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So, Why Do You Homeschool Anyway???

My answer to this question varies, often with my mood. My "funny" answer is, "I homeschool because I'm pretty much insane." or "I love the sound of chaos in the morning."  My "if-one-more-person-asks-me-about-socialization" answer is, "If the behavior of kids on class field trips is an indicator of acceptable social behavior, then the system works just great. However, if you prefer well-behaved children who show respect toward their elders and use words like please and thank you, then you may want to rethink the whole socialization question." But if I'm answering the why do you homeschool question from my heart, I'll tell you it's because the Lord called me to homeschool. I homeschool, in essence, out of obedience to Him. At it's core, it really is that simple.

I have always said that I would stop homeschooling any time the Lord wanted me to, for any one of my five children. And I really mean that - because through all the highs and lows of the homeschool lifestyle, all I really want to do is glorify the Lord.

When my son was 15, just before his sophomore year of high school, we enrolled him as a dual enrollment student at Friends University (located in our hometown of Wichita, Kansas). Once we felt certain that this was a part of God's plan for our son, we moved forward, had him take the required tests to be accepted at such a young age, and I added a little more driving time into our homeschool day. He continued to take classes at Friends through his senior year, and was able to transfer those credit hours to his transcript at Wheaton College (where he will begin his sophomore year in August). It worked perfectly for him.

Our oldest daughter will be a senior in high school this year, and she will take her first classes at Friends this fall. God's plan for her has been different than His plan for her brother, and as we seek His will for each of our children, He leads us on the best path for each one. I don't anticipate a "cookie cutter" experience for my five children - that is, not if I am actively seeking the Lord as I pay careful attention to their gifts, abilities and needs.

The reasons families choose home education are as varied as the books on my homeschool shelf, but for me there really is only one reason...because a loving God told me it was best for me and the children He blessed me with. And after 15 years of homeschooling, I can say with assurance that His way is truly best.

Happy homeschooling!!

Day 200 done :)

Jan L. Burt

www.ALLTHINGSHOMESCHOOL.weebly.com

www.SavanasClayCreations.com




Comments

  1. AnonymousJuly 17, 2012 at 4:34 AM

    I love all your reasons! The simplicty of obedience to God is the best reason! We have an assurance of God's peace, provision and protection when we live our lives in that simplicty. Navigating the high school years till graduation is much more varied and dynamic than any other phase of homeschooling and I have needed the Lord's guidance and peace more than ever. Blessings and you continue your journey!

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