Business photo created by jannoon028 - www.freepik.comWhy do I homeschool? I have been asked this question more times than I can count. I can think of many responses to this question, but there are five that form the basis for my commitment to home education.
Reason #1
I homeschool my children so that I don’t miss the teachable moments that arise spontaneously throughout the day. As a home educator and a mom, I find myself constantly looking for ways to impart knowledge to my children. Asking questions, making observations, applying scripture to daily life, sharing insights on academic subjects and more, are good ways to encourage my children to think for themselves. However, when children are in school all day, many of these opportunities are lost. While academics are important, my primary responsibility is to teach my children the truth of God’s Word. Homeschooling makes it easier to fulfill this responsibility.
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
reason #2
I homeschool my children to protect them from ungodly influences. Many children develop healthy relationships with friends at school. However, children also face the challenges of peer pressure, bullying, disregard for authority, and negative attitudes in a school environment. Children are not always the best judges of character. While some steer clear of the “bad” kids, others are drawn to them. First Corinthians 15:33 warns us of the consequences of choosing the wrong friends. “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” Homeschooling gives me the ability to monitor my children’s friendships. It also provides endless opportunities to teach my children how to respond to others with Christ-like attitudes and actions.
reason #3
I homeschool my children to give us the flexibility to live life as God leads. For instance, mandatory school days and preplanned vacations can be restrictive. Therefore, ministry trips, time off for family building projects, breaks to welcome new siblings, opportunities to work with Dad, time to pursue home business ventures, and more would not be possible. The flexibility of homeschooling also gives us more time together as a family. This, in turn, builds relationships. Since they are not away from home for 6-7 hours each day, I have ample time to share their day-to-day experiences. They also have plenty of free time to play with siblings and to pursue the things that really interest them.
reason #4
I homeschool my children to offer an individualized learning program that takes into consideration their strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. In a typical classroom, there are visual learners, auditory learners, and hands-on learners. There are also children that learn at a very slow pace as well as those who are quick learners. According to the Public School Review, “The national average public school student: teacher ratio is approximately 16:1 (2021-22).” It is very difficult for one teacher to address the individual needs of so many students. Because of the number of students in the class, teachers often try to reach a balance by teaching to the average student. As a result, struggling students can fall between the cracks, while those that are quick to grasp concepts may become bored. By home educating my children, I can assess their individual capabilities and tailor the curriculum to meet the needs of each child.
reason #5
I homeschool my children to teach them a Christian worldview. I want them to be independent thinkers – not cookie-cutter citizens that buy into the agenda of a humanistic society. The curriculum taught in most schools today has a decidedly secular worldview. Topics such as Progressivism, Humanism, Socialism, abortion rights, gender neutrality, evolution, the Critical Race Theory, and more fill the pages of today’s textbooks.
The farther society moves away from the principles of God’s Word, the more important it is for our children to be able to think Biblically. Sadly, children from strong Christian homes are being negatively influenced by these teachings. Depending on the age of the child, they may not be able to discern error from truth. However, even older children, hearing the same untruths over and over can begin to doubt God’s Word. By keeping my children home and taking responsibility for their education, I can instill in them the infallible truths of God’s Word, equipping them to embrace a Christian worldview.
conclusion
God has entrusted us with children to train up to serve Him. As parents, we are responsible for the choices we make regarding our children. Psalm 127:4 likens children to arrows. The influences we allow, the example we set, the things we teach, and the time we spend with our children help us to prepare our arrows for flight.
During their early years, we spend time shaping our children. Just as an archer shapes his arrows. whittling away anything that hinders them from flying straight, we shape our children. We teach simple, yet profound Biblical truths and applications. Our goal is to whittle away anything that can hinder them from flying straight.
Next, we spend time sharpening the arrowhead. This can be a painful process. As we work to grind away at anything that might mar the point of the arrow, our children might resist. It is important to not give in to their resistance. We must remember that the arrow won’t “stick” to the target if the arrowhead isn’t sharp enough. It will simply bounce off.
After this, we focus on helping our arrows locate the target and prepare to be launched. Too often, once a child turns eighteen, parents take a hands-off approach. However, a parent’s counsel and guidance are invaluable to the child at this stage.
Once God reveals the target, it’s finally time to let our arrows fly. Letting go of our children is one of the most difficult parts of parenting. Sometimes we wonder: Are my arrows straight enough? Are they sharp enough? Did we aim at the right target? What if they don’t fly straight? What if they don’t hit the target? This is where trust comes in.
Philippians 1:6 tells us, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Throughout our homeschooling journey, God is at work, both in us and in our children. He will be the one to make our arrows fly straight.
Why do I homeschool? My 5 Reasons to Homeschool can be summed up in one sentence. I want my arrows to hit the mark God has set before them.
What about you? Why do you homeschool? Post your comment in the form below. I’d love to hear from you!
Or perhaps you’re not sure about homeschooling. If you need some encouragement, hop on over to “You CAN Homeschool” for encouragement.
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