Our Family Update (Spoiler Alert: We are Homeschoolers Now!)

Whenever I have been asked if we do homeschool or public or Christian schooling, my answer has always been the same: “We take it year by year, and for now God has said send them to school”.

But every year, a nagging desire in my heart has remained: “I want to try homeschooling.”

This year, as we sent out kids back to school after a wonderful summer with them home, I felt that desire grow. It got to the point where I was actually jealous of families I knew who were homeschooling. I had no reason, naturally speaking, to need to homeschool- my children were in a school we enjoy and both were thriving. One was in it more for social reasons, but still- enjoyed his teacher and class and looked forward to going. And yet- the desire in my heart to see if homeschooling was for us continued to grow.

Making the decision was a long one for us. The school year had already began and that definitely added to the challenge of making a decision as our kids were already getting to know new friends and enjoying themselves. We prayed, we submitted it to God, we asked wise counsel, we wrestled with big questions, debated, prayed some more, wrote a pro and con list (me of course!), and cried a few tears (both of us!). The decision was truly the weightiest one we have made yet in our parenting career; we so badly didn’t want to “mess them up!”

I gave these feelings over to the Lord on multiple occasions and told God “if we aren’t called to homeschool, you’ve got to help me put aside these desires!”

Ultimately it came down to this: If we didn’t take the leap to try homeschooling, we would always be left wondering "what could have been". And so we made the decision. And already, a few weeks in, I know I will never regret this year or this decision.

It’s important to note we did not choose to homeschool as a response to frustration or anger with the school system. There are so many things we enjoy about our school and are thankful for- and we may be back in future years. The biggest reason we made the decision is to see if the LIFESTYLE of learning at home, of being the primary teacher in our children’s lives, was more fitting for us.

The word “homeschool” carries so many connotations; the stereotypes are endless. The responses I have gotten to the statement “we are homeschooling now” are so varied. Some people literally jump out of their skin at the thought, and immediately list all the reasons “they would NEVER homeschool their kids”. Some look at us like we are crazy. Many well meaning people have questions (“How will they socialize? Won’t they get behind?”). But then there was the ones who are overjoyed. Because they know the benefits and joys of the path we are on.

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Now that we have begun the journey, I can see the stirring in my heart to “try homeschooling”, was ultimately a longing to walk alongside my children as they learned; to put our connection and relationship first in our time; to make the culture of the Kingdom a priority for our family, all in ways that fit our season and lifestyle and schedule.

I can say with an honest heart- the fulfillment I have felt in the last 4 weeks since we brought the kids home is already worth it. I know this year will have its challenges and will be lots of hard work- but I know in my heart it will also be one of my favorite years of parenting- the beginning of our journey to heed the call of the wild and free.

(Side note: I have so enjoyed reading and learning about many other family's homeschool journeys and so I will try to record what I can on instagram and here on grace for the trenches!)