A couple weeks ago, I had just finished registering Nora for next year’s preschool class (I registered online) when I clicked back over to my email and noticed a new email with the subject “Homeschooling Questions?”.
I smiled, knowing what was waiting for me when I opened that email, and thinking that it might just be time to write a post about why we do not homeschool our kids.
Obviously, our children are very young, so I really haven’t had a reason to share much about our education decisions; however, over the past year of Nora being in 3-school (preschool for 3 year olds), I have gotten a surprising number of emails asking why we aren’t homeschooling Nora, suggesting that we should homeschool her, or asking if we would ever consider homeschooling our kids.
I have gotten an equal number of emails that, for whatever reason, assume we DO homeschool our kids (I truly have no idea how or why they assume this… maybe just because I’m a blogger and many bloggers choose to homeschool).
I’ve even gotten emails asking me to share my favorite homeschooling resources and suggesting I start a new section of my blog dedicated to homeschooling ideas, tips, and information! It’s crazy, and every time I get one of these requests, I somehow wonder if I’ve made any statements on my blog alluding to the idea that we are interested in homeschooling our children.
If I have… I’m sorry for the confusion!
The truth is, Dave and I have never once even considered homeschooling our children — and although neither of us think homeschooling is bad, or wrong, or worse than any other type of school, we have absolutely no intentions of homeschooling any of our children in the foreseeable future.
Of course, I won’t say “never” because you just don’t know what the future holds. If it makes sense at some point to look into homeschooling, we will do so… but until then, we will send our children to the local Christian school… and here are just a few reasons why (in no particular order.)
1. Dave is a Christian school teacher.
Part of Dave’s contract as a Christian school teacher is that we MUST send our children to a Christian school — and no, we don’t get a discount because he’s a teacher. We do not need to enroll our children in Dave’s school district, but we do need to enroll them in a local Christian school (there are MANY in our area) or he would lose his job.
We could probably get some sort of exception granted to us if we felt strongly that we wanted to homeschool our children; but in my opinion, it would not be very supportive of Dave, his job, or his school to say that we “support Christian education” enough for him to be a teacher, but not enough to enroll our children in a Christian school.
2. We both LOVED school.
I know so many people who homeschool their children based on the fact that they were also homeschooled and truly loved the experience. Well, Dave and I feel exactly the same way about sending our children to a local Christian school.
We have no idea what it’s like to be homeschooled, but we DO know what it’s like to attend a great school with fabulous teachers and fellow students… and we want to try and give those same experiences to our children.
It’s so fun for me to talk with Nora on the way to school (they don’t have bussing for preschool) and listen to everything she is excited to do at school, who she’s excited to play with, what she’s excited to tell her teachers, etc. etc. It’s even more fun when she comes home and is bursting with school news, stories, craft projects, and all sorts of information she learned that day.
As I’ve mentioned before, I participated in a lot of extra curricular activities growing up — most of which were somehow tied to my school. Sports teams, choirs, bands, musicals, student council, various spirit-week activities, prom, homecoming, banquets, class trips, etc. etc. It was all so much fun for Dave and for me… and we want our kids to have the opportunity to experience many of those same opportunities.
3. We have so many great school options.
Where we live, there are MANY Christian schools. In fact, we live within a 20-minute drive of 8-10 different Christian high schools and too many Christian grade schools to count.
For most areas of the United States, it is unheard of to have this many options so close to home — and since private schools don’t require you to live in any specific school district, we can choose whatever school we want our kids to go to.
Right now, Nora is enrolled in Dave’s school district (which is the 2nd closest school to our house). We’re not positive if she will stay there forever, but for right now, it seems to be a good fit as Dave can pick her up after school on the 2 days she goes.
With so many fabulous school option, it just seems silly for us not to utilize them!
4. I don’t have the patience to homeschool!
I am not a patient person… in fact, the idea of me homeschooling my children is most likely laughable to anyone who knows me. I’m sure I COULD do it if I had to — and I think I would do an OK job, but it sounds like absolute torture to be my kids’ teacher.
