That’s the question I asked when I considered homeschooling almost 2 decades ago, and the answer is still what I tell moms who wonder if homeschooling might be an alternative in their homes. “Don’t yank the kids out of school unless you are ready to reconstruct your day-timer!”
If you are intrigued with homeschooling but intimidated about signing on for 24/7 of kids, clutter, and craziness, you should think carefully –
First: What are you reading in Scripture that is stirring you up to homeschool?
Got a verse that just constricts your heart with conviction? I didn't — but I had this uneasy feeling that my time with our kids was spinning out of my hands — that others got to enjoy their company — and I was "worried" about academics.
Not very spiritual, huh? However, I began asking those women, who had formerly been the butt of some of my jokes, why I should not homeschool — Don't tell me why I should; tell me I shouldn't. To a woman, about ten women said: "Don't homeschool if you are unwilling to lose control of your time."
Now I gotta tell you — I had just gotten my youngest into full-time school and I was getting "a LIFE." — ladies' Bible studies, ladies' lunches, uncomplicated strolls through the grocery store aisles — even one or two uninterrupted conversations with my husband. I also have to confess: I am not “domestic!” I am not nuts about the confusion that comes with children. I don't play games, dress-up or like little league. I battle self-centeredness and an overwhelming urge for my own space, and peace. "Mother of the year" is never a title someone would associate with my name!
But the dearness of these little ones that God gave me seemed to be evaporating into the Christian School schedule! In 1984 – yes, I think that was the year I first heard about homeschooling – I thought those women were . . . well, nuts. Now, I never looked at September as my month of liberation – quite the contrary – I dreaded it – I like summers and their craziness – so when my son started off for second grade that crisp fall morning, a sharp pain went through mu heart – he was not coming back. About that time, my friend Diane Tecklenberg said she’s taken her kids out – I did not restrain my tongue – but I went with her to hear Gary Cox –
My eldest child was and is a handful — intellectually, spiritually. Then I found out my precious youngest was equipped with unique challenges: totally different — but just as dangerous! And those dear saints at the school were trying to teach dozens just like them. ThenN I read in some hs guru's treatise on the joys of homeschooling — all of which attracted me, like a moth is to a flame — that on the average, our children experience about 1 ½ minutes of the classroom teacher's personal attention. 1 ½ minutes?
Even I could give the kids more than that!
But I prayed — my husband prayed — for almost six months and God only kept fanning the desire to be with them — to be with them — to be with these precious children. And no, I did not have a clue what I was doing. (I thought I did but I didn't. This is a true statement for 99 & 99 /100% of my life, too!)
The first couple of years were tough. I will spare you the gory details. But I will tell you what my friend — an older sister in Christ, though she was younger than I — said when I wondered if I should chuck homeschooling. She reminded me that I would always be responsible for the training of their characters, no matter where I placed my children — always. That is what I would give an account of before Christ: not algebra or fine arts — but did I tell them what I know about God?
So — where should you keep or bring your kids to learn reading, writing and arithmetic? Maybe figure out where you can best train them to fear and serve the Lord — for that is what God will ask you what you did. Homeschooling is not necessarily the only place to do this — so, NO guilt trips if God has called you to choose another education tool, like traditional schooling!
Wrestle with how you are doing what God requires of parents. Where's the best place to do that? *IF* HE calls you home to educate your kids in the ABC's — He will redeem your time, strengthen your marriage — and even tell you it is time to log -off this great board because you got stuff to do!
Now consider praying through this and tell God you — and your husband — are willing to do whatever HE tells you. Then get busy with the very next thing on your to-do list!
Another old hand at homeschooling – the proud mother of ten children, and asked her for her advice, since she is STILL in the thick of the battle. She reflected a moment and said:
In conclusion, then:
Review, remember and test all education tools by Deuteronomy 6:1-9.
Whatever plan you choose – do not jump around – every plan will have its downside – there is NO easy way to train children – if there were Dr, Dobson et al would not be so successful.
