I have NEVER wanted to home school.
I have prayed about it and I am thankful that we have been fortunate enough to have options. We have great public schools here in our county, we have enough means to send them to private school and I am a stay at home mom that could home school if we felt directed to go that route.
I am in love with the school Owen goes to. I feel at home there, I feel a confidence in what he learns and what he is exposed to. I am impressed over and over with the Christ centered focus that I hear from the administrators and staff. I am sure that there are some families who are sending their children to private school because of pride or prestige, but overall I feel like the other families are like minded people who want their kids in a Bible based learning environment.
The other day I walked through the halls and got a little emotional at the interest, concern, personal attention and recognition all three of my boys received from some of the staff who know them. I feel loved there and I am in no hurry to leave that.
However…
I just read this article that pulled something in my heart about homeschooling. The practical learning that my kids could receive from me and even Kris. The idea that learning to learn, applying research skills and allowing their own bent and curiosity to lead them to subjects that may only be touched on otherwise is very appealing.
I considered my own plans, not that this is about me, but I don’t want to throw myself under the bus either, and how I’ve felt like Mary Mary Stationery is something I want to pursue with greater passion and energy once all three are in school. Hmmm. what if a home business is part of school? My stationery business is something simple, something hands on, something creative, and anyone trying to run a business is demonstrating skills that are useful and need to be taught.
I read another article about a home business and home schooling. She made it sound so doable.
So I am questioning all of it. I know God directed me last year in sending Owen to MJCA. I know that this year it has been harder to get the paperwork together, to get my heart on board. Ivan who three months ago was begging to go to school, told me this morning that pre-school at home would be his preference. He’s four, I’m aware they change with the weather, but I am at ease about not sending him regardless. I think Owen would be crushed to be home schooled. He loves the classroom environment, his friends and his teachers. It works for him.
I just want to be at ease with all of it. I am not stressed right now, but I am unsure. I need to make a decision by the end of the week so that I’m in time to register the boys. That doesn’t stress me either. I have been here before and I know God will direct us right on time. He’s so perfect.
I want God’s best for my kids and I am writing this in front of all of my dear friends who have been in this same quandary, not to ask for your opinion, though I’m happy to hear what you have experienced, but to ask for your prayers for my ability to walk in wisdom, hear God’s voice and act accordingly. He has a BEST for Owen and Ivan and Aron and I simply want to plug them into it.
Love you all!
PS – Just writing this out has a funny way of easing my mind. It brings further confidence in our options as well as what we are capable of.
I have felt the same of our schools here. Love the teachers and the admistration. I also have never felt called to homeschool, but know there are some great advantages. But some disadvantages too. I’ll pray for you as you weigh this out.
Perfect post. I have some of the same things in my heart.
You know my opinions on homeschool. I wouldn’t be homeschooling if I didn’t love it. However, as every family is different, so is every decision. I will be praying that God leads you and guides you in this. No matter what he has in store for you, I know it will be great.
I’m here, listening and praying…we should have coffee soon. Not necessarily about this you know, just in general.
Even though Caleb is only 20 mos old, Keith and I are also thinking about this subject. As you well know, each child is different and will thrive in different environment. God knows how each of your boys’ minds work and will guide you accordingly. But you knew that already. I will be praying for God’s wisdom in this!
I’m praying about this for our own life right now, too. We’ve never had God give us anything more than a year at a time. Pros. Cons. I’ve now homeschooled for 4 of the 5 years my kids have been in school. I’m here if you want to pick my brain, but you probably already know that. As it’s not a purely logical decision, you may not benefit from it… but the offer stands.
I am praying you will truly hear the Holy Spirit on this decision and have confirmation once you make it.
So often either writing, whether it’s in my journal, blog, or whatever, helps work it out in my brain. I’m glad for you that you have so many options. I’ll pray asking for guidance and thanking Him that He can and will help you in either decision.
Sigh. I’ve totally been there. Praying for you.
I always say that, as long as you are seeking God’s best for each of them, that’s exactly what you’ll find. Sometimes it takes a different form than what we’d expect, as you well know.
Mary, it is such a personal decision. I knew before I had children I was going to homeschool them. Most days it is a wonderful thing to do. Some days I would love to throw them ON the bus and get on with MY day. God knows what my girls need. I’m about to blog about our very unique experience. Also, thank you so much for your words of comfort in the form of comments! It means a lot!
1. To bring up children in the “way they is bent” may mean Christian school for one and homeschool for another. God is not a one size fits all kind of God.
2. If you register one for Christian school and before it starts decide that it is not for him, what is the worst that would happen?
Kenny – I’ve considered educating them differently. Right now, Owen has surprised me by saying he would rather home school. However, I am not convinced he sees the whole picture. I am planning to lay out more of the pros and cons for him in more detail. Not that it is totally up to him.
And…I had a Dr. appt. today for Ivan so that his medical records are ready in case we decide to register him. The worst that would happen is I lose my registration deposits for each one…for both it would be a loss of $450.00. It wouldn’t kill us, but it might leave a scar. 🙂