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I have felt a deep passion for homeschooling since the birth of my first child. I knew it was what I wanted for my family and I had big dreams!
What I didn’t know was that my husband did not share the same passion! As a matter-of-fact it seemed like everything was turning him away from homeschooling. Over the years we have know a lot of families that homeschool. Unfortunately for me, some of those families have been way over the top (I say that with much love) – you know the one’s. They really believe (I’m not knocking that) that homeschooling is the only way. They believe that you are setting your children’s souls on fire if you send them to public school. Well, let’s just say this attitude scared the crap out of my husband. I will also note that at the end of the day, these kids look a lot like some of the “unchurched” kids I see on a daily basis.
Ok, so now that I have put that out there I guess I have to tell you what I believe. I personally believe that in everything I do, I am to honor the Lord. Whether I homeschool, use a private school, or send my children to public school. I am to be a light unto the world (as are my children-if they are believers). I do not think that the Bible gives a specific COMMAND to homeschool. I do read that we are to train them up in the way they should go, and that we should always speak of the Lord when we wake, lie down, walk along the way. Amazingly though, I believe that our lives (as much as our mouths) are to mirror Christ. Just because someone else is teaching my child how to add fractions doesn’t mean I am any less of a mother, or Christ follower! This scenario actually opens up opportunities that I would not have otherwise. Chances for me to be a witness, to love others, and teach my children how to live in the world without being of the world.
I can hear the arguments of those friends now… They are too young to do that, they will be torn apart. Well, that’s not what God told Timothy. I believe that if the foundation is strong at home, then the child will be fine. Not to mention trusting God for the protection of that child. I think it takes just as much faith to send my child to a public school as it does to homeschool them.
This brings me to where I stand now in my current situation. After homeschooling the boys for a week, my husband told me that he really never wanted them to homeschool, but that he just wanted me to be happy (even though he didn’t believe it was what was best for them). I know, he is really too sweet isn’t he?! I’m sure my crying, begging, and arguing had nothing to do with him caving time and time again! I realized that while I could find no direct command as to which way was right/wrong, there is a command to my husband to lead our home, and for me to submit to that. So, that’s what I did.
I. Submitted. To. HIM!
I have to trust God that my children will be protected. I also have to learn not to do things based on fear. I know God doesn’t want me to live like that. I was so afraid of public school. The shootings, the bullies, the embarrassing moments, I have to give all of that to God. I have to trust that even through those things God is working. It’s hard and there have already been struggles, and it’s only day 4!
I am sharing this with you not to make myself feel better, but to reach out to any one who is struggling with this decision. It is and important one! I would never steer you one way over another. I would only ask you to look at every angle and God will show you what He has chosen for you!
Sometimes even Godly goals can become idols!
There is so much more I could write, but I guess I will end here for now! I have two girls that want my attention 
But I did want to add, that God is so awesome! He gave Jordan a Christian teacher! She even leads a “F.R.O.G.” (Fully Rely on God) devotional every Wed. morning! How cool is that?! I love it when I obey God and he gives me glimpses of how great obedience can be!
God Bless and have an amazing day!
PS: You will still see some awesome educational product reviews, because I still love to teach my kiddos here at home too!
UPDATE: We have decided to start homeschooling again!
Wow..what a beautiful post…about your faith, your husband, your family, seriously, it was beautiful. Thank you for sharing this part of your life.
I saw this post and saved it the day before yesterday, but my net went out before I can comment! Sorry it took me so long to get back. I just wanted to say that if your husband wasn't 100% on board, you were probably going to be miserable anyway.
I'm a homeschooler. I love it! But I can't imagine that this is the only good way to educate a child, nor have a made a lot of homeschoolers happy lately with my recent series of posts on homeschooling dogmas that are simply false. Homeschooling really isn't for everybody, and your kids aren't going to hell because you let them out of your sight every day!
