I remember in my early days of researching “homeschooling”- when it was still just a mere thought and something that intrigued me but terrified me (I suppose that’s still the case lol), something that I kept coming to time and time again was to define your “why.” WHY do you want to homeschool? Because it’s going to get hard. You’re going to have days you question your sanity and your reasoning and want to throw in the towel and just SEND THE KIDS TO SCHOOL. And it’s in THOSE moments that you need to come back to your “why” to bring you back down. Your “why” needs to be strong enough to combat all of the craziness that will come at you (and it will). So. Today I want to share my “why.”
Why we homeschool
Really, if I’m being honest, it’s a plethora of reasons. They all come back to “togetherness” but I think the easiest way to share our reasons why, is in list form. Who doesn’t love a good list, especially full of good things, right? :) Without further ado, here is my list:
I love having my children home with me.
To strengthen their relationships with each other.
The freedom it gives us.
Flexible schedule that fits our lifestyle perfectly.
I can meet each child’s individual needs each day (and these needs change every day!).
I can meet my children exactly where they are at, and provide them the invaluable 1:1 time and attention they desperately want and deserve!
We can focus on each child and teach them the best way according to their own needs and at their pace!
It fosters independence and curiosity.
We can teach life skills.
They are able to learn what interests THEM and we don’t need to simply follow what the state wants them to learn on their timeline.
To preseve their childhood and WONDER!
And as an aside: a huge push for us to homeschool was because of our unique situation with Sam, who has nonverbal autism. The placement the school district was offering was simply not sitting right with us. And we knew it never would. So, for him, to meet him where he is at and give him the gift of time, of slow learning and true life skills, and of inclusion!! It has been so wonderful for him and for us.
Some more resources:
Call of the Wild + Free : the first homeschooling book I read and it CHANGED MY LIFE. Super powerful stuff!
For the Children’s Sake : Dives into the Charlotte Mason method and shares lots of great tips! Read really good books, keep “twaddle” (mindless kids books) to a minimum, keep lessons short in order to keep wonder alive and learning fun (and attention spans up!), and spend lots of time outdoors and in free play. YES and AMEN!
Awaking Wonder : Great practical tips as well as inspiring messages about homeschooling your children and really valuing your time together.
The Brave Learner : Another really great book to spark some motivation!
I hope you know that if homeschooling is something that’s tugging at your heart as well, that you CAN do this. You were MADE for this, mama!!!
xo
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