If you are intrigued with homeschooling but intimidated about signing on for 24/7 of kids, clutter, and craziness, you should think carefully –
First: What are you reading in Scripture that is stirring you up to homeschool?
Got a verse that just constricts your heart with conviction? I didn't — but I had this uneasy feeling that my time with our kids was spinning out of my hands — that others got to enjoy their company — and I was "worried" about academics.
Not very spiritual, huh? However, I began asking those women, who had formerly been the butt of some of my jokes, why I should not homeschool — Don't tell me why I should; tell me I shouldn't. To a woman, about ten women said: "Don't homeschool if you are unwilling to lose control of your time."
Now I gotta tell you — I had just gotten my youngest into full-time school and I was getting "a LIFE." — ladies' Bible studies, ladies' lunches, uncomplicated strolls through the grocery store aisles — even one or two uninterrupted conversations with my husband. I also have to confess: I am not “domestic!” I am not nuts about the confusion that comes with children. I don't play games, dress-up or like little league. I battle self-centeredness and an overwhelming urge for my own space, and peace. "Mother of the year" is never a title someone would associate with my name!
But the dearness of these little ones that God gave me seemed to be evaporating into the Christian School schedule! In 1984 – yes, I think that was the year I first heard about homeschooling – I thought those women were . . . well, nuts. Now, I never looked at September as my month of liberation – quite the contrary – I dreaded it – I like summers and their craziness – so when my son started off for second grade that crisp fall morning, a sharp pain went through mu heart – he was not coming back. About that time, my friend Diane Tecklenberg said she’s taken her kids out – I did not restrain my tongue – but I went with her to hear Gary Cox –
My eldest child was and is a handful — intellectually, spiritually. Then I found out my precious youngest was equipped with unique challenges: totally different — but just as dangerous! And those dear saints at the school were trying to teach dozens just like them. ThenN I read in some hs guru's treatise on the joys of homeschooling — all of which attracted me, like a moth is to a flame — that on the average, our children experience about 1 ½ minutes of the classroom teacher's personal attention. 1 ½ minutes?
Even I could give the kids more than that!
But I prayed — my husband prayed — for almost six months and God only kept fanning the desire to be with them — to be with them — to be with these precious children. And no, I did not have a clue what I was doing. (I thought I did but I didn't. This is a true statement for 99 & 99 /100% of my life, too!)
The first couple of years were tough. I will spare you the gory details. But I will tell you what my friend — an older sister in Christ, though she was younger than I — said when I wondered if I should chuck homeschooling. She reminded me that I would always be responsible for the training of their characters, no matter where I placed my children — always. That is what I would give an account of before Christ: not algebra or fine arts — but did I tell them what I know about God?
So — where should you keep or bring your kids to learn reading, writing and arithmetic? Maybe figure out where you can best train them to fear and serve the Lord — for that is what God will ask you what you did. Homeschooling is not necessarily the only place to do this — so, NO guilt trips if God has called you to choose another education tool, like traditional schooling!
Wrestle with how you are doing what God requires of parents. Where's the best place to do that? *IF* HE calls you home to educate your kids in the ABC's — He will redeem your time, strengthen your marriage — and even tell you it is time to log -off this great board because you got stuff to do!
Now consider praying through this and tell God you — and your husband — are willing to do whatever HE tells you. Then get busy with the very next thing on your to-do list!
Another old hand at homeschooling – the proud mother of ten children, and asked her for her advice, since she is STILL in the thick of the battle. She reflected a moment and said:
1. Figure out what your goals are for your family – that means talking with your husband – not nagging him. If he says, “No. “.. Do not badger him until he gives up in desperation. You never want he principal of your homeschool to say I told you so when problems creep up!
2. Pay attention to your child – prayer journal . . . Ask God to show you HOW you are to train the child.
2. Pay attention to your child – prayer journal . . . Ask God to show you HOW you are to train the child.
In conclusion, then:
Review, remember and test all education tools by Deuteronomy 6:1-9.
Whatever plan you choose – do not jump around – every plan will have its downside – there is NO easy way to train children – if there were Dr, Dobson et al would not be so successful.