Why I Homeschool :: A Simple Look at an Important Decision

I'm often asked this four word question, "Why do you homeschool?" And, it is delivered in a variety of tones with hidden meanings. Sometimes, I get the defiant, sneering tone of those who think homeschooling was an idea spawned from the devil; other times, I receive the question packaged in a truly caring tone filled with a want to understand my (and my husband's) rational behind such a life-changing decision.

[To see what those tones sound like out loud, simply place emphasis on only one word in the sentence each time you say it.

• "Why do you homeschool?"
• "Why do you homeschool?"
• "Why do you homeschool?"
• Why do you homeschool?"                                                                 See what I mean?]

In the past, I've given various answers while trying not to offend those who might think I homeschool because I'm in the upper echelons of the class system (which, by the way, I'm not). You would be surprised at  some of the reactions  I've received when asked about homeschooling. (More positive than negative, but still!) "I wish I could homeschool, but I don't make enough money," or "I would homeschool, but I don't have the _______." Fill in the blank - time, patience, knowledge - you name it, I've heard it!

And, to be fair, I think everyone is entitled to their own education philosophy whether they homeschool or have their children attend brick and mortar schools like public, private, charter, etc. Every family can and should decide what is best for their particular situation and educational needs. The same applies to the financial implications surrounding homeschooling. We live off of one income with me occasionally moonlighting at our local children's theatre.

Now, back to the point at hand. I use to tell people I homeschooled because I didn't agree with California's public school system requirements (when we first began homeschooling), which I won't get into here. I also told them that I truly felt capable of teaching my own child. I do hold a degree with several minors and have loved school every since I can remember. A part of me also felt like it was my duty to teach my own child. At the time, my husband was in the military and we traveled quite a bit, too, so homeschooling really made sense. I also had the unwavering support from my husband to homeschool. It was not a "me only" decision, but one we made together. {Please note, you should always have the support of your spouse while homeschooling.}

I had a few other reasons, too, but once I spewed all of that out, I sounded like an overachiever prognosticating homeschooling's effect on families and I often worried if I had upset someone with their personal choices for educating their children. I definitely didn't want either of those two things taking place. I just really loved my choice.

A few years ago, I really simplified my answer and it made things so much easier. So, why do I homeschool?

Life is short. Life with my children as children is even shorter. I want to and chose to spend time with them everyday. I don't spend every waking moment with them, but I do enjoy our daily interactions whether it's learning about the periodic table or eating lunch together in our favorite restaurant. I love that when my husband isn't working or traveling the world, we can tailor our schedule to be with him. (However, the latter has got a bit tricky with my eldest taking dual credit courses at a local university.)

I want to spend my years enjoying my children while they are young. I want to train them up to be great men whom achieve their passions in this life. I want them to be gentlemen whose name and manners proceed them when meeting new people. I want them to be well educated in an often uneducated world. And, I see homeschooling them as a means to this end.

I truly homeschool my boys for a myriad of reasons, but the most important to me, and the one that I share most often, is the simple truth - I homeschool because my time with them is numbered and I love the time the time we get to spend together.

For more information on homeschooling, please visit my previous posts:

• Homeschooling - Some of my Favorite Curriculum Links
• Homeschooling - Yes, You Can!

If you are in the East Texas region, visit one of my Facebook Pages: East Texas Homeschool Resources

For all of you homeschool pros, why do you homeschool?