I would caution you to be very, very involved in their school lives, whether their teachers like it or not! Don't be afraid to be called a helicopter parent. Also, don't give up on the idea for good. Take it a year at a time and see what happens. I really, really love this way of living, and recommend it to practically anybody who wants to try it.
If you're interested in my posts about homeschooling that might make you feel better about the whole thing, here they are:
http://getalonghome.com/2010/06/things-i-cant-get…
http://getalonghome.com/2010/07/things-i-cant-get…
http://getalonghome.com/2010/07/things-i-cant-get…
I have more in the works, too! Homeschooling is one good option among many. Don't let anyone act like homeschooling and Christianity are the same thing. They're not!
I have homeschooled my son, but not my daughter. It's a hard decision to make, and you really have to consider everything. Then, you make the decision that is right for your child. I homeschooled my son because he needed extra help. My daughter needs to be around other children more. I still reconsider my decisions everyday. Re-evaluate if they are still the correct ones for my children. So far, I think they are.
Thank you for posting this. I have struggled with this decision since having children. I, personally, do not have the "teacher" frame of mind but the though of sending my little girl off every day scares the socks off of me. She is only 4. We are currently not doing pre-school and she is supposed to start kindergarten next year. I am still praying about the decision before me.
My husband was home-schooled and his mom did an amazing job with 5 children. Bless you for letting your husband lead. It is definitely not always easy. I can't wait for an update as the school year progresses.
I just wanted to let you know that you are the most patient mom ever! I really do envy your mothering skills!
I'm a single parent in a very small town, so homeschooling was never an option for me. I applaud anyone who feels they're able to do it – I think I would have enjoyed it (and I know my son would have gotten a better education!)
Your husband is honored by your submission to him and his authority… wives like you are hard to come by these days and you will certainly be blessed!
I wish more homeschooling families would realize that making the decision to homeschool does not make any parents better Christians. Even though I know that I am following God's leading in our lives, as I teach my children at home, it makes my heart happy to see parents who are being obedient to God's Will for their lives and the lives of their children with whatever schooling decision they make.
You're right. If the foundation at home is strong, the rest will fall into place. I think a lot of parents already homeschool to some degree whether they realize it or not. I know even though we've chosen public schools for now, there have been gaps we've had to fill in the learning, and areas our son wanted to learn more that we supplemented.
Shasta I could hug you right now for this post!
First – thank you for obeying God and submitting to your husband. It is not popular these days for wives to do that. In fact I know for sure other people would say "if you think homeschooling is the right thing you should do that, tell your husband to back off." NO! Your husband loves you and I firmly believe (just like you do) that God gave him wisdom that you can't see just yet. Following his lead will bless you and your family with peace and other blessings we just don't know yet!
Also, I wanted to encourage you with a story: Being the devoted mother you are and raising your children right will indeed make them lights in this dark world. I am so excited to read some of the stories you will share in the year to come! The story: My friend has 2 girls, the oldest is in first grade this year and youngest is in pre-Kindergarten. The first grader, Katie, is an amazing witness. They live on a cul-de-sac a block from their school making it dense with children her age. She is constantly asking them to go to church and for VBS this year they had to drive our church van to bring everyone she – Katie – invited! And on the way home Katie would talk to her friends about how she is getting baptized at the end of the week. WOW!!! And this girl has never been homeschooled. But what a witness she is being.
Thank you for sharing Shasta. Thank you so much. I was going through this same thing. Lizzie is going to a private preschool 3 days a week and I feel like less of a mom sometimes cause I am not homeschooling her.
Amen, Sista!!!!! The Lord's path is unique for each individual. We should all be as forthright in listening and following!
Glad you are happy with the decision! I don't think I have the patience to home school. Plus hubby is a teacher… and well… he wants them in public schools haha.
Our experince went back and forth. For us with disablitlies in the house. I knew it best to send them to public school for the services.
At the same time I do homeschool, we do the weekends, school vacations and summer. Why becasue my children need that structrue. They crave it. So we do continue. SO no noone can take that out of you.
