Most people say, "it makes sense for you to homeschool, your degree is in education". When we first started this adventure I just agreed with them, now the reply depends on who it is. But, inside I am saying to myself "my degree in education did nothing to prepare me for homeschooling!". For that matter, my degree in education did very little to prepare me for the years I actually taught school...but that's a different story.
Ultimately the reason we homeschool is because God convicted my heart as well as Steve's and we are in total agreement that this is God's will for our lives and the lives of our children.
I have been wanting to do a post on all the reasons we homeschool but it just never got written. Then, I ran across this post on "50 Reasons Why I could NEVER homeschool" and it pretty well sums it all up. So, this is for anyone out there that is even considering homeschooling!
My thoughts on a few of my favorites...
1. …I’m too disorganized. I am EXTREMELY disorganized--just ask my husband--but we have found a system that works for US.
5. …My husband/family won’t let me. I never had this concern with Steve. Thankfully, he has always been a HUGE supporter and encourager. But, I definitely understand this concern. All, I can say is talk about it--openly and honestly, you might be surprised. I truly would have never dreamed that Steve would be so "pro-homeschooling"
7. …I don’t want my child to end up like that weird homeschooled kid I know. Personally, I am ok with my kids being a little different, weird--nope I don't think they are weird, although I do know some weird homeschoolers. Your kids are most likely going to be like you--so if you're weird they will be too. But, if you're a well-adjusted normal person, they will be too!
12. …All my children’s friends go to public/Christian school. Most of our kids friends go to our church's Christian school. It does take a little effort to have "play-dates" with them. But, on the other hand, I know who my kids are spending time with, and I can even choose (to some degree) who their friends are by picking who comes over.
22. …I have a life and social commitments, and I’m not giving those up. Remember, you are the parent of a precious child, it really should be about what's best for them. Plus, you really don't have to give up anything, just rearrange.
23. …I don’t want to wear a denim jumper, put my hair in a bun, kill my own chickens, or have 18 children. This one cracks me up! I do know a couple families very close to this stereotype, but homeschooling does not mean you have to be any different then you are right now.
33. …My baby/toddler takes up too much of my time. The first few years with toddlers around we're REALLY tough but it can be done, and the relationship that my kids have with each other is amazing, and so worth the extra work of having them all home all the time.
37. …I’m not creative. I have a little bit of creativity, but mostly I get ideas from the Internet. And now, with Pinterest, who needs creativity!
40. …Homeschooling takes too much time, and it takes more time each year as the kids get older. It does take alot of time! But, it actually takes less time as the kids get older and can work more independently. And what a better way to spend your time then teaching your kids!
.43. …I can’t teach art. Dump all of your crafty supplies on the floor and Art just happens. Library books can guide you into specific artistic techniques, but creativity is built in to all children.
45. …My child is too active to keep up with. The boys have practiced spelling and handwriting with sticks in the dirt and called out Math facts while jumping on the trampoline! I can't imagine sticking them in a classroom all day. Zach would come home in tears everyday I am sure.
48. …I don’t have an extra room in my house for a classroom. You don’t need one. We were blessed to have the extra space for a "classroom" but then I figured out that I didn't want to emulate school, I wanted our lives to be the classroom. So, now all "seat work" is done at the kitchen table. Everything else just happens all over the house.
49. ...I don’t want to homeschool. If this is the case then just pray about it and see where He leads you. Remember, it's not all about you, but it's about what is best for your kids.
We LOVE homeschooling and can't imagine it any other way! I am not saying I don't get worn out and totally frustrated some days. But the good outweighs the bad and we are thankful for the blessings that God has given us in our three children and the blessing He has given us through homeschooling them. We are doing our very best to raise them for His Glory.
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2 comments:
I love this! I particularly like your responses to #s 7 and 43. Good post!
I get frustrated w/ the question of how do you teach things you don't know. Like algebra or chemistry. Like I can't learn anything knew. But we take advantage of things like digital learning and co-op. I am crafty but not artsy. My son is going to co-op and taking a painting class. I can't wait to see it in a week or so. :^)
Lil Momma
Homeschooling Mom who loves to use handwriting worksheets to teach cursive writing.
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