The Decision to Homeschool

Have you seen Back to School supplies are already out at the store? This summer has gone by faster than ever before! I still have a few more years before my boys are old enough for school, but our oldest is enrolled to attend a half day preschool a couple days a week throughout this coming school year. 😐I’m still a little unsure about the idea. If you don’t know, I have been a stay at home mom since my first was born in 2017 and now I have a second little boy to chase around all day. My boys and I are very close and the idea of turning their education and development over to someone else gives me some anxiety to say the least.

As the new school year approaches, I thought I’d do a little post from the perspective of some homeschool moms. Two of my friends that homeschool were willing to answer a few questions for me to share with you all! Tarah homeschools two kids ages 6 and 8. Sarah just finished her first year homeschooling her 6 year old daughter. When asked why they made the decision to homeschool Tarah responded, “we knew it would be best for us to teach our children instead of the government”. Sara stated that, “We decided to homeschool mainly because of my daughter already knowing everything she would have learned in kindergarten and we were afraid she would be bored and get into trouble. With homeschooling, we could teach her more of one subject she needed help with, and less of those she didn't need.”

Whatever reason you have chosen to homeschool or have considered homeschooling..it’s a personal decision based on the needs and best interests of your child(ren) and family. Parents are their children’s most important teacher and advocate! Some other topics I asked these two rockstar moms included the ways their families benefit from homeschooling, the challenges, and opportunities for interactions with other kids.

Tarah discussed how their family benefits from the freedom to go on adventures and trips and incorporating schoolwork into their schedules. Tarah explained homeschooling also benefits their family by allowing them to create the best curriculum for their children, “Encouraging their strengths and focusing on their weaknesses without making them feel ashamed for not being at the same level as the "rest of the class". Everyone learns at a different pace and there is nothing wrong with that.” As for challenges, she said that some days they can have trouble getting through their school work so they might have extra free time to play games, read, or do arts and crafts. Tarah talked about the opportunities her kids have to interact with other kids including church, homeschool groups, ballet, and time with their cousins.

Sara also reported homeschooling benefiting her family because of it’s flexibility to do work when and where you choose. She loves how her daughter can learn through hands on experiences throughout the day instead being expected to sit still at a desk all day. Similarly to Tarah, Sara said that the challenges they face are just not getting all the school work done some days. She reminds herself that they can learn and work more the next day. Sara has her daughter involved in sports through the local YMCA, they are involved in a Christian co-op that meets weekly, and they participate in other meet ups throughout the surrounding towns with a homeschool group.

Finally, I asked my friends what they would like to share with everyone about homeschooling. Both their responses were great and summed up some thoughts I have personally had. Tarah replied, “Homeschoolers aren't all socially awkward. Some absolutely are, but so are some public schoolers. Everyone is unique and there is nothing wrong with encouraging uniqueness. 🙂”. Sara shared some words she has heard about homeschooling, “I hated when I had to miss out on things in school, friendships, etc because of homework. We already are sending kids to school for 7+ hours a day, why are they being forced to come home and do 2 hours or more of homework a night? When are they supposed to have time for family, friends, sports, church, etc if school is all they live and breathe? We constantly learn something new everyday, even as adults we never stop learning! 🙂if you think about it, you've been "homeschooling" your kids since they've been born! You've taught them everything they know.”

I know homeschooling isn’t for everyone, just like public school isn’t for everyone. Education looks so different for everyone. There are so many factors to take into consideration when considering your children’s education. As long as you’re keeping their best interest in mind, you’ll figure out exactly what’s best for them.