We homeschooled for a a few years (until last year) and though at some points I was pretty gung-ho about it…I did it because it's what hubby thought was best at the time. We put them in public school last year and as a whole the family has been happier because I'm not grumpy/worried about what I'm doing wrong/right etc. It just isn't for some people…and that's OK. If all the world was the same this would be a pretty boring place. Good for you for speaking out!! I know it's hard and there's a lot of pressure-especially in the Christian blogging community!
Great post! We have been homeschooling for 6 years now however I am not one of those "Homeschooling is the ONLY way" types. I know that it is not for everyone. Heck, some days it is not for me! lol
I would never make another parent feel bad about their choices whether it be schooling or anything else. What's the saying? Different Strokes for Different Folks
You are right. You have to trust in God that your babies will be protected. Things will work out. You will see!
Best of luck with the school year!
I was in the same predicament earlier this summer. I have a lot of mommy friends that homeschool and sometimes you can feel paranoid about what they think about you even though they don't even think about it, ya know? haha So I decided to what I thought best for my family. I'm expecting a baby in September and I also have a two year old. First of all, I wasn't sure about my abilities as a teacher and I especially wasn't sure about them while tending to a newborn and 2 year old. We bought our house because it was in the best school district in the county and I am so glad we did. My five year old loves Kindergarten! His teacher is great. The school is rated as one of the top elementaries in the county. I'm getting involved in PTA so I'm really excited about it. I think he is going to do great. I also really believe it depends on the foundation they have at home when it comes to the liberal messages they get through the secular school system. Hey, they are Rushbabies, what can I say? lol My husband is a preacher who is very much involved in his sons' lives which makes such a difference also. Whatever your decision, the fact that you are thinking about it and planning shows your kids are in good hands.
I too had wanted to homeschool our 2 children for years, but wasn't able to for me having to work off and on over the years. But the year our youngest (our daughter) started 5th grade, I had been out of work (but looking nonstop) for a year. I'd prayed relentlessly for an answer from God about homeschooling. One thing led to another (too much to explain in a blog-post), and I'd finally made up my mind on a Friday night, that I would be homeschooling our daughter starting the following Monday. My husband was on the fence about this. He didn't feel I was going to be capable enough to do it, teach our daughter…he thought it wasn't going to work out. I felt that God was leading me to homeschool, even though my husband said he didn't want me to. I decided to go ahead without my husband's blessing and do it. It didn't take long for my husband to see that it was the right decision…and by the end of our first year homeschooling, he told me that I should also homeschool our learning-disabled son who would be starting high school that fall. I did! I schooled daughter 5th-12th and son 9th-12th! And we are so glad for it!
I hope this doesn't confuse your decision any…I just know that for me…although my dear hubby was not happy about it, I knew in my heart that this is what God wanted me to do! Blessings to you and yours no matter what you do!
No! I think this is a great testimony! Thanks so much for sharing your story! God is GOOD!
I am sorry we will not be homeschooling together…I rather liked having another homeschooling mom in the family. But I understand that you have to do what is best for your family. You are a good mom, so I know the boys will be fine no matter where they go to school….remember, family is the number 1 influcence in life, then friends, THEN school…so you have two factors before you even have to worry about the messages the liberal, secular school system gets through to them. Hugs!!!
You know the funny thing is, I still consider myself a homeschooling mom! I guess no one will every be able to take that out of me
I will always teach them truth. It's amazing how much humanism has seeped into everything in our world. I will never be able to protect my children from the lies, but will trust God to show them the truth the way He has for me!
You brought up a great point about the school system, and I think we need to be on guard against not only that but the shows our children watch, books they read, and sites they visit. While I would never suggest cutting all of those things out of their life, I think it's important to guard our hearts and theirs from these things.