If we were really serious about homeschooling our children, Dave would almost certainly have to quit his job to do it — which wouldn’t really make any sense at all since Dave loves his job, and I love the health benefits we get from his job 🙂
You know the saying, “absence makes the heart grow fonder”… I know they weren’t talking about a 4-year olds going to school, but I can say with utmost confidence that the 3 hours Nora is at school 2 days a week does a world of good for her and for me!
5. Christian education is part of our family, our friends, and our faith.
Dave is a Christian school teacher, my mom is a Christian school teacher, my grandma was a Christian school teacher. Dave and I have aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings who are (or were) Christian school teachers. Dave’s mom is a secretary in the Christian schools. The majority of our friends are Christian school teachers.
Our church and our denomination strongly support Christian education… to the point that they will even offer to help with some of the expenses if a family is unable to pay the full tuition.
Dave and I feel that sending our children to a Christian school is a “full circle” approach to faith-based learning. It’s an extension of what they are already learning at home and in church… and that’s important to us.
So you can see, Christian education just runs in our blood! It’s all we’ve ever known, and it’s a big part of who we are. We want to pass this on to our children as well.
I think Dave and I have always felt that sending our kids to a Christian school was a “non-issue” — meaning, neither of us have ever really considered another option.
It’s interesting for me as I am now on both “sides” of the school system. On one hand, I’m a teacher’s spouse who gets to see how much time, effort, and energy Dave puts into teaching and mentoring his students. On the other hand, I’m a parent who gets to see how much Nora thoroughly enjoys and benefits from all the time, effort, and energy her teachers put into the crafts and lessons each day.
I know that when it comes to educating our children, we all want what’s best for them — and it’s so wonderful how many options we have these days!
As I mentioned earlier, we truly don’t think there is anything bad or wrong about homeschooling, it’s just not the right option for our family (at least not right now).
It’s OK if you disagree with us, or if you have different views on education. I have no intentions of getting into a debate in the comment section — I’m simply sharing why WE are not choosing to homeschool our children, since it’s apparently a question many are wondering about 🙂
Amy @ Life to the Full says
I just found your blog today and I find it really interesting that people assume you homeschool because you have a blog! Oh well, people will be people. We are in the pre-preschool ages with our children and we do plan to homeschool, mainly because we don’t have the option of a Christian School nearby. I’m excited (and anxious) about God’s call on our family to homeschool but sometimes I wish there was a solid Christian School in our town to join up with for certain classes like art, phy-ed, music, etc.
We’re where we are for a reason but I do think it’s awesome you have so many schools in the area! And, as for your educational view, following God’s will looks different for each family. I feel frustrated by how judgmental others can be about education decisions (and every parenting decision EVER) but if anything, parenting is teaching me I need to have thicker skin! Working on that…
Sun says
I’m catching up on your blog, and I believe blogging must be a great lesson in patience, understanding and self-control! It is a shame that anyone would come here to read and then leave a comment telling you how to live your life. I homeschool, however I had no preconceptions of what you would do with your children’s education, and it is not my business. I am so surprised people think it’s okay to make it theirs. It’s one thing if it is your family and close friends that care about you, but for strangers to assume they can tell you how you should live is bizarre. And I know this is common in the blogging world. I just have to say it is really rude and I am impressed that you tolerate it and took the time to write about it even though it is a personal matter.
Andrea says
Thanks so much Sun! I really appreciate all your kind and helpful comments (and responses to other comments)! Glad you’ve had some time to read around 🙂
Erin says
This is such a great post! My husband too is a private school teacher and I tell him that he would need to quite and teach our kids if we would want to homeschooling (while I was homeschooled, I don’t have the patience and I also believe that it is better when the parent has some educational background as my mom did). But I totally get it! While homeschooling is GREAT, it really isn’t a issue in our house, especially since my husband is a teacher and the kiddos would get to go to private school much cheaper then what I could teach them for (not saying it would be expensive, but my husband gets to send children to school for a considerable discount). Thanks for sharing!
