“…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13

By: Melissa Bell

After years of declaring I would NEVER homeschool my children, I found myself nervously seated at our dining room table, preparing for the first day of homeschool classes and wondering if I was about to make a huge mistake. Fast forward to eight years later. We’re still going strong, and I can confidently say that homeschooling, while not for everyone, was one of the BEST decisions our family has made.

People who are considering this courageous leap for their family often ask me how we arrived at our decision and then how we got started. Here are a few insights I usually offer for consideration.

• When making the decision, develop a pros and cons list. Don’t hold anything back, noting the good, the bad, and the ugly. Be honest. This process can often elicit a lot of different emotions – such as fear, anxiety, and excitement – so take your time. Once complete, talk it over with your husband and ask for feedback. Most importantly, bring it to God. I sat for a few weeks, giving it to God and asking Him for guidance.
• Talk to others who have embarked on this journey, using your pro and cons list to help inform your discussions.
• If you decide homeschooling is the right choice for your family, it is critical to know your “why” and to write it out. Trust me, you will need to come back to these reasons on the days when you question your decision or feel like you are losing the battle.
• Homeschool laws vary from state to state. Know your state’s guidelines and make sure that compliance with them is a feasible option for your family.
• There are many approaches to homeschooling. Research the different styles, talk to others, and then decide what is the best fit for you and for your family. In many cases, you might find that you create your own variation by blending a few elements from each. Revisiting your “why” will help guide you. For instance, if the structure of a traditional school is too rigorous, don’t fall into the trap of replicating a similar schedule at home. But always make sure that whatever you decide meets your state’s requirements and don’t be afraid to change if something is not working. Your approaches will evolve.
• Take time to get to know your child’s learning style. There are various sources on the internet that can help. A good place to often start is by asking the question: “What makes his or her eyes light up?”
• Seek out a friend or acquaintance in your area who is currently homeschooling. That individual will be a wealth of knowledge for opportunities and resources in your area.
• Cultivate your community by checking out the various homeschool co-ops available in your area. Co-ops are groups of homeschool families that join to share in the education of their children.. Some are based on specific curriculums and offer their own academic and enrichment classes while others are play- and field trip-based. A co-op is not a must, but most find that having the support of others who are in a similar phase of life is invaluable!

Homeschool is a brave and noble calling. If you decide it is the right decision for your family, homeschooling requires going against societal norms and forging your own way. It requires sacrifice. But there are also great rewards. I still have days when I feel as though I am doing it all wrong. Each time, however, I am reminded of the truth that God loves my children more than I do, and He will equip each of us for the work He has called us to do.

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