Monday, November 7, 2011

Who should homeschool?

I once believed that everyone could and should homeschool.  God has a way of using life to humble all those ‘shoulds’ and ‘oughts’ right out of my spirit, so I got rid of that notion pretty quickly.  But I still hung on to the the idea that just about anyone is capable of homeschooling with success. 

There are obvious reasons why homeschooling isn’t right for everyone, and I don’t think academics even make the list.  For example, if both parents don’t agree, then homeschooling isn't going to bless anyone.  I have also met some ladies who struggle with unreasonable expectations of themselves or their children.  This makes for an unpleasant living environment and often counteracts any possible benefits to homeschooling.  And of course, if the primary teacher would prefer to be doing anything else over schooling, homeschooling isn’t going to be much fun.  I hesitate to even mention that parents who do not like their children are probably better off with an alternative homeschooling.  Sad as that is, I know this situation is out there.

Homeschooling is a commitment, most people know.  But it is also a passion.  And passion makes commitment so much easier.  Lacking that passion, the commitment is a heavy burden.

I recently heard from an essay the idea that there are two types of people: some love to learn, see it as a lifelong pursuit and have an innate and insatiable curiosity.  These people make great homeschoolers.

But if someone lacks the excitement for learning, there really is no point to homeschooling.  If school is just about getting it done, completing the minimum and checking the boxes, then it probably is best to hand that duty (because that is all it is) to another person.  Why introduce an element of friction to relationships between parents and their children?  Send the kids to school, and then soak up good family fun when the school day is over!

1 comment:

  1. Yes, if you have no interest in homeschooling whatsoever, then, please, feel no compulsion. If your spouse is not on board, please don't.

    On the other hand, I believe homeschooling can help us grow in areas such as attaching to our children and developing a love of learning. And if you put unrealistic expectations on yourself... chill out. That's just a general suggestion, no matter the approach to education [smile].

    ~Luke

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Thanks for taking the time to talk with me!