As homeschooling parents, we all have a unique story to tell. Whether we are just starting out or have been homeschooling for years, our journeys are full of ups and downs, challenges and triumphs, and most importantly, memories that will last a lifetime.
I want to share my personal homeschooling story with you.
More specifically, the story behind what led me to begin homeschooling at all. It’s a story that begins with my own education and how it influenced my decision to homeschool my own children. I was not homeschooled as a child. In fact, both of my parents were educators and I too went on to get my degree in music education.
So what led to my decision to homeschool my children? Well, it actually all started while I was in college. As I was sitting in class one day, listening to the “riveting” (please note the sarcasm) discussion of my fellow college students and smelling the alcohol that was in their travel mugs, instead of coffee, I had a sinking feeling in my stomach with the realization that these people could potentially be teaching my future children. Did I really want my children to be taught by someone else? Particularly someone who didn’t share my work ethic, my values, my beliefs?
The answer to that question was a resounding, “No!”
Listen, this is not a knock on all public school educators. As I said, both of my parents were and still are educators. And they are phenomenal! In fact, there are many, many teachers in the public school system that have only the best intentions for their students. But at the end of the day, no one will ever take the place of a parent when it comes to teaching your children.
So fast forward a few years, I started teaching music at a public school, I got married, and we started having children. It was at that point I knew immediately that I wanted to teach our children myself. My husband and I have been blessed to have both sides of our family completely support our decision to homeschool, but I know many who aren’t that fortunate (more on that in the coming weeks).
We now have five children ages 2 to 12 and have been homeschooling for 8 years and counting. And it is my joy to be able to gather our family together and embark on our homeschooling adventures together.
Is it easy? No, not always. Is it stress free? Umm … Nope. Is it without challenges? Again, no.
But is it worth it?
Always and forever, a thousand times … YES!
The key to success on your journey is heart. It’s passion and conviction. The heart to remain steadfast whenever obstacles come your way. Passion for your children. Passion to see them succeed in ways that you could only dream of. Conviction to wake up every morning and take another step on the path that God has called you to.
I have so many more things to share with you in the coming weeks. This is just the tip of the iceberg. I hope that my story will inspire you, offer you some insights and tips, and most of all, help you feel connected to a larger community of homeschooling families who are all on this journey together.
If you have your own homeschooling story to share, I would love to hear from you! Send me an email. Connect with me on Instagram. We are here to support and learn from each other, and I can’t wait to hear your story.
Happy Homeschooling!