The number one question my husband and I are asked when we tell people we homeschool is WHY? When my oldest was starting kindergarten I remember my husband talking about homeschool. To be honest, I was a bit reluctant to the idea. But after talking to families who homeschool and praying about it we decided that this is what the Lord wanted for our family.
One of the reasons I wanted to homeschool was that I wanted to spend the most time that I possibly could with my kids. We also wanted to be in control of what our children learn. We wanted to be able to incorporate God into every aspect of their education. We wanted prayer and Bible study to be a part of each day. We also wanted them to be involved in ministering to the community and to have time for those things. Time is a precious commodity.
The #1 debate when it comes to homeschooling seems to be the word SOCIAL. I can’t tell you how many times we have been told that our children need to be socialized. The notion that "socializing" is spending time with 30+ children is totally absurd. I looked up the definition for socialize and here is what I read:
To place under government or group ownership or control.
To make fit for companionship with others; make sociable.
To convert or adapt to the needs of society.
I can assure you that my husband and I do not want the government having any kind control over our children in any way ~ It'll never happen. We also don't want to ‘convert or adapt our children to the needs of society’. We are in this world, but not of this world! Our children spend plenty of time with their friends and are active in sports and church activities. They also have the opportunity to develop a deep friendship with their siblings.
Homeschooling allows us to protect their innocence just a little longer. There are so many things we do not have to worry about, like daily peer pressure! We don’t have to worry about wearing the latest trends, girl drama, unhealthy lunches, bullies or bad teachers. Now some of my dearest friends are great teachers so I know there are good ones out there, I just tend to always hear stories about the bad ones. We have fun days, field trips and we have the freedom to take vacation whenever we want.. we also get all our daily school work done before lunch – amen! We don't have two hours of homework cause we can get all our work done in four hours ~ amazing isn't it? I never understood how it is that a child can be in school for almost 8 hours and come home with 2-3 hours of homework? We do not have to get up before 6am.. we begin our day with prayer (cause we CAN) and a devotion. Oh, and we can also have school in our pajamas (doesn't happen too often, I promise). You see, the opportunities for spiritual, academic, character, social, and family time when homeschooling are endless! Is homeschooling the right choice? For our family it is... Homeschooling has been a journey of joy. Have we had long, stressful days? Oh, you bet we do.. But my, the years have been awfully short.