Andrea says
oh wow — that would be SOOOO awesome if we got a discount for sending our kids to Dave’s school. maybe someday they will implement this idea!
Pixie508 says
This has been a debate for us. My husband was homeschooled (his mom was actually a special ed elementary teacher prior to having children), and I was public schooled (I was not raised in a Christian home). Prior to getting married, this was a very big discussion, because it was the biggest difference in our upbringing (other than me not being raised a Christian, but I had already made that commitment in my own life, so that was a non-issue by then).
We had decided prior to getting married that our plan, before we ever had kids was to send our children to a private Christian school, as it aligned with our beliefs and worldview. My husband was not comfortable with the public schools, and while I’m not against homeschooling (I mean, I married a homeschooler, obviously. My best friend and my sister in law both homeschool their children), I just didn’t really feel that it was a good choice for me, for many of the same reasons as you. First, I’m not patient. Second, I like to work, and working and homeschooling can be very complicated, although it can be done. Like you, I won’t say never, as at some point in the future, we may change our minds. However, we’ve enrolled our oldest (Nora’s age) in the K4 program for next year at one of the local Christian schools.
My husband was a bit nervous before we toured the school, as he never went to school before college. But, in taking a tour, and talking with staff, he became more comfortable with the environment, as well as the school itself . The facilities are wonderful, high tech, and more than we could ever offer at home – plus, as he gets older, they offer many extra curriculars, which were so important to me in my own school career, so I’m glad my kids will also be afforded those opportunities. As it turns out, our son’s teacher for next year is the daughter of the man who was the associate pastor under my father in law when my husband was younger. I’m looking forward to having additional partners in helping to raise our son to be a Godly young man!
Pixie508 says
Also, I forgot to mention – the Christian school we chose uses the same base curriculum that my husband’s parents used growing up! That was a huge bonus to him 🙂 Since he’s very familiar with it, he knows that the base of what they’ll be learning is strong.
Andrea says
wow — that’s great! I’m sure it will help your husband to love your kid’s school knowing they will be learning the same way he did!
Cn says
I do homeschool and I knew that you did not! I am pretty sure that I originally found your site through a link from a homeschooling blog, or from money saving mom, who does homeschool. It’s been so long that I don’t remember.
Dana says
Thank you for acknowledging that there are many opportunities available in the “traditional” school system that are fun for the students. As a choir teacher at the middle school level, I have several students this year who are homeschooled, but they come to our campus during the day to take art, choir, orchestra, etc. I totally understand that each family has its own needs and will benefit from different methods of schooling, but there ARE a few things that cannot necessarily be replicated by the homeschool environment.
Janine says
Awesome post and I’m enjoying reading the comments. I homeschooled my kiddos for a total of 15 years. We also ventured into online charter school, public school, and Christian school. I have found that at each stage in my children’s lives, they did better with various educational challenges, depending on the child and the stage he/she was going through. One of the fantastic advantages of living in the US is that there IS such a range of educational choices. Three of my kids are now in college and my 7th grader was attending a Christian school until a few weeks ago when I had to pull him out to homeschool again due to health issues. We’re praying for healing so he can go back to school next fall.
You are really blessed that you have so many Christian schools to choose from in your area!!
Krista says
I have to admit I assumed you would homeschool. I don’t really think you did anything to make me think that. I think it’s the blogger thing. Each family/child is different. I have one in public school & one is homeschooled. ☺
Andrea says
I know — it’s because SOOOOOOO many bloggers homeschool their kids! I can’t even imagine working from home full time and teaching my kids at home in the middle of it all. More power to them!
Nancy says
I agree with the many people who are saying that one has to do what is right for the family. There is more behind the “everyone should homeschool” message than just educational preferences. It is morally judgmental. It makes other families feel inferior as people of faith.
