Why

When I tell someone I homeschool or that I run a homeschool enrichment program many people say “I could never do that, homeschool my kids.” I used to be one of them too, so I get it. It’s terrifying holding the responsibility of our children’s education/ future in our hands.

The thing is… you already do hold that responsibility.

Whatever way you choose as a path of learning for your child, you still hold the responsibility. Sending your kids to other programs doesn’t mean you are meeting their needs as a whole person and often requires additional support academically and socially to be successful.

Successful. That’s where it starts for me. What does that word mean? This is the root of my why. Success in the public school is innately comparative and competitive and a one size fits all model. This is a breading ground for insecurity and feelings of inadequacy. This is not the goal of education.

What is the purpose of education? I believe it is self reliance.

This expands the set of skills we want for our children.

I want my children to:

Learn how to learn, be life long learners

Know themselves and our families values

Have basic skills for caring for themselves. (Cooking, cleaning, laundry, hygiene, self care strategies, using tools)

Have financial literacy (budget, writing a check, experience with money moving in and out of their hands, practice earning money)

Competently Communicate (conflict resolution, writing letters/emails, resumes, phone conversations, making an appointment, collaboration with others)

Have manners in different environments

Love books

Literacy (reading, experience with writing different styles)

Applied math skills

Cultivate confidence in their skills through experience

Follow their passions

Be a specialist in something they love, not a generalist in all things

Be deeply connected to nature.

Move their bodies!

This is an ever evolving list. Preparing my children for when they leave my home reaches far beyond the skills taught in a classroom. When I focus on those skills it becomes clear the time I have to guide them is fleeting and so precious.

This doesn’t mean I am always confident or sure of the path but when I waiver this list helps me come back to my why and strengthens my resolve. It’s not an easy road to walk, it takes many twists and turns and uphill climbs. Sometimes I find myself with a clear view from a mountain top that is breathtaking. Then I can see the horizon and know that all my past steps were worth it!

May you find the path that calls to you.