Why We Have Chosen to Homeschool

I have a confession to make:  As the time gets closer to start homeschooling and the start of the new school year at our international school both get closer, I am getting a little nervous.  I have moments of, "Did I make the right decision?"  I'm scared.  I am scared that I won't be good enough or I will hate it or the kids will be miserable.  I worry about all sorts of things that come along with having four kids, age 6 and under, all at home ALL DAY. In those moments of fear, I quietly think, "maybe I should have put them in school."

And that is when I have to go back to what I know.  I made a list a while back of why we were homeschooling.  I wanted to remember, especially in those moments of apprehension, why we decided to do things this way.  And this is what I wrote:

Over the last six months or so, as we have told people that we plan to homsechool, we have been met with responses ranging from, “Whatever for??” to “That’s great!”  Most of the time, however, we just get a simple, “Why?” People  are cautiously curious and I am usually more than happy to answer them. 

Why we decided to homeschool:

Let me say first that we are in a different situation than most.  As expats, working at an International Christian school with free tuition, we do have a good schooling option.  The kids were in the school last year and thrived.  We had a great experience and we have no ill thoughts towards the school or the teachers -- after all, my husband is one of them!

Secondly, we know that homeschooling is not for everyone.  Not that every child couldn’t benefit with more time at home having quality interactions with mom and dad, but we understand that the homeschooling commitment, schedule, etc are not a good fit with some families.

That said, here are our reasons:

• With four children ages six and under I realize how fast the time is going. They are growing up, exploring their world, and learning new things every day.  I want to be a part of that.
• I don’t think that a five year old needs to spend over seven hours a day at school.  Our school, like many, has a full-day kindergarten program.  While nice for the parents I guess, it isn’t ideal for the children.  They come home tired, cranky, and so worn out that they are unable to recall what they did that day.  Keep in mind, the child of mine who was like this was my extroverted go-go girl and she barely coped.  My introverted needs-a-lot-of-down-time boy would never make it through.  Never.
• My child’s teacher was spending almost twice as many waking hours with my daughter than I was.  With a 7+ hour school day and a family that insists on early bedtimes (for adequate sleep) I was getting to spend about 3-4 waking hours with my daughter.  And those hours were filled with getting ready for school, eating breakfast, cooking supper, and getting ready for bed.  Quality time was almost non-existent.
• I want to know what my children are learning and be involved in the process.  A classroom teacher does not have the time to vividly describe and explain what is being taught.  As mentioned above, the kids are too tired to recall much of what they did.  And so, the parent is left with a one page newsletter that really, to be honest, says nothing.  Not the fault of the school or teacher, but true nonetheless.
• I want my kids to have the majority of their information coming from home -- not from peers. I remember elementary school.  I remember what I learned from my friends.  I remember all the ways my thinking was skewed.  I want my kids to have their world view filters built at home, not from other six year olds who know nothing.
• I want to help maintain sibling relationships. My kids love each other.  They love being together.  They help one another, teach one another, and look out for one another.  I want to keep it that way.
• These little people are my calling.  As a mom, I have been given a task from God to raise them in the way that they should go.  It is my conviction that for me, that task involves teaching and educating them in all things -- reading, writing, cooking, home management, Bible, prayer, gift-giving, hygiene, and more.  If they aren’t here, I can’t do that.
• Because in my heart, I know it is right for our family at this time.  Any fighting it on my part would be disobedience.

Comments

[Kara]

This is great, Janet. I wholeheartedly agree. If it was even an option for me to homeschool, I'd do it in a heartbeat. I hate how much time I miss out on with my kids!

[char]

Just found your blog and wanted to give a little encouragement. I will be starting my 3rd year of homeschooling this year and I have not regretted it for one single milisecond!!! That is not to say I haven't had my screamin, cryin, hair pullin out days(sometimes the kids are involved as well and others it is just me:) ) but God willing I will NEVER go back! My son just finished 3rd grade when we pulled him out of school and it was amazing how little his parents authority or beliefs or opinions meant to him then-the teachers were the only ones that "knew" anything. It only took the first year before my son realized WE are the one there for him, WE are the ones he can come to, WE are who he should look to for quidance-not friends, teacheres or school counselors. That is priceless for me!! On the really bad days-re read this post and never forget why you started! You will do great and with prayer God will always fill in the blanks you may miss. He promises to NEVER forsake us and that applys to bad homeschool days too! Good luck and Congrats on what I am sure will be one of the best decisions your family will make!

[Amanda J.]

I wholeheartedly agree with every one of your points. The best decision I ever made was to take my daughter out of first grade. We're starting 4th Grade this year and it is awesome. I am more of a laid-back type of educator. We don't do worksheets, but we do travel extensively and meet with other children through two local homeschool groups. I've signed her up for Zoology and 4H this year. She is soooo excited! We do a lot of hands-on "use this everyday" answer the million and one questions she has type of education. I found a blog that calls my type of learning "infinite learning." I like that so much better than "unschooling." Here's the link to that blog, if you are interested: http://talesofinfinitelearning.wordpress.com/
I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. You are going to love homeschooling!

[Christin]

You certainly have excellent reasons and need not be afraid. You have taught your children everything they know already! Nothing is going to change, really. Start small and keep in mind the grammar years and meant for reading, writing, and math.

Don't hesitate to ask for curriculum advice, or browse around. Just be careful, too, checking out lots of homeschooling blogs because it can get overwhelming and often you can lose your focus from YOUR kids and what they need by looking at what everyone else is doing. Certainly, pick the best ideas for your children, but from experience, remember you can't do it all! :)

There are plenty of moms who are more than willing to answer questions, so don't hesitate! :)

[Gretchen]

I am just starting to homeschool this year also. However, I only have 1 child left! She is starting 3rd grade but I'm totally excited (and scared) to be doing this for her...and for me. I wish you the best of luck and will be thinking of you often as I will also be learning how this is done. Good for you! You will be richly blessed by this decision. :)

[Shelby]

I am SOOO very excited that I found (coming over from "Like a warm cup of coffee") your blog tonight! I have a (almost) 4 year old and a 2 year old. We are beginning our first year (with Sonlight P3/4!!) this next week. I am very nervous and anxious. You appear SO super organized and insightful! I am looking forward to linking your blog and following along for inspiration! Did I mention that I am so happy to have discovered you!!

btw...I am printing out your reasons that you homeschool! I feel the same way and I have some family/friends who don't 'get' it. I love reading other's thoughts on why they do it!

Thank you!

[amy]

I just found your website and your reasons for homeschooling are awesome~ you verbalized my thoughts feelings exactly. I want to save this link as a reminder to myself why I want to homeschool.

:)amy

[Dianne]

Janet, I am so excited for you. I hope you don't mind my posting in an old post. I am inspired by your fresh conviction and great craft ideas. It's a great idea to keep this blog category going - maybe even print it out or scrap the same concepts to keep later if you get tired or lose your focus. Congratulations on this fabulous choice. I know you'll love it.