Homeschooling families are doing what is right for them. We ALL need to be aware of the amazing variety of loving families that exist around us. I live in the capital city of our very rural state and the public high school has 70 different languages being spoken there. Would we dream of judging all of those families for not homeschooling?? Many of those families are devout in their faith, but–get ready–they are not Christian! They work hard to raise responsible children who care about, and take care of, other people. For the record, our family is Christian, but we don’t live in a Christian bubble. We have experiences with people of other faiths all day, 5 days a week, and at church too.
My child’s educational path is very different from any of the replies I’ve read so far. My son is 15 and has high-functioning autism. I used to feel that he would be the ideal homeschool candidate, but I did not have that opportunity as I was a single parent and had to work full time. The structure of school (he has been in public school all his life) is very difficult for him. He has become very cynical and has poor self-esteem. He resents those who try to help him. I am a special educator and I know the effort his educational team puts into trying to make school work for him. It is an exhausting cycle that gets repeated year after year.
Next year he will go to a school that will fit him better–it has very little structure, lots of companionship (170 kids ages 4-19), but plenty of rules for safety and promotion of learning. Kids have all the time they need to think for themselves, make decisions, learn new concepts, and pursue academic interests. They are all accountable to each other for following the rules. It’s so different from anything we’ve done educationally but when we went to visit we knew it was the right school. We want him to love learning, to have all the time he needs to process what he is learning, to take responsibility for himself, and to grow into himself. Would I suggest (or even insist??) that this is right for all families? No, of course not.
Janet Langlois says
As a veteran former homeschoolers, I say kudos to you for doing what you feel you need to and not bowing to pressure. The homeschool community can often be obnoxious about the choices people make. You absolutely must do what works for your family and enjoy it.
Andrea says
Thanks Janet!
Fortunately, we know LOTS of super cool homeschooling families — but you are right, many people assume homeschooling families are “obnoxious” (as you put it) because of a few who ruin the reputation for the rest.
Linda says
Our family does homeschool. I will be the first to say it is not for everyone. I don’t look at others with disdain. Homeschooling fits for our family. My husband and I are both educators. He has his PhD and teaches at our local college. To me, this is the freedom in American and in Christ. We are all free to do what we think is best for our family and no two families are the same.
Alicia @ Turquoise Grace says
I’m so glad to know we’re not the only ones! We also don’t homeschool, and as a Christian family (and new blogger!) some people very strongly disagree with us. But like you, we have many teachers in the family and fully believe in/support what they so passionately do. And while we don’t (can’t afford to!) send our children to Christian school, they do attend public school and do very well.
I personally have nothing against homeschooling, of course, and have even considered it, I do know without a doubt that sending our children to public school is the best course of action for our family at this time.
Great post! I appreciate your perspective. 🙂
Emily says
As a homeschool mom I agree with you 100% that each family needs to do what is best for their family. How we educate our children (as with everything else in life) should be a matter of prayer and seeking the Lord for what is best for our family (and no, like another commenter stated I’m not going to throw you under the bus (pun intended) because you don’t homeschool) 🙂 I had many of the reasons you listed when we first felt God leading us to homeschool. I did not feel adequate, our school systems were great, etc, but it was a direction we could not deny. So we trusted and never looked back. (Like you said, never say never!!) I have to disagree though with one point you made. Reason #4, I don’t have patience to homeschool. That comment is very frustrating to me. I hear that all the time when people find out we homeschool. Often they say it with their child right there, then add “my child drives me crazy” or “I couldn’t stand being with them 24/7” and how does that child feel listening to that?? I am not a patient person but the Lord purposes us to do hard things so we can grow in His grace and be sanctified. Selfish excuses are never a reason not to do something and from reading your blog for a number of years, I know you would agree with me. Yes, we need a break from our children to feel refreshed as moms and yes, homeschooling and parenting in general will bring you to your knees more quickly than anything else. But it is totally worth it to be the one to disciple my children. Please know, I share this with respect and in love. I am so thankful for your blog and your honesty!
