Why do we homeschool and hope to until our kids are grown (and secretly plan to strong-arm them into homeschooling our grandchildren - just kidding - unless it becomes necessary)? That’s a really big question. Initially, it was to escape a situation with which we were no longer comfortable. Then it became very much about reassessing our priorities. Now we strive for it to be all about discipleship. Our why is convoluted but at the same time fairly simple. I know that that is clear as mud, but it’s our reality. I don’t even know if I can write it all out without breaking the question into several smaller questions, so I am just going to try to summarize it. I may write about it later.
We homeschool simply because we fervently believe that that is what God called our family to do. It is an act of obedience (especially some days) and also a great privilege. Secondly, because we have the freedom to let them explore who God created them to be without so much of the distraction and interference that comes with other schooling options. They have a say and some, albeit borrowed, authority over how our home operates. It also gives us an opportunity to decide what our children are exposed to and when. I know, I know. They have to know how to live in the real world. I don’t think we’ll ever be accused of being like those vehicular(?) parents (helicopter, bulldozer, lawnmower, whatever, etc). But we are unapologetically aware and present when our kids meet part of the “real” world that they don’t understand. We can’t shield them from everything, but we can be on standby ready to help them navigate the obstacles and process the situation themselves.
I can spend days on why we homeschool, but I am going to leave it here for now. I would like to add that “Why don’t your kids go to public school? and “Why do you homeschool?” are two very different questions that will receive very different answers. I’m happy to talk about both but will stick with why we homeschool for now.