I am extremely grateful that God provided the circumstances, opportunity and freedom for me to homeschool our kids. In fact, today, I can’t even think of an alternate lifestyle that would have suited us. Even though it is definitely a sacrifice, I would still go this route if I am given the choice!
Though the very reason we initially thought about homeschooling was to be able to impart faith and moral values, we have seen many other added benefits in our journey.
Homeschooling has given me the joy that I wouldn’t have been able to experience, had I sent my kids to school and went to work. The joy of being able to be present with family is something I am truly grateful for.
Homeschooling offers me the opportunity to be present with all my 8 kids, without wondering whether they are being bullied, or under peer pressure to live upto the standards of the culture, that is sadly deteriorating. It gives me peace of mind to know that the children are under our guidance and trying to live the standards we set, and not what the community sets.
On an academic level, the one on one attention as well as ability to move on at your own pace is something that homeschooling is certainly noteworthy for. As a homeschool teacher, I get to choose my kids curriculum and tailor it according to their needs as well as passion instead of going with a ‘one size fits all’ style of most traditional schools. I get to decide what books they read, and what things they are exposed to a certain degree. They are trained to be independent learners, and this has greatly helped them to teach themselves and move on, also bringing along self-motivation, diligence, perseverance and critical thinking.
Homeschooling definitely has an academic advantage over other forms of education , but homeschooling is not just about academics. It’s the whole ‘package deal’ that makes homeschooling beautiful. It is actually a lifestyle combining real life with academics.
It gives me an opportunity to instill faith. With homeschooling and being available for the children, I have the opportunity to discipline the kids in God’s path.
On a spiritual level, it has not only helped the kids but my own spiritual life, to be more dependant on the Lord for being able to ‘do it all’. As a mom who homeschools, I wear several hats- including (and not limited to) wife, mom, daughter, teacher, cook, chauffeur, homemaker, just to mention a few at the tip of the iceberg.
It also provides an opportunity to promote good virtues, and emphasize on building character. I am available to deal with character issues right then and there. I have the flexibility to put away a day or two of academics and focus on the real thing that need to be focused on- character.
We have kids involve in daily routine household chores as well as taking care of siblings, and this exposes them to life skills that are highly necessary and equip them to be prepared for independent life after school. This work ethic is probably something we would not have been able to provide had we sent them to school.
Kids are also with each other throughout the day, which promotes sibling bonding and ability to help each other where needed.
One question most people have about homeschooling is about socialization. In reality, most homeschooled kids are exposed to a wide variety of age ranges on a day to day basis, as opposed to kids of only their same age in a traditional school setting. The exposure to more age ranges develop in them ability to cope in different circumstances. We also take advantage of the fellowship that our beautiful Jesus Youth community offers, as well as socialization within local homeschool groups and our parish.
With homeschooling, it is not possible to segregate real life from school. Life happens when it happens and the kids become part of real life than an artificial life created within the walls of a classroom.
Another real benefit we have noticed with homeschooling is the ability to be able to nurture the passions of the kids in a positive environment; passions that we would have probably overlooked, or wouldn’t have had an opportunity to pursue, had we sent them to school.
I believe that all these added benefits of homeschooling create a wholesome child, not only strong in academics but in different aspects of life. And that’s what the world needs!
I understand that homeschooling is definitely not everyone’s calling, and that in some situations may not be the best option. But if you are on the edge, and waiting for that push, remember that there is no-one who loves your child more than you and whom God has given greater qualifications to teach. Also, you do not need to have everything perfectly figured out or have an educational qualification to homeschool. If you love your children, and are willing to accept the grace that God provides, that’s all you need. I am very happy we chose this path that God called us to!