Homeschooling~Is it really necessary?

Well every year around this time I tend to question my ability to home school my kids. I question my curriculum choices, their class schedule and activities. I question if I am doing everything I can to give them a proper education. Like most home school moms I do not have to ponder that line of thinking for long. I look at their test scores and I can see that they are doing well. I look at the work they have done for the past year and I am pleased. So, why do we doubt? To tell you the truth I am not sure. I think since we are always on the defensive about our homeschooling we tend to doubt. That is why every year I write a little note to myself to remind me of why I home school in the first place.

1.) A good education. I love that I can give my children a good education. I do not have to wonder what they are learning about today. I know the teacher is doing her job, because it is me.

2.) Very little peer pressure. My kids are not in bubbles so they do experience some peer pressure in their life. However, it is not constant. I thank God for that. My children can make right choices based on what is right and not on what everyone else is doing. I love that we can sit down and discuss things, weigh it and make a decision. It is such a privilege to be able to help my kids in this way. I wouldn't trade this for anything. My kids are individuals and they are comfortable in their own skin.

3.)Life is short. I know that time flies by, so for me, I relish every day that I have with my kiddos. We have spent a lifetime together already compared to some.

4.) No labels. I love that my kids are not labeled. Even if I have a struggling learner they do not know it. This does not defeat them or discourage the student. I don't have to write them off. I can only help, guide, and strengthen them as a student. This is a wonderful opportunity.

5.) Schedule. Sometimes our days are so long, 8hrs. plus. Sometimes our days are short. I love the flexibility. We schedule are days around our churches activities. This greatly helps the ministry here. My kids have learned to serve others and I love it.

Well, I think that I have finished my little pep talk. I hope if home school and you read this, that it will be a blessing and an encouragement to you as you fulfill this great responsibility to home school your kids!

God bless you and your school year.