“We’ve decided to homeschool.”
Wow, those words can carry a lot of weight, can’t they? In reality, it’s only five simple words put together: We have decided to homeschool. And yet those five simple words can be met with so many different reactions…
Some people will applaud you…
Some people will condemn you…
Some people will look at you as if you’ve lost your mind (or sprouted a third head)…
Some people will avoid you…
Some people will encourage you…
Some people will try to tell you exactly what you need to do and lay out your plan for you for the next 18 years…
Some people will give you a hug and let you talk through your emotions over this decision…
Let’s face it, choosing to homeschool your children is not for the faint of heart! But on the other hand, those of us who choose to homeschool can never forget that the decision to send your child to public school is not for the faint of heart. Just like the decision to send your child to a private school or a charter school or any other type of school is not for the faint of heart.
So, essentially, parenting is not for the faint of heart! On top of that, choosing how you child will be educated and the teachers who will educate them (be it a parent or someone else) is a very tough decision that carries a lot of weight!
Before we delve deep into the specific topic of homeschooling, I want to make one thing perfectly clear: Even though my husband and I choose to homeschool our five children, that does not mean that our decision is the right decision for everyone.
Did you hear that? Let me say it again: Just because we have made the decision to homeschool does not give me the right to determine your decision on your child’s education.
I can tell that some of you are breathing easier just reading that right now and some of you are looking at the computer screen like this chic writing just sprouted her third head! Stick with me on this one, okay?
I am a firm believer in making wise decisions. I am a firm believer in parents making the best decision for their family (that being their children and those who live in their household). I am a firm believer that just because a decision is right for right now, it does not mean that it is right forever.
Let me see if I can explain this a little better. I once heard a very wise man give a very simple framework that we can all use to make wise decisions. It goes like this:
In light of my past experiences, my current circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing for me to do?
Andy Stanley
You see, life moves in seasons:
Some of them are physically demanding…
Some of them are emotionally demanding…
Some of them are mentally demanding…
Some of them might involve the sickness of a family member or yourself…
Some of them might feel like you are on cloud nine with not a care in the world…
Yet each season does not stay forever. Each season has it’s place in your life and then moves on. Each season, in it’s time, contributes to what your wise answer is right now.
I have friends who have homeschooled their children, enrolled their children in public school, and enrolled their children in private school during that child’s school career. I have friends that have enrolled their children in one school system (public or private) for their child’s entire school career. And I have friends that have homeschooled for their child’s entire school career.
So, you see, the choice to homeschool or not to homeschool is one that cannot be made by anyone else. You are your child’s parent. You are uniquely gifted to be their parent. You are the best person to make this decision in the life of your family.
I’m not here to tell you what to do. I’m not here to make the decision for you. I’d love to help and encourage you along the way, whatever you decide!
Now the question is up to you: In light of your past experiences, your current circumstances, and your future hopes and dreams, what is the wise choice for you and your family in your current season?
Additional Resources:
- The One-Room Schoolhouse Approach
- How To Get Started Homeschooling: 10 Important Tips
- 3 Paralyzing Myths and How To Overcome Them
- Why Is Reading With Your Kids So Important?
Elizabeth Tatham, founder of Inspiration in the Everyday, is a homeschooling momma of 5 who loves helping other homeschooling mommas create a unique homeschooling adventure your kids will love…without the overwhelm! Join in on the journey with 7 simple steps to make your homeschooling day go faster, easier, and with less tears here.