Andrea says
sooooooo…. I honestly never thought of it this way before, but I’m guessing that the “I don’t have the patience to homeschool” comments are just as annoying to you as the “I don’t have time to keep my home organized” comments are to me 🙂
And the “I’m a better mom when I get a break from my kids” comments are probably as frustrating for you to hear as the “I’m a better mom when I don’t worry about cleaning” comments are for me!
I will say that I can’t imagine being a homeschool parent without vast amounts of patience… but I also couldn’t ever imagine a child who wouldn’t sleep through the night until she was three, and I made it through that! 🙂
Emily says
Haha! Yes, you got it! 🙂 Isn’t it amazing to look back and see what the Lord brings us through?? “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV 🙂
Jane says
Thanks for this post. We made the choice to homeschool 2 years ago. At that time our boys were going into 1st and 3rd grade. We looked at all the options, pros and cons and did what was best for our family. I don’t know how long we will continue to homeschool because I don’t know what the future holds. I work full time and my husband stays home and homeschools so we don’t really fit in with most homeschoolers. I have heard negative things from “regular” schoolers and homeschoolers alike. I never understand why people judge and feel the need to give their opinion. I follow very few blogs for this reason and that is also the reason I read this blog every weekday! I love your posts and the comments of (most of) your readers.
Andrea says
I actually did tell Dave that if HE ever felt the strong desire to homeschool our kids, I would be willing to work full time if he stayed home — but he definitely prefers teaching higher-level math and wasn’t super interested in homeschooling younger children. We know one other dad who homeschools — so you are not alone!
Chris says
I’m not sure why people feel the need to suggest and/or tell other people what to do. Perhaps, it’s a symptom of so much “oversharing” with social media/blogs, etc. Each family needs to do what is right for their own family. I read a blogger that mostly talks about marriage. People ask her questions about how they should treat/submit, etc. to their husband. I feel they should ask their husband. What is best for their marriage isn’t the same for everyone.
fern says
My daughter’s family values are much like yours and Dave’s, so I assumed she would home school. As her daughter (who is Nora the First) neared 4, I passed along all sorts of information about home schooling programs. Finally, she said, “I am not going to home school. Would you want to spend 24/7 with this child?” I loved her candidness, as I do yours, and agreed the time apart would benefit both of them. That “child” is now a delightful college Freshman, the product of our public schools and sane parents!
JJ says
I went to public school through 8th grade and a couple weeks into 9th. Then I began attending a Christian school. God had been working on my heart, and He used a Christian school to bring me to faith in Christ. So I have a HUGE heart for Christian schooling. Then He called me to teach in Christian schools(three different states) before I had littles and stayed home. That is exciting that you guys can send your kiddos to a Christian school. Dave will never know the complete impact he is making. And you are also helping him make the impact by all you’re doing. Loved this post!
Andrea says
Wow, what a great testimony and story! Thanks for sharing!
Debby says
Another great post. There is no right or wrong for anyone. My husband, both daughters, and I are products of a great public school system here in Ohio. I see all sides of public, parochial, private, and homeschool choices. We all need to do what’s right for OUR families and not put that onto others. I think its funny that people thought you homeschooled since you often talk about how it is your and Dave’s goal to pay off your house so you can pay for Christian School tuition since this is a priority for your family. Maybe those emails are from folks that haven’t followed you for very long. Love your post and love following along with your great little family. 🙂
Andrea says
haha — I know! Dave and I just laugh when I get all the homeschooling email questions wondering how on earth people think we homeschool our kids. The only thing I can really think of is that TONS of bloggers I know (and bloggers I follow) homeschool their kids — so maybe people just assume that most bloggers homeschool 🙂
Jen says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!! As the wife of Christian school teacher as well (hooray for 5th grade!), I agree with everything you’ve said. And, this is probably my biggest “beef” with many homeschooling families: they feel that homeschooling is the ONLY way and if you don’t choose it, you are wrong/sinning/your children will turn out awful/pick your poison! HAHA All of our kids have attended christian school and college. That was OUR choice for OUR family. It’s not for everyone nor should it be. I acknowledge that and extend grace and understanding to people who have chosen differently. I wish that many homeschooling families would do the same.
