Our Home Start
When we first started our homeschooling journey, we were coming out of the throws of the pandemic shut down, and facing the decision to enroll our oldest child in Kindergarten. After weighing our options, we discussed homeschooling, but were hesitant to dive into the unknown.
Although I was a former elementary school teacher, my child’s entire education and socialization resting on my shoulders alone, felt like a heavy task. A homeschooling friend of mine advised me to reach out to some local homeschool groups to give me a better understanding of what it could look like to homeschool in our community.
I found a meet-up group, and nervously attended a hike they had planned. As I looked around at the families, I was appalled by how many children were running around a public park … barefoot. There were children of all ages, climbing trees, skinning their knees, running up the slide, and even worse, sitting on top of the playground equipment - living completely free from societal norms. At first glance, rather than freedom, I saw broken rules and feral behavior.
After my initial shock wore off, I began to open my mind and see how kind and welcoming everyone was. Older kids were careful to help younger children with difficult tasks. Younger kids were brave and bold in their problem-solving abilities. The air was filled with laughter and squeals of delight, as they walked and played together, surrounded by the tranquility of nature.
It was at that moment, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. Intrigued, I sought out other homeschool groups. Through word of mouth, I heard about a co-op, not far from my home. With each gathering of homeschooling families, I found more of the same kindness, compassion, friendliness, and general happiness I had first witnessed. Satisfied by my research and found support, my husband agreed to “try homeschooling for one year.”
Well, here we are five years later, still loving our decision to take a leap of faith! Our youngest child is now in Kindergarten. It feels surreal to think about how quickly time is passing. What a gift to be able to spend slow days with my children, leaning into their interests, as we learn together. I get to see them grow and reach all of their milestones. I have the privilege to be part of their big and small moments, and celebrate each day with them.
Don’t get me wrong, there are days that I find myself taking this opportunity for granted. Days when dishes fill the sink, laundry piles abound, kids are arguing over what game to play, everyone needs to eat food … again. In those stressful moments, I do question myself. But, all I have to do is turn on the news or read a few a posts on social media to remember: We absolutely made the right decision! On the difficult days, we press on, moving forward toward our goals, together as a family.
If you are reading this, and already homeschooling, I imagine you are nodding your head in agreement with me. I pray you feel blessed today, as you cuddle your babies, and juggle the meal prep with the math work, at the kitchen table. God has already granted you the strength you need for this day. Be strong and courageous as you face each challenge.
Maybe you have not yet taken the plunge into the world of homeschooling. If you feel that pull on your heart to slow down with your children, all I can say is, “try homeschooling for one year.” Find some local groups, and chat with other parents who are choosing to home educate. I can guarantee they also had reservations, when they were facing this decision. It is a financial sacrifice to live on one income. It is an emotional sacrifice not to get many “breaks” from our kids. It is a mental sacrifice to have to think and answer questions to direct and redirect our children all day, every day. But, I can say with confidence that it is worth every sacrifice. If you are trying to decide where to start with education, START AT HOME.
