was dancing with a group of children, and there was some genuine camaraderie between him and the children. I began reminiscing about my days as a classroom teacher. That particular moment reminded me of what I had always wanted as a teacher – to have a group of kids that I truly felt a special bond with. I wanted to be one of those teachers who changed the world one group of kids at a time like the teacher in the movie Stand and Deliver. Nigel’s moment with those kids stirred that memory for me for some reason. Why did I let that go?
In the middle of my dreamy state I realized that I have something better than that kind of experience now. Instead of bonding with someone else’s children for just one school year, I have my own children to bond with for a lifetime. Instead of being limited to a certain curriculum and schedule, I can decide with my children what we will learn about. (Yes, I do mean “we”. I learn along side of my children.) We can take our time to learn. I can take my kids on field trips to any place that I feel is educationally worthy. And in the middle of it all, I am able to spend time with my children. I am making memories with them, and I am enjoying them while they are young. I am influencing my children. I am giving them the greatest gift I can think of – the love of Jesus. Why wouldn’t I homeschool them?!
My struggle with the idea of home education is that sometimes it feels like a burden to me. Being the parent and being the teacher is a lot of responsibility. Deciding on our curriculum is a big responsibility. Staying organized and committed to doing work every day is difficult. The burden of explaining why I am homeschooling and how my children benefit from home education makes me uneasy. Then I read about everything happening in California with homeschooling and read up on the presidential candidates’ opinions of home education, and I get overwhelmed. Why would I homeschool my children?!
When I see myself doubting, I have to remember what I want for my family. I want my children to love God and to feel loved. I want my children to have great memories from their growing up years. I want my children to grow closer to each other. I want my children to have positive role models and to be safe at school. I want my children to know their parents and see how we navigate life in this fallen world yet still love Jesus. Who else can give them that? Why wouldn’t I homeschool?
My little pep talks usually get me back on track.
I think again about my goals for my children. I remember how I know that my children imitate me – whether the behavior is good or bad – and they imitate people they look up to. I want to be the model that they follow, not someone else who does not have a lifetime invested in them. I want to be the person they ask about the big questions in life, not someone else who doesn’t understand our values. I know that teachers have the best intentions and do wnat what they think is the best for their students. However, they are employees of the school system they work in. They have to comply with the school’s goals. They want the best for my children, but they are not my children’s parents. They will not care nearly as much about my children’s well-being as I do despite their best intentions. Why wouldn’t I homeschool?
My head spins when I think again about the responsibility. It would be easier for me to allow the schools to educate my children, and if we need something, then I would be able to say that the school has to help us. As a homeschooler, I have to be more vigilant about my children’s needs and take a different role than a typical mother. Talk about intimidating! Then I remember that I do not have to go it alone. God is ultimately in charge, and if I believe, I will see Him do the impossible. (Jeremiah 32:27Jeremiah 32:27
English: World English Bible - WEB
27 Behold, I am Yahweh, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?) I do not have to educate my children on my own. God is right here. Nothing is impossible for God! I can offer my life as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1Romans 12:1
English: World English Bible - WEB
12
1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.) and watch Him do the rest! Why wouldn’t I homeschool?
I can be like the teacher in “Stand and Deliver”. I can have that special bond with my own children and change the world one group of kids at a time. Why wouldn’t I homeschool?
4 Responses to “Why Homeschool?”
Leave a Reply
Thanks for the reminder to treasure homeschooling and to put my kids first. My full-time job is caring for ‘other’ people kids and it is one of the reasons I homeschool. But I still find myself putting my children on the ‘back-burner’ when they should be my priority.
Thanks so much for retweeting this entry. My wife and I have been having these same feelings – especially me being the primary teacher, and often feeling that I’ve bitten off more than I can chew. The positives so outweigh the negatives, and we just have to keep our eyes on the ultimate goal – not smart children, but wise children, and the fear (respect) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Thanks and blessings.
Great reminder that the rewards of homeschooling are worth the weight of responsibility. As we homeschool through high school, this becomes even more dramatic!
I think all homeschoolers doubt the decision to homeschool from time to time. It is only natural since you want the best for your precious children. I hope you find encouragement here at Homeschooling Coach!