Now you know…
Okay! So you have already had an evening with your spouse discussing “why” you are educating your children. You have solid answers about 1)what you are running to, not just what you are running from, 2)what you want to pass on to your grandchildren, 3)does your “why” include your spiritual beliefs, and 4)will your “why” help you persevere when the going gets tough?
Now that you know your “why,” be sure to go back to that as your standard. Use it as a set of guard rails to keep you aiming at what is most important to you and your family. Have it written somewhere and communicate it to your children. The more confident you become with your why, the easier it will be to communicate it to your children and to actually utilize it for yourself.
Our Personal Why
My wife and I have decided that we want our children to love to learn and love to read so that they will read and love God’s word, know who He is, and seek to glorify Him with all of their heart, mind, and strength. Therefore, we have sought out other ways for our children to be educated and spend the more than fifteen thousand hours of their life. Have you ever done that math? That is about how many hours a student would spend in a classroom in a traditional school system. Our why has helped us narrow down our options and has helped us decide how we choose to educate our children. As we have said before, (Click here to read Freedom #1) there are many options for educating our children available to us. What will you choose?
A Joy and A Privilege
We have decided that we desire for our children to have a Christian education and we see from scripture that it is the responsibility of the parents to provide that Christian education. We have chosen the joy of providing that Christian education from home, some may choose to delegate that joy to a Christian school. We commend to you that it is a joy and privilege to educate your children at home. A good teacher truly loves their students and has the student’s best interest in mind. No one will love your children more than YOU. No one has your child’s best interest in mind more than YOU.
The Impact of Homeschooling Choices
When your why includes important aspects of your faith, you will be careful not to allow your students to be influenced by a program or curriculum that teaches something contrary. A strong why will help point you to where you want to go, not just what you are running from. A strong why will provide a sense of conviction that will help you persevere through the difficult times that come with homeschooling. If anyone ever tells you that homeschooling is easy, they are not telling the truth. Homeschooling is a joy, it is a blessing, it is the best thing we can do for our children, but it is difficult. Having a strong why will remind you of your convictions and remind you that homeschooling is worth the troubles you are going through.
Conclusion
Reflecting on why you chose to homeschool can fortify your resolve and help navigate the moments of doubt. It’s not merely about shielding your children from unwanted influences but about actively steering them towards a future that is filled with potential and aligned with your family’s values. In the face of difficulties, your “why” is a reminder of the joy and blessing inherent in the privilege of homeschooling. Remember, you are not just teaching your children; you are shaping their future.
Below are a few questions to help you think through your decisions about education.
Making the Decision to Homeschool
Every person, whether s/he realizes it or not, approaches education (no, all of life) with a set of assumptions or core beliefs that influences everything we do. (A worldview, or philosophy). Examining your assumptions can help parents see clearly which educational option is best for their family. Following are some questions that I believe will help you see clearly the value of home education. Please discuss them with your spouse, pray over them, and write out your answers. -May God guide you to His will for your family.
- What is education? What should a good education include?
- Does the Bible have anything to say about how and where your children are educated? Think of “training, pupil, discipling, teacher, etc…”
- Who do children belong to? Who has (or should have) the final word about educational decisions?
- What is the purpose of education? Is it to grow up and get a good job, or are there other issues? (Religious issues? Moral issues? Social issues? Others?)
- What is a well-educated person like? If you could see your children 20 years from now, what would you want them to be like?
- How do children learn?
7. What would the perfect education look like
8. Why should you homeschool?