And, the whole “The local christian school is good enough for my paycheck but not good enough to educate my children.” is also a HUGE pet peeve of mine. Our christian school does not have this requirement. Obviously, there are extenuating circumstances in which some children require services that our school doesn’t offer and public school is a better choice but, overall, I feel like private school teachers with school-age children should support the school and their children should attend. Your opinion may be different for very good reasons, and that’s fine too!
Anyway, I’m proud to say I’m with you! I have never given one second of thought to homeschooling our children, and I am so thankful for the excellent Christian education they received. You are SO blessed in GR! Our girls went to Northpointe until we moved when they were entering 5th and 2nd grades. The school was one of the hardest things for me to leave. We have very few good private school choices here in Baltimore.
Happy Friday!
Andrea says
Hey, guess what… one more connection for us… Dave’s brother taught at Northpointe Chr. for a year or two when he finished college (just a few years ago) 🙂
Also, yes, I agree with everything you mentioned!
Rachel says
My daughter (first grade) goes to Northpointe! SO many great options in West Michigan. She is in the Homeschooling Hybrid program, so we have a foot in both worlds 🙂 Christian school half the week AND homeschool the other half! It’s a great program that suits our family well and so far we are also planning to send our four year old when he starts kindergarten.
Lee Cockrum says
Hello, I’m from Baltimore too! I don’t know much about the schools (other than some of the special needs schools- because I am a pediatric physical therapist!) as we don’t have children.
Jen says
Hi Lee!
We are in northwest Baltimore, Carroll County. My husband teaches at a school in Baltimore County. And I work for an Occupational Therapist! :-). It’s a small world!
Jaime says
We have a first grade son who sounds like he has a lot in common with Nora. He needs the structure and social interaction that school provides, and our family dynamic is much better with everyone having their time for a little space. I do want to add that he loves to learn and would usually rather be completing a math workbook or reading than playing with action figures, etc. He gets frustrated at “not learning” at school, so we’ve started approaching school , right now, as more practice for things he mostly knows and doing a study together as a family on what he wants to learn. For now, it’s a happy middle ground.
Andrea says
Thanks for saying this Jaime — Nora is already telling me that she “really likes school but she gets bored” and I think it’s because she actually wants to learn more. We try to do some stuff at home (reading, art projects, writing letters and numbers, etc.) but I like your approach that school is practice for things he already knows! This is great!
Heidi says
Another good post, I love your simple and practical views! We have a high schooler, middle schooler, elementary student and soon to be kindergartner in public school. (Christian schools were never on our radar because of our budget.) Our kids have harvested many opportunities through the school system and I feel like they have shown their light in the schools as well. My hat goes off to all teachers as it takes much patience! Patience is not my strong suit so my admiration is deep!
Andrea says
WOW, that’s quite the spread of grades for your kids — I’m sure you’re busy with all the different activities for each different school! Fun!
Lin says
Thank you so much for sharing!
Other people need to realize that it is not their job to judge or try to force what works for them on others. I love how you always share what works for you without putting different views down!
I have a daughter with some sensory sensitivities. She is such a sweetie, but she bounces off the walls all day long. The structured setting of a classroom has helped her a lot. She loves to please her teacher and really tries her hardest while she is at school. We both function at our best when we have a break for each other, so it is definitely what works best for us at the time!
I’ve never left a comment, but I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your blog. 🙂
Andrea says
Thanks so much Lin! I think the structure of school has been really good for Nora too! She is still crazy when she’s at home — but I have a 3-hour break 2 times a week 🙂
Alison says
I’m glad you are a “Never say never” type of person, because I would have NEVER thought up until 5 years ago that I would EVER homeschool my kids (for many of the reasons you listed). Life throws you curveballs sometimes! I homeschool my 11, 8 & 2 year old now, and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon (but I never say never!)
Oh, and I don’t have any patience either! Somehow we not only get by, but thrive. You don’t have to be organized or patient to homeschool (big misconceptions), you just have to love your kids and do your best by them! Parents are a child’s number one advocate regardless of the schooling chosen.
