The Reasons Why I Homeschool
A lot went into our decision to homeschool our kids. If I had to give you a specific list of reasons, this would be it:
(Please keep in mind that I know everyone has their own reasons for homeschooling or not. These are just mine. I’m not here to judge anyone and I respect your choices for your family, please respect mine.)
- God – as parents we are the teachers God has chosen for our children. Who on this earth has the greatest desire to see my children learn, grow and succeed in life? Me! I’m not going to fail them or their education because I want them to go further in life than I did. It’s human nature. Now whether they end up graduating with a Master’s degree in rocket science, becoming an astronaut, working construction (like their dad), joining the military or being a stay at home parent/spouse it is up to them when they are of age. But until then, you can bet your butt that I’m going to make sure they get every opportunity to land a space shuttle on the moon. I’m not saying I’m better at teaching kids than a person who went to college for it, but teaching a classroom full of kids while following state rules and regulations is different than teaching two of your own children. They have a timeline to follow and certain things to teach (like state tests so the school looks good) and can’t wait for your child if they need a little more time.
- Curriculum – doesn’t only apply to math, science, history, etc. This included everything that my kids are learning at school. Now I’m not going to get into a political argument or a conspiracy theory here, but it’s pretty common knowledge that public schools are a money maker for someone. And that someone has an agenda and is directly affecting the materials our kids are being taught. It’s not the same things I was taught (even in history, and that can’t be changed, though somehow it has?!). That’s all I’m going to say about that.
- Opportunities – are wide open for homeschoolers. Spending time with family is pretty high on the list. Winter snuggle days on the couch, sipping hot chocolate and telling stories on a Tuesday at 10:00am are a possibility, without being called by a principle for missing class. Spending time learning life skills like cooking, cleaning up after themselves, helping the family as a whole, shopping while sticking to a budget, etc. That list of needed life skills is endless, none of which are taught at school.
- Academics – I just assumed since I suck at math, that I could never teach my children more than addition and subtraction. I was very wrong. There are so many great programs, books and other types of curriculum available to homeschoolers, it’s easy to give your kids an education tailored to them and their needs. We can move at their pace, not the pace of a hurried teacher having to forge ahead even if my child doesn’t understand a concept. My end goal for our journey is to have my kids fully prepared to enter and graduate college. I’ll choose a curriculum that challenges and prepares them for that.
- Success – To top it off, most homeschoolers score higher on standardized tests, on the ACT and SAT, and a higher percentage actually graduate college. Plus, homeschoolers are at a great advantage when it comes to having the time to take college courses. Online or on campus, your teenager can enroll in college courses and earn credits before they graduate high school. Your child could actually graduate college very soon after graduating from homeschool if they earn enough credits. This is totally possible and I’ve seen it done.
- Socialization – isn’t all about your kid having friends their own age. Have you heard some of the things kids discuss at public schools these days? Chances are, the classroom or playground is where your kids learn curse words, inappropriate topics and rude, disrespectful behavior. Are these peers the people you want your kids to emulate? Think about it. Where did you first hear/learn about sex, drugs and other things no one wants their kids to hear about? Yep, public school. Through homeschooling, we can join local homeschool groups, co-ops, play sports, join 4-H and have plenty of friends outside of public school. These are a little more controlled and used in a way that closer friendships can be built. Listen, I am completely aware that I cannot keep my kids from learning things I don’t want them to know or from ending up with friends I don’t like. I also know I can’t keep them wrapped in a bubble. But this way, I can keep them innocent and away from the bad crowds a little longer than if they went to public schools.
There are tons of other reasons why we chose to homeschool. I’d love to hear from you and hear your reasons!
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