10 Reasons We Chose to Homeschool
Our Journey to Homeschooling
It was that time in our parenting journey when we had to start thinking about which school to send our kids to. We were a 5-minute walk from the elementary school that our oldest daughter would attend, but we were not in a very good school district. It would be convenient, we thought, but is convenient what we want?
The more Justin and I discussed our goals for our family, the clearer the answer became. We wanted to be able to provide our kids with an academically challenging education while nurturing their creativity and love of learning. We wanted them to be able to pursue their passions without being boxed in. We wanted them to learn about Jesus and provide an environment where they can build their personal relationship with God. Most of all, we wanted to be their primary role models, inspiration, and cheerleaders.
We discussed public schools, private schools, charter schools, moving to a better school district, and finally, homeschooling. Since Justin was working full time, we both agreed that I would mostly be in charge if we pursued this path. So, I took a deep dive into researching about homeschooling and the lifestyle that goes with it (because yes, homeschooling becomes a way of life). I looked into all my questions and doubts. Was I qualified? Will I go crazy having the kids with me all day long? What and how do I teach? What about socialization? Will we meet their educational needs?
After all the deliberation and prayers, we realized that our goals for our family were greater than our fear of trying out this path. So, I'd like to share with you a few reasons why we chose to homeschool:
1. Flexibility
Homeschooling gives us the flexibility to design our schedule to based on our current season of life. Our first year of homeschooling involved moving across the country and temporarily staying with my parents while we searched for a house. When we moved into our homestead and started renovating our house in the middle of the school year, our schedule shifted with our new routine.
We can choose to do four school days a week, take vacations when everyone else is in school, and just rest when feeling under the weather. This flexibility allows us to flow and shift without the stress of "falling behind." It teaches our kids to engage in our lifestyle and think creatively. The world is their classroom and there's always something to learn, even if it's not formally "school time."
2. Socialization
This is a big question almost everyone has about homeschooling and what a myth it is. The opportunities are endless. We can be so much more intentional in selecting the social groups our kids interact with.
We have homeschool co-ops, field trips, hikes, and (almost) unlimited playground time with other families. Since our kids accompany us in almost all settings, they are growing up knowing how to talk to young and old alike, with kindness and respect and empathy. They are not just fitting in, but following their unique paths, and it’s beautiful.
3. Becoming Self-Learners
In our homeschool, we follow a curriculum but use it only as a guide. We are free to go on rabbit trail after rabbit trail if their curiosity leads us there. We ask lots of questions, look for answers, and discuss what we find together.
Homeschooling fosters independence and self-motivation as they learn how to be resourceful, ask questions, and persevere through challenges—skills that they'll need for the rest of their lives.
4. Learn and Grow Together as a Family
Another big reason we chose to homeschool is the abundance of opportunities to spend quality time as a family. We're able to enjoy breakfast together, and have family devotions and discussions without the impending school bus driving up or bell ringing.
We're also able to show them that we, as parents and teachers, don't know everything and still have a lot to learn. Because of our schedule, our kids are able to witness our wins and challenges, how we handle mistakes and get back up, and how we make decisions. This allows us to build strong family relationships and model our values to our kids in a much more hands-on way.
5. Educational Freedom
Our kids love that they can help decide in what we're going to study next and how we are going to study it. Since we are not tied to a school curriculum, we can choose what to teach our kids, how long or short to stay on one topic, and how to teach that topic. We can also do school in a park, by the beach, in the car, on a hammock, or on a picnic blanket.
Of course, we still set goals that we want each child to meet by the end of the school year. The big difference is that we are choosing what those goals are, and we can make them specific to what each kid needs. I love that I know what my children's learning styles are and that I can cater to that. It makes learning and teaching fun, relaxed and something to look forward to every day. Because there is high involvement in what we're learning, they have a higher sense of accountability, ownership, and achievement.
6. Learn in a Real Life Setting
Our classroom consists of the whole homestead, the grocery store, the hiking trails, the park, our church, and the list goes on. It's farmschooling + lifeschooling + homeschooling. We are always immersed in a real-life setting, instead of being isolated in a classroom. There is math and reading and literature and science and history and geography everywhere around us, so we can look to our environment for lessons to learn and problems to solve. I love that we can instantly apply fractions and chemistry in cooking, biology in animal husbandry, and math in budgeting.
7. Learn About Jesus/Discipleship
Homeschooling gives us the chance to teach our kids about Jesus and disciple them. We are able to model a Christ-centered lifestyle for them and instill Christian values in them so that they can have a strong foundation in their faith. We have the opportunity to structure our lessons with prayer, devotions and stories from the Bible. We can deepen our relationship with Jesus as a family, and teach our kids how to pray, and model a faithful life in how we talk, serve, and love each other.
8. Sibling Time
Not only do we get to spend more time as a family, but our kids also learn how to cooperate, compromise, work, help, and share with each other. Do they always get along? Of course, not. Do they sometimes get tired of being around each other? Definitely. There will come a time when they will have to go on their separate ways. Until then, we are cultivating a home environment where they can feel safe in exploring their interests, strengths, and weaknesses with encouragement and without judgement.
9. More Play Time
Unstructured play and free time is such an important part of childhood. It is when they get to explore their creativity, develop their imagination, strengthen their bodies, foster independence, and build relationships. There are so many benefits to unstructured play, but schools nowadays give children such a limited time for this in favor of structured learning inside the classroom. I love that our kids can spend time playing without feeling hurried.
10. Consistency and Customized Learning
Flexibility and consistency can go together pretty well in homeschooling. We can shift according to what's going on in our week or month, but we can stay consistent in giving our kids a personalized learning experience. Although our kids have a lot of similarities, every kid has a unique way of taking in and interpreting information. Instead of having to teach according to state standards or school curriculum, we can stay consistent in the way we approach their lessons based on what works for them. This allows them to enjoy the learning process and retain the lessons more effectively.
In a nutshell
There are many reasons why we decided to homeschool and these are just a few of them. If you're considering homeschooling, here are some things I've learned that I hope will encourage you in your own journey:
We as parents are the best people to guide our children through a life of learning. We get to be part of celebrating the milestones and the journey to reach them. We get to gather, learn, be amazed, have aha moments, ask questions, find answers, and imagine together and it's amazing.
This does not make us better than someone who's earned a degree and has numerous years of teaching experience. Teachers are invaluable mentors and resources—I truly respect them for what they do. We are simply the best advocate for our children.
There are homeschool days when my patience runs short, and it feels like there isn't enough grace to give, but no one is perfect. My kids know my limits and I know theirs. "Sorry" and "I love you" are welcome words in our home, and we say them with sincerity.
Courage—this is actually what I needed most. Courage to venture outside the norm. To engage their passions even if it's not my own. To welcome this crazy lifestyle every day. To tune out the noise and focus on what matters most—fostering my kids’ love for learning, responding to their individual needs, and instilling values more than facts.
Lastly, it’s a commitment. It takes time and effort and many other things. But what good thing doesn’t? We are now four years into homeschooling and will continue to go on this adventure because it’s what’s best for us.
Wherever you are or whatever season your family is in, I encourage you to do your research and reflect on what matters most to you, your family, and your unique situation. It's a big decision, but it's one we're glad we made for our family.
