Are you Pondering Homeschooling?

Well if you are then you really need to take a minute grab a cup of tea (hot or cold - your choice) and spend a few minutes here. Now, I am in no way a master on the subject, but I am participating in the TOS Homeschool Crew Blog Cruise. This week the discussion is about homeschooling and how to start.

Now it's been many years since my husband and I came to the realization that homeschooling was truly the only way for us. Between the degrading culture and problems in both public and Christian schools, we knew that when we had children that I would be staying home to take care of them, nurture them, and educate them. So well before we had our first child I began researching and then we would discuss all the resources I came across and we put together a plan. I know to some that might sound strange or even overwhelming, but I think one of the very first things you need to do is research. Figure out what would work best for you and your husband.

Well, let me stop here and say the very first thing you should do, and the most important thing to do is to pray. Pray and then pray again. Most times we pray and do not "hear God" or do not listen to God. But I stand firm on two very important ideas from Scripture.

1. God will never give you more then you can handle.
2. We are entrusted with children from the Lord to be raised in the admonition and teaching of the Lord.

We could not see how spending more time away from our children would help us to train them in the teachings of Christ. And as overwhelming an idea of homeschooling might seem, the Lord has given us everything we need in order to fulfill that calling.

So after the research was complete I started to formulate a 12 year plan. This might not be for everyone, but I would certainly plan a year out. That way you know where you are heading. We had decided that we would be following more of a classical style of homeschooling. If you want to learn more about the classical method, please head on over to the Well-Trained Mind. You can also Google classical homeschooling and get a ton of links and resources. My husband and I read through the Well-Trained Mind together learning the process of how we would school our children. Then I put it on paper and modified the curriculum choices based on our ideals. All of this was pretty much complete before we ever had our first child.

We actually started homeschooling before our eldest daughter was ever in school. We helped some other families, who thought they could not homeschool, but wanted to, by assisting them in tutoring their child.

Last year was our first 'official' year of homeschooling and let me tell you it was a blast. I've seen my two girls grow in many areas. I have also been able to be a part of molding them to be more Christ-like by teaching them during those tender moments. That has been one of my biggest joys in homeschooling.

One of the biggest things I hear when someone asks me about homeschooling or what school my children attend is, "Oh, I could never do that!" I always wonder why? I think the main reason is fear. Fear that we might not do a good job. But whose standards are you measuring yourself too? The public schools, other students? We should be measuring them to the yardstick of the Bible. In II Timothy 1:7 the Bible tells us not to have a spirit of fear, but one with power, love and self-control.

Another statement I hear a lot is that "I am not like you." or "I couldn't do that because (insert name of child) and I just won't get along." But I truly believe otherwise. I believe that God has given us children so that we could train them for the Lord. Who else would be better then you to teach your child? Wouldn't have God in His wisdom blessed them with your child? But, He didn't. He gave your child to you and admonished you train up your child in the Lord so that when he is old he will not depart (see Proverbs 22:6).

So take some time, pray, discuss things with your spouse and let yourself be open to the idea of homeschooling. It is not as scary as it might seem. There are people in your church, your community, and on the Internet willing to give you a helping hand. I hope that you have been encouraged and I urge you to read through some of the other articles/posts on the blog cruise. Maybe this is the time that the Lord is calling you to stop out and take back the reigns of teaching your children. If you do feel that this is something that you feel you are being called to do, then I would love to help you. Feel free to ask questions and leave me a way to get in touch with you. This is one area I feel called to help others truly understand that homeschooling is doable. All you have to have is an open mind and a willingness to follow His call.