Why I Homeschool from a Christian Perspective, and Why You Should Too

Homeschooling is one of the best things I’ve ever done. I’m a homeschool graduate myself and couldn’t help but homeschool my own son. So why do I homeschool? There are a few reasons.

If you’re thinking about homeschooling, the answer is yes you should. Homeschooling is the safest and most effective way to teach your kids. You’re also not alone. According to the US Census Bureau, from 2019 to 2021 the U.S. kids have gone from 3.3 percent to 19.5 percent homeschoolers [1].

The number one reason that parents pull their kids from school is an unsafe environment. The second and third are the curriculum and issues with what they are learning [2].

Moved from 3.3 percent prior to 2020 homeschooling, by the end of the 2020-21 years was up to 19.5 percent. That’s a huge jump that may not get smaller. Some parents feel better and safer with their kids out of school [3].

Homeschooling is amazing, you can focus on your child’s learning style and interests. Spending time with family, one-on-one instruction, and controlling what you want your child to learn are just a few of the great reasons to homeschool.

Why I Homeschool and Why You Should Too

Homeschooling often comes out of some issue with the schools in the place you live. It could be the reputation, curriculum, or the type of school available. My options are limited to not the greatest public school, an expensive Christian school, and a private charter school free with a scholarship. I planned to homeschool. My husband was and still is on the skeptical side.

There were three major goals for Aiden’s education.

He gets the best possible education
He comes away with friends
He grows up with faith and ethical values

Best Education

The best possible education is at home. With or without a teaching certificate or an education in education I promise you are your child’s best teacher. No, you don’t have to be able to do advanced calculus or enjoy writing a sonnet, or love dissecting a frog.

You know your child best. You know how to help them learn and grow. It’s not like it has to come completely from you. Your curriculum, your community options, and even other family members will help when the time comes. You can join a co-op (a group of parents that help teach from their skill set on the “hard stuff”) or find online classes. There are tons of options and possibilities.

In the long run, even if you have 10 kids that classroom size is smaller than it would be in school. And you as the teacher don’t need to spend the year trying to figure out the best way to teach most of the students. Your kid can’t fail behind when they set the pace. And if they need a wiggle break it’s not interrupting it’s part of their day.

Friends

He needs friends. I have an extrovert. He would not be happy without friends to play with every day or two. We create opportunities to spend time with kids. He’s part of a soccer team most of the year. He also has several close friends we try to see once a week to swim, play outside, or go do something with. He’s also part of a playgroup co-op, that meets up at the park. He meets new people at the playground and pool often. He doesn’t care if they’re 2, 22, or 92. If they want to play he’s all for it.

Faith

I’m a born-again Christian and I want to pass on my faith and ethics to my son. Regardless of your personal views, I believe we can all get behind the golden rule. “Do to others what you would have them do to you.”

So because I want him to have faith and ethical values I teach him that. Between birth and 6 to 8 years old our children develop 80% of their beliefs, ethics, and character.

To me, that means I want him grounded in God, a belief in right and wrong, with a caring heart, and a love for all people. I want him grounded in the Christain faith and believe in Jesus Christ. Creationism vs. evolution is a huge deal-breaker for me. Despite having a Christian option in the area, I know that they are often taught evolution exclusively even in some Christian schools.

Having control over what he learns is one of the overarching benefits of homeschooling. I don’t wonder what he’s learning in school I’m the one making those choices.

I want him to learn to think for himself and to do the research to back it up, to learn the skills of critical thinking. and to use common sense.

Why Should you Homeschool?

But why should you homeschool? Homeschooling leads to smart, confident, and capable kids [4]. The chance of higher test scores, lower stress levels, and better quality of life after school is in your child’s future. I’m starting to see more and more second-generation homeschoolers. It’s one of the best options available today.

Everyone’s homeschool looks a little different. Whether you’re working too, home full time, homeschooling special needs kids, on your own, or with a group you can do this. It’s hard, but it’s worth every single minute of your time and energy.

If you’re looking for some encouragement and guidance for faith-based homeschooling I highly recommend this book, Homeschool Bravely: How to Squash Doubt, Trust God, and Teach Your Child with Confidence. It’s the book I’m reading right now and I absolutely recommended it.

Are you a homeschooler too? How many kids are you home homeschooling? What are some of your hangups? And triumphs? Hit reply and leave a comment below.