Another Story

I wanted to share some thoughts from other Moms like you who have prayerfully considered to home school. They, like so many other parents come from so many different backgrounds and experiences, but have chosen to take the step toward teaching at home. I want to emphasize what I stated in my last blog posting that home schooling does not promise smarter or godlier children,but I also would like to say again that the benefits of teaching at home are worth it when entered with a godly perspective. Home schooling is only a suggestion for godly training, not a requirement! This email was sent to me by a very dear friend Darla after I asked her to tell me why she chose to teach at home and what effect it has had in her home:

Why We Have Chosen Home school and the Benefits Seen in Our Family... I never thought that I would ever home school. I had this impression that homeschooling was for kids who couldn't adapt or for over-protective parents. When I joined Crossway (my home church), I began to question my perception about homeschooling. The families seemed closer, the kids were respectful, and the kids seemed happier. My husband (who isn't a Christian) at first was totally against the idea. I knew that as a young Christian, I had to submit to him, and gave up on ever homeschooling. But somehow, he agreed to homeschooling, at least through elementary school. So, one of my friends told me about Sonlight Curriculum and as I work part time, I liked the idea of having a curriculum made out for me. It has been far more challenging than I ever thought it would be, but I know that God wants me to home school as He changed my husband heart. The main reasons that we home school (she is only in kindergarten so its not like we have been doing this for very long!) is that it will give us more time to develop her moral character. I think that it is very hard for young kids to handle peer pressure when they are so impressionable. My hope is that when she is mainstreamed, she will know God personally, know right from wrong, and to stand up for what is right while loving others. The other reason that we home school is to improve her education, preparing her for college. We aren't too impressed with the public school system here in NC. So far, the main benefit that I have seen is an increased bond with my oldest. Home schooling is our time together, and I love having her on my lap reading to her. It also has exposed a lot of sin in my heart, and God is using it for my sanctification. A word of encouragement for anyone thinking about homeschooling..God is good,and He will not abandoned you in your time of need.