Why did you decide to homeschool?

[jpapadpapa]

I thought it would be fun to ask this question! We started considering homeschooling for a few reasons. My husband had been very bored in school and we didn't want the same for our kids, so that was what first made us think about it. My husband also loved the fact that we wouldn't have to try to pay for a Christian school. ;-) The money issue was probably his biggest motivating factor.

As we have gotten into it, though, we realize how God really led us to this. What better way to influence your children than to spend all day with them? And, what better way to be taught than with one-on-one education? Statistics are definitely on the side of homeschoolers. I don't look down on people who choose a different method of education, but I do believe that we found the best way and I am so thankful! I feel privileged to be able to do this. As the kids grow up, I want them to understand other viewpoints and perspectives, but I want to be able to influence them in everything because I believe God gave them to me to train.

Sooooo, what about you? Why did you decide to homeschool and has your thinking evolved as you've gotten into it?

[imwendym]

Almost daily we add one more reason. 482 reasons and counting! LOL! All the way from as serious as working to keep the family unit together and strong, to small afterthoughts like no lice outbreaks! Our kids are 5 and 6. We started last year for Kindergarten when they were 4 and 5. Our 4 year old was ready and willing to start, so they are in the same "grade".
My best friend was homeschooled (Becca Wood) and that was probably the catalyst that started our journey. I knew NOTHING and she knew EVERYTHING...which was overwhelming at times-I was so nervous I would not be as good as her. But Anthony and I jumped in and started easy...the 3 R's and the Big B. As for the reasons...at first they were almost "selfish" in nature, like not having to get up at the crack of dawn...(I like to sleep in)...and not wanting to be told when we could go on vacation...(We like less crowds). That evolved into so many more truly important reasons for us. I like for us to wake up when our bodies are rested, without an alarm clock. Eating breakfast while talking with each other, not inhaling it in order to catch a bus or rush-rush to school. Only an hour into our day and so much less stress and anxiety then the alternative. Throughout the day mom and children inevitabley make mistakes, lose patience, get frusterated, and show each other we are imperfect- and ultimately repent and forgive each other. What a great lesson to teach our kids! That mom and dad make mistakes too, but we pray for help and ask forgiveness! Mistakes in school are not sooo bad, and we praise effort and improvement. We do not HAVE to grade with red Fs and Ds to mark in a teachers log for report cards...but go at our pace until we are satisfied with the improvement and retention. We figure -why stress them so at such a young age? No chance of being influenced daily for 8 hours by a fellow student that may not be raised with similar morals and respect for parents/adults- which would cause internal conflict within our kids..."who do I side with?" I really could go on and on...how my kids are best friends, because there is no "grade" (or school building wall) seperating them from each other. One of the best benefits...being forced to adapt and change ourselves where God wants us to, so we can be successful as a family. Not letting a "system" educate them so I can "get a break" or because "I can't handle it." WHEN I can't handle my children-(because I promise, there are times!)...what does that tell me? That I will be able to handle them better with someone else's influence all day? That it will get better eventually? Nah...How about the painful realization that I must change MYSELF first and learn to be whatever my family needs me to be at that time. As example- I am learning to think.. why are my children behaving this way? Is it increasing in frequency? or improving? But really most importantly...How have I been behaving myself? And sometimes...Ouch. Whether you homeschool or not, I think that is of utmost importance. We are the primary influence for our kids. What a blessing...and sometimes I feel it is a curse, because they don't just watch when I want them to, they ALWAYS watch! Even when I am stubborn... Anyways...Just felt like sharing.
I am glad we gave it a shot- We are hooked!