I’m thrilled you’ve asked this question on this particular forum because these answers have been amazing!

I have little to add but confirmations, but I’m bad at remaining silent…. (lol)

After God made it clear to us that we were to teach our children at home (He’s good at confirming what He puts in your heart and mind), we began simply out of obedience. Our homeschool journey started with the first time we read to our first daughter, and it naturally progressed from there.

We never tried to re-create “school” at home - we just did what worked for us. Our schedules, pace and subjects were up to us (as long as we were covering the basics). We gleaned ideas from other homeschooling families, but early on gave up thinking we had to “do it all” or be a carbon copy of some other family’s school. Instead of thinking we needed to be a certain temperament for this, we created the school that fit us. [We also checked our progress by finding the area SAT-type tests, where the girls always tested years beyond their grade levels.] There is a tremendous freedom in homeschooling, but with that also comes responsibility. Neither should be taken too lightly.

Don’t neglect the MANY resources available to the homeschooling communities. And I’m not even talking about the huge variety of curriculum at your disposal. In my area the YMCA offers PE, there are a variety of Co-ops to join, Homeschool bands, choirs, debate teams and sports teams — many more things than we had time for. Once you start looking around I think you’ll be surprised how socially connected and academically supported you can be.

And speaking of that ‘S’ word (socialization)…..when I read your original post about your husband’s concern, my first thought was that some people say “socialization” but actually mean “one-who-appears-to-fit-the-public-school-mold” in regards to attitude and appearance. Personally, we were hoping to avoid that mold with our daughters. We wanted them to be confident, Godly young women capable of interacting appropriately with all ages in all situations. I can’t say that’s the same standard the public school system is attempting to meet! We have (with God’s guidance and strength) been blessed to raise young women who have always garnered praise from others regarding their maturity, intelligence and manners. Our girls do not look nor act like overly-sheltered bumpkins. Thankfully they do not dress like hookers, swear like sailors nor sleep around like the public school teenagers tend to, either. You will find that there are many opportunities to plug your student(s) into social situations while homeschooling. The up side is that YOU get to pick and choose them when you’re the school principal.

More than anything, I want to encourage you to RELAX about this decision. If God is asking you to do this, He will enable you to be successful in the undertaking. Also, please don’t stress out thinking you have to have it all figured out before you embark! Your homeschooling journey will be different than others’ - it will be tailored to you and your students - and you’ll figure it out as you go. You’ll find what works and what doesn’t, and adjust things many times along the way.

Having said all this, I’m not implying you *should* or *must* homeschool your children. It is NOT for everyone. For some families it’s just not a good fit. For others, it works out that it’s best just for a time. Be obedient to what you and your husband think God is calling you to do and go there confidently and in peace, trusting Him.

All in all, I think you’ll be amazed at what God can do.

God’s richest blessings to you and yours,

Karen Slusher
Soon-to-be-retired Homeschooling mother to two amazing teenage daughters (one in Running Start and one to enter a School of the Arts in the Fall….so I’m almost done!!)