I could write a whole post on PBS kids lol
I agree, we need to guard our children from some of the popular messages out there…especially now, when they are so young and impressionable…what they learn now is what they will build on for the rest of their lives. However, your original post is also correct, that there is alot of opportunity for God to work in the things we fear and avoid. Look at me, and my past, which is not sterling. I left God for a long time, but I believe that even then he was working in my life and through me, and all it took was one good friend to witness to me…maybe you or your boys will be the ones who bring someone to God…someone you never would have met if not for this decision. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers during this time, even more so than you already are.
It is great to see someone so firm in their beliefs. I'm sure that whichever choice your family had made your children would turn out wonderful.
I know that was a tough choice to make, but I love your attitude about it. Isn't it wonderful to know that even though they are out of our site, the Lord is watching over our babies for us, and he never rests?
My brother and sister in law homeschool their children. They are doing a wonderful job and they have such beautiful and respectful children. And I must say…she has a lot of patience but gives all the glory to God. Amen
So awesome! Thanks for sharing
You are absolutely correct when you said if the foundation at home is strong, the child will be fine. I sent my kids to a smaller public school after struggling with the decision to homeschool. I am glad I did because God had a different plan for my family and I became a single mom of four kids. They are all happy, healthy and committed to the Lord. We still do nightly Bible reading and daily devotions as well as continually glorifying God in our daily actions. As parents, we are called to continually teach and train our children and we can do that along with their school teachers! God be with you!
Thanks Erica! I'm sorry to hear that you became a single mom, but what a great testimony. God works in everything doesn't He!
I just wanted to say that I understand the struggle of whether or not to homeschool. I was in that boat. I started homeschooling with Kindergarten and then for financial reasons, I had to enroll him in public school for the second half of the year. It was such a bad experience that we actually moved, (to be in another school district) before he started 1st grade. He was successful in1st, but the struggle started again in 2nd. I felt a heavy heart and I knew what I needed to to, but it wasn't until his 3rd grade year that I realized that was God's will for us as well. I pulled him out at Christmas break and I have loved being a homeschooling mommy ever since. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that is what was best for my family, but I also realize that we aren't all meant to homeschool. God has great plans for everyone and sometimes he calls you to do something outside of your comfort zone. Congrats on your decision to follow His will even though it is different from your own.
Thanks Therese! I had the same kind of experience when my oldest was in Kindergarten and I homeschooled him. I just knew it was the right thing to do, and it went very well! When God is in it, you can't go wrong. I also realize that God can change my husband's heart at any time, so I am trying to never get to accustomed to doing things one way! Thanks for commenting!
well, you have a real reason atleast. i dont homeschool because i have zero patience.
Amen. I did not home school my son. We were concerned about the Jr High school that he was supposed to go to so we sent him to a christian school which was the best decision we ever made. He went there for his entire Jr High experience and although it was not cheap, God made sure we had the tuition every month. We switched him to Sr. high so he could finish out his school experience with ROTC and proms etc. We have trusted that the christian school foundation will get him through the senior years and he will be a senior this year and God is still in his heart and watches over him every day.
I had a family member that was one of those over the top homeschoolers that would try to make me feel like an unfit parent because I did not homeschool. It was not an option for me. My husband was going to school for the ministry and I had to be the bread winner. The kids are grown now and I look back and see that I made the right choice for my famly. The key is to get involved in your child's class and school. Know what they are learning. You can have an active part in their schooling even if you aren't the "teacher". Trust me, they will still learn more from you and your husband at home, then they ever learn at school. And praying that God will place the right teachers in their lives is a good start. Our grandson didn't get the teacher he wanted this year. I told him that he got the teacher God wanted him to have. We we believe that God is the blessed controller of all things – then we have to trust Him with who he places in our lives. He has this teacher for a reason, She is not a bad teacher, just not the youngest one in the group. But God knows what she has that our grandson needs. We just have to help him trust God with his future.
Sorry to hear you had to deal with that. At the same time, God really does work in everything and I found that with those friends He is teaching me not to place more weight on their opinions than I place on His leading
Thanks for sharing 