So You Want To Homeschool

 Recently I have been approached by many moms who are looking to or desire to homeschool their children.  It is not nearly as difficult or overwhelming as one might think. In reality, once implemented, homeschooling is a much more natural way of raising, educating and training children. There is no better learning environment than a loving home and a personal tutor, especially when that personal tutor loves them as only a mom can love her child.  "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails." This is God's perfect love. While I daily fall short of exemplifying God's perfect love to my children I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that I love my kids more than any educator could possibly love my children.

Gettting Started:
The first thing I chose to do was create a mission statement or list of reasons why my husband and I are choosing to homeschool.  I knew there would be hard days and many moments I would question our decision. I wanted a tangible list that was printed so at any moment I could read it and be reminded and encouraged about our families decision. I also want a list so that each year we can evaluate if this is truly what God desires for our family and children. As a mom my primary mission field is my children: training their hearts and minds. I believe this training can best be accomplished in God designed homes, not man made schools.

The second thing I did was change the way I viewed education.  “These commandments I give to you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Duet 6:6,7) I am training my children for life, not just preparing them to make a living, thus all of life is our classroom. The grocery store is a math and economics lesson; Mrs. Lotz, our German neighbor, is our social studies, collecting leaves on our nature hike is science. Our schooling/learning is meaningful and inspiring, not a mundane desk job they can't wait to leave.

The final thing I did was start reading. Every veteran homeschooler will tell you, reading with your children is the best thing you can do for them. Eventually they will need to learn to read on their own but snuggle them and read or if they can't sit still, let them play with legos or color while you read to them, listen to books on tape and fold laundry while they play. Books are inspiring. The book is always better than the movie because it is more personal. You create and design the characters in your imagination. Don't dumb down your children; Don't read twaddle.  Your child is destined for greatness. Inspire greatness in them and your child will be the joy and will be the blessing that God promises.