Schooling options took a wild turn during the pandemic. Parents who never imagined homeschooling their children were suddenly forced into the learning curve to do just that.
But whether you were thrust toward it or have considered it casually for a while, the question still remains if it’s the right choice for every family. For some parents, of course, it’s their “best yes” when it comes to making academic choices for their children.
Different Views Abound
I absolutely do not believe that public schools produce delinquent or uneducated children, nor do I believe that all schooling outside homeschool is “evil.” In fact, I am very thankful for Christian educators in the public school system as well as in Christian schools. These teachers and schools give light to what can otherwise be a very dark world. The contributions of these teachers should not be diminished or undermined, but rather praised, encouraged, and regularly prayed for.
When my husband and I began considering homeschooling, I had many concerns. However, after more than a year of diligent prayer, and a desire to do what God was calling our family to do for the coming school year, we decided to homeschool.
My plan is to take it one year at a time and re-evaluate each year to make sure we are educating our children in a way that God has led us. Here are a few of the main points I considered that helped me choose homeschooling as the best option for us:
- I want to spend as much time with my children as possible, especially while they are willing to try homeschool and still enjoy my company. As kids mature, their feelings about both of these matters may change.
- I believe it is my privilege to be the primary influence and teacher in my children’s lives.
- I appreciate the flexibility of being able to focus on what my children enjoy learning, while still teaching all subjects. I also like the challenge of my kids completing a grade level in six, nine, or twelve months.
- I am free to let my children be involved in extracurricular activities, without running ourselves ragged and filling our schedule to complete capacity.
- I am fully convinced that at the end of my life, I will not wish for less time with my family and kids; I will wish for more time with them. Homeschool allows for more time with family.
While I realize my decision to homeschool will give me virtually no time to myself—something most moms of young children dream about—I am certain it is the right decision for us this year.
If you are contemplating homeschool, I would advise you to learn as much as you can about the process and resources available. And foremost, make this a matter of prayer as God leads you to do what is best for your family.