1st Post- How I became a Home Educator

I didn't want to be a Homeschooler. It was my husband's idea. We could afford private school for one child but could we afford it for two, possibly three or more? No, he decided I would be able to handle this task and save us tons of money. "Easy for you to say", I thought, "you're not going to be the teacher."

For Christmas he bought me books on the glories of homeschooling. Some gift! I tossed them in a corner. I was not inspired, nor did I want to be. My children's education was someone else's responsibility, wasn't it? I mean after colors, shapes and the alphabet, "the professionals" were going to handle everything. I just had to pack them a nutritional lunch and get them there on time. God, in his amazing wisdom had another plan for me.

We kept running into homeschooling parents, children, and adult products of homeschooling. I made friends with someone who happened to be a homeschooler. She lead me to a fantastic curriculum and co-op. I joined with the idea that I was saving my daughter from the bad influences of other non-christian children. At that time, I would describe my reason for homeschooling as being motivated from fear- fear of eventual drug use and teen sex, fear of increasing tuition costs, fear of losing the ability to be a strong influence in my children's lives.

The first year I was pretty clueless. I felt okay about that because she was in Kindergarten and learning things like the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Skip-Counting and basic Biology. That was much more than I learned in Kindergarten! My reason for homeschooling changed from protection to academics. I truly believe we are giving our children the best education we possibly can. And it has nothing to do with money. Furthermore, I've learned homeschooling is more than what happens from 9 am to noon, it is a lifestyle choice. It spills over into everything we do. (I find myself getting a second education right along with the children!)

We are going into our fourth year and my philosophy about homeschooling has evolved. I enjoy it, the children enjoy it, and it works for our family. Although I don't voice it in the presence of my mother-in-law, we hope to homeschool all the way through high school. There are many success-stories out there that encourage us to press on. We can do this.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. — Philippians 4:13