Why I Believe Every Child Should Be Homeschooled
No, I didn’t back out of sending the kids back to school this week. I’m not saying it didn’t cross my mind to see if I could somehow delay it, but they went. And despite the fact that I could barely hold it together as I dropped off my Kindergartener, my 4th grader, and my two high-schoolers, I know this is what’s best for them.
So, this is not a discussion on where our kids should learn academics. I learned long ago that there is no one-size-fits-all answer for that. I would never presume to know what’s best for you or your kids. That decision can only be made by each individual family.
My kids go to school. But no matter how great an education they receive in their classrooms each day, I do not want to forget that the most influential teachers they will ever have are my husband and me.
I want them to get a grasp on the fundamental principles of mathematics. And they should be able to name the founding fathers of our country and recite the preamble to the Constitution. And it’s an absolute must that they learn the proper uses of their, there, and they’re.
But the real stuff of life is taught when they get home, like how to live right… how to forgive… how to take initiative… how to clean the bathrooms… and then how to clean them again without complaining…how to stand up for what’s right… how to scramble an egg… how to trust God in every situation…how to react to the person standing on the street corner asking for money… how to spend and save the money we make… how to share… how to say good-bye to people we love… and how to show the love of Christ to those who don’t love us.
Some of the best lessons I’ve ever learned were taught when I was riding in the car with my dad, or sitting across the living room from my mom. Like the times we practiced our manners by acting out different scenarios in the family room. And the way they turned off the TV when something inappropriate came on. It was the funny remarks said at just the right time to change the mood. It was seeing the way they treated others. And the talks about Heaven and the people waiting for us there.
My husband and I both went to public school. That was the path God had for us and there were good teachers and lessons learned there that helped make us who we are. But it will always remain that my parents were my two most influential teachers of my life.
There are no lesson plans and no written tests in our home school. That’s why I have to be prepared to teach what I know about whatever issues arise that day. My kids will learn from what I say and they will take note of how I react to the experiences we face. It’s the greatest responsibility I have at this point in my life. And I want to take advantage of the opportunities to teach them every time I have the chance.
So, wherever it is that your kids are heading back to school, don’t forget they need to be homeschooled as well. It’s how they’ll be equipped for life. There’s no better teacher for them than you. What lessons are you teaching today?
Lisa at Shine Your Light
August 17, 2012 @ 11:48 am
So beautifully said, Julie. My kids go to school too, but I don't think there is a more important job than that of parents raising their kids and the lessons taught at home.
Jenny
August 17, 2012 @ 11:57 am
So very well said and so very true. Great post.
Stuff and Nonsense
August 17, 2012 @ 12:01 pm
i always tell folks
that every parent home schools
whether you do it well
or do it poorly
you are a home schooler
plus
even if your kids go
to traditional classrooms
you're probably still doing
math
spelling
vocab
science
reading
etc
at home with them
most nights
a good reminder
to think about
what we teach them every day.
alison
Stacey
August 17, 2012 @ 12:11 pm
Love this post! My son is starting Pre-K on Monday and I am heartbrkoen that we can't afford to homeschool. We chose an amazing Christian school and so far I am so impressed with his teachers and the administration. This was a nice reminder that I am homeschooling (my dream)…our hours are just later in the day. 🙂 Thanks for the gentle reminder; I needed that today.
David and Dee Dee Sterling
August 17, 2012 @ 12:29 pm
Very nice post! Totally agree!
KayCeeWoo
August 17, 2012 @ 2:02 pm
Very insightful and encouraging to all! Well-written, and your passionate love for FAMILY comes out loud and clear! Love to all…
Aunt Karin
~Isabel
August 17, 2012 @ 2:29 pm
Thank you for this….I just dropped off my little daughter for her first full day of kindergarten. Thank you for the reminder that I, too, am "homeschooling".
April
August 17, 2012 @ 2:52 pm
Well said Jules! Love and miss you.
Ann Kroeker
August 17, 2012 @ 5:55 pm
What a lovely post, encouraging people whose kids are in all different schooling situations to not neglect the deeply important values, passed on throughout everyday life.
Virginia Knowles
August 17, 2012 @ 6:21 pm
I've got one child in public school (4th grade) and four in home school (2nd, 6th, 8th, and 10th) and one dual enrolling for 12th. Last year I had four in public school (for at least part of the year) and two at home. Lovely post and great reminder!
GreenGirl
August 17, 2012 @ 8:30 pm
Love this post!
NanaDiana
August 18, 2012 @ 1:27 am
Julie- You have nailed one of life's best lessons- I think so often parents forget that they, too, are teachers. Blessings to you- I am sure you are a wonderful Mom- xo Diana
Secondhandmom.com
August 19, 2012 @ 8:12 am
What an awesome post. What a great attention getting title. You nailed it. Thank you so much for this post. I am going to share with my parents. I love your blog. As hard as it is to be without a little one at your side all day — enjoy this timr God had blessed you with to refuel yourself. You look after our worlds future everyday. Like all day at home mom and dads you deserve a break too. God bless you. Love your profile picture!
Nicole Lawson
August 20, 2012 @ 2:16 pm
Thanks for posting Julie, it came in God's perfect timing for me; as always. He knows exacatly what we need and when we need. Thanks for being such a blessing!
Michelle
August 20, 2012 @ 2:36 pm
Amazing words! Thank you! I homeschooled my son for half of Kindergarten. He starts 1st grade at our public school in a few days. There truly is nothing like the love and knowledge that comes from your family!
April
August 20, 2012 @ 8:50 pm
Very well-said and true!
Kathryn
October 6, 2012 @ 4:15 am
Very well said! If more parents would "homeschool" their children like this, our public schools would be a much better place! Thanks for the reminder that we are ALL our children's teachers– and what we teach our children in the afternoon and evening hours is just as important as what they learn during the day!
Julianne
November 27, 2012 @ 5:34 am
I just came over from "Hooked on Houses" (your kitchen is so lovely!) and this post popped up at the bottom, so I clicked on it. I LOVE IT. Thanks for putting it so well. Nothing is a substitute for parental teachings of correct/appropriate behavior and reactions (though many things like programs and good leaders/teachers do help so much).
Bethany
January 9, 2013 @ 2:33 am
Julie, this was beautifully penned. Your niche of the Internet is a beautifully distinct place and it's inspiring to see how you are using your influence to bring glory to God.
John Webb
May 14, 2013 @ 1:14 pm
this is a post to be read over and over, a good reminder to us daily. LOVED it!!!!
Julie
May 14, 2013 @ 1:29 pm
Thanks, Kelly 🙂
LLMom
November 20, 2013 @ 7:07 pm
Just finding your blog. I am glad you mention that there isn't one right way to school. Many homeschooling moms feel so guilty if they want or need to put their children in school. I have started a blog for just these types of moms because there is very little support. http://rest-for-the-weary.blogspot.com