Veronica says
Allison, I just want to chime in and agree with you that the ideas that homeschooling parents:
1. must have lots of natural patience and 2. are organized by nature
are indeed “huge” misconceptions that non-homeschoolers (and many homeschoolers!) have. I homeschool our 6 children who are all under age 7 (currently only 3 of them are old enough to be technically considered homeschooled) and it surely does not come easy to me though I do see the value of it for our family and it has unexpectedly helped me to grow in my creativity and many other ways as well. As a few previous commenters mentioned, it’s SO helpful to remember that God is not limited by our very real personal limitations and struggles. My husband teaches public school so he’s very aware of what goes on and such, though we had many other reasons for wanting to homeschool.
Andrea, as always, I enjoy reading your thoughts on things! I’ve gotten some great tips and ideas over the years from your blog (I just shredded chicken with my mixer the other day)–thanks! And also, as others have mentioned, have felt like you’ve made it pretty clear that you don’t homeschool– so yeah! I can definitely see why you’d be amused that so many people think that 🙂
Andrea says
Thanks Veronica! Glad the chicken-shredding tip worked for you too!
Amy B says
Great post! I was homeschooled and went to public school, and we’re still deciding how to educate our kids (homeschool/public school/combo). Unfortunately, we only have one Christian school in our town that’s really hard to get into and only goes up to 8th grade. So neat that you guys have so many options–I’m kind of jealous 🙂
Andrea says
Yes, we have SO many school options — infact, we went back and forth, wondering what school to send Nora too. It’s a great “problem” to have!
Christine @ The (mostly) Simple Life says
I love reading everyone’s thoughts about homeschooling! Obviously, we don’t have kids yet, but we’ve had little conversations about what we might do when the day comes.
My husband was homeschooled and I attended both public and private schools. I didn’t participate in many extracurricular activities through the school, but did all kinds of other activities after school. I didn’t have a particularly great experience in school, but I did have a couple a teachers that we amazing. I could really go either way, so I’m sure we’ll just see what life is like when the time comes.
Susan says
I would just add that homeschooling, if you are a Christian parent, IS providing Christian education for your children.
Leanne says
this was a great post, Andrea… my kids started in Christian school… then we pulled them out when we saw things that really needed to be worked on (all character issues…and a child with major ADHD)…. we are about to finish our 3rd year…and then in August– THEY ARE GOING BACK TO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL… our decision to do so is based on the fact that I have grown tired of “wearing too many hats”… and my one child just exasperates me…. I love him–but he is high maintenance…. Homeschooling in our area is very popular… I love many of the people we have met through that time…. but I’m ready to be “supportive mom”… “chauffer mom”… “I’m in your corner mom”…. “room mom” and not “homeschool mom”….. I might even do something super crazy and go back to work as a nurse on a very part time basis…. and I do think that going to school can teach responsibility in a way that homeschooling just does not… great post and I loved your honesty!!!!!
Andrea says
This is great Leanne — so cool that you could do what works best for your kids (and I’m glad you’re looking forward to wearing different “hats” this coming school year!)
Ann says
Bottom line is that you do what is right for your family at the current time. Our oldest (very much like Nora) went to 3 school and preschool because she and I NEEDED a break from each other. We then tried homeschooling for a year while we moved and I had my 4th baby. We sent her to the local Chr. school for 1st grade in order to give more time to preschoolers who needed my attention. Our next two were “home schooled” for preschool and kindergarten and then gladly sent off to school. Our fourth stayed home for preschool and attended Kindergarten at the local Chr. school. Now (after many years) we have another who is in public 3 school and will attend public preschool before attending the local Chr kindergarten.
No one solution is right for every family at every stage. 🙂
(However, I take issue with the “I don’t have enough patience to homeschool.” NOBODY does! God gives us grace for each day and we enjoy some of those days more than others. I am a teacher by trade and one of the least patient people I know!)
Stephanie says