I have been very open about our homeschooling adventure, not to suggest that what we are doing is better than what you are doing, but to provide a vision to some that might need it. To challenge parents to think outside the box about their child’s education. To show that ordinary people are capable of providing their children with the tools they need to be successful. It’s not for everyone and I completely respect that but I wanted to be transparent in our journey in hopes that one day it may inspire someone.
Our decision to homeschool came after incredible thought and prayer on what our family was being called to do. My husband was skeptical at first (and I was insanely nervous) but after reading a few books and attending a homeschooling conference we heard God speaking and we knew what needed to be done.
Our First Days Homeschooling
We started our adventure on the road. Our first day of homeschool was at Falls Park in South Dakota. We were on our way to the Black Hills. Education happening outside the cement walls of a building; it was amazing. The freedom this provided and the curiosity that it sparked in the kids was amazing. I even may have mentioned to the hubby a time or two that we should sell the house and homeschool on the road. I could totally live in our camper. Who doesn’t love having their entire living space spotless in less than 30 minutes!
On the drive home the hubby and I decided to take the advice of a speaker at the conference we attended and write down all the reasons we were interested in homeschooling. I intend to get these printed someday soon and post them on our wall in the homeschooling area. At times I need to look back at this list and remind myself of why we started. It’s not always an easy adventure but it’s our adventure and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Without further ado, here’s our list (in no particular order):
Reasons for Homeschooling:
- faith
- no one cares about our children as much as we do
- teach life skills
- have our children in the presence of better role models
- spend more time together
- less chance of bad influences
- less wasted time
- more flexibility in our schedule
- opportunity to start mini businesses
- character building
- child directed learning
- volunteer opportunities
- no time limits
- learning focused on individual learning styles
- fieldtrips
- job shadowing
- instill a love of learning
- more enrichment activities
- more time to spend with family and friends
- learning will be fun
- time for creativity
This has always been a dream of mine. What wonderful memories you are making with your kids.
I hope that your dream becomes your reality! It really is a great lifestyle!
I love that you travel while you home school. For me, that would be the most appealing aspect of the home schooling option!
Flexibility is absolutely one of the best things about homeschooling. Life on our own terms!
I love finding fellow homeschoolers to connect with! Your post really resonates. ❤️
Woo Hoo for the homeschool community! I hope your year is coming along nicely. 🙂
I always admire people who homeschool their children. It probably takes a lot of energy and effort!
Thank you Heidi! Somedays it takes a lot of effort and somedays we leave it to the park rangers! Ha!
I have always gone back and forth with homeschooling. Right now we are very fortunate that my daughters are in a magnet program which allows more flexibility and parent involvement so I feel it’s the perfect fit for where we are at. Who knows later on down the road though where it will take it!
Kristi, I completely understand the back and forth of choosing the right educational path for your children. It’s fantastic that you have found a program that working well for your family and I love hearing that you have some flexibility and parent involvement time. I wish you all the best in the years to come!
I see pros and cons to homeschooling. You’ve done a great job highlighting the pros and it looks like the family is doing great! All the best in your future educational adventures! 🙂
Laura, there are absolutely pros and cons to homeschooling your children. I have highlighted my list of pros, maybe I should follow up with a list of cons to make sure we keep it real around here! Thank you for the well wishes.
I live homeschooling my children! It’s not always easy but it was definitely the best decision for my children and myself.
Karen you are so right, it is not always easy! We feel the pros definitely outweigh the cons. This lifestyle fits us so perfectly right now even when life itself isn’t perfect.
I have met some wonderful, smart homeschooled kids. It can be so rewarding if done right!
Hi Maggie! Just as with any lifestyle choice, there is wide range of results. I may be a bit partial, but I think that my kiddos are doing a great job and really making good progress in both academics and life skills.
It is awesome that you get to travel and still “hold school.” I’m sure the kids get many more lessons that way!
Gail, we have gotten pretty relaxed with our schedule but it seems that we are learning more than ever before. This world has a lot to offer and lessons can be found in many different forms!
It’s wonderful that you can be together as a family, travel and contribute to your children’s education!
Hi Candi! Traveling has contributed to their education tremendously, and mine too! We have really enjoyed this lifestyle so far and hope to continue at least part-time for many years to come.
Wonderful that you homeschool and travel at the same time. Kids learn just as much and probably more outside the classroom. Safe and happy travels all of you.
Thank you Dorothy! We are all learning more than we ever have. Being able to immerse ourselves in a culture and use all of our senses instead of just reading about something or listening to someone who doesn’t know firsthand really makes all the difference!
What an adventure you are on and a gift to your children. Looking forward to reading more about this!
It sure is a gift Christy! This trip has been the most grand adventure and we are all learning so much about this beautiful country that we live in.
Hi Candi, I homeschooled my children for 19 years and never regretted it. The homeschooling laws in New York are very strict, so it was difficult to travel and be as flexible as you. My main reason for homeschooling was to keep them out of the public schools, but I saw so many more advantages over the years. You look like you’re really enjoying it and you’re doing a great job. I applaud you. May God bless you as you continue to glorify Him!
Hello Rosemary, it’s always great to hear from veteran homeschoolers! There truly are so many reasons why we choose to homeschool and we will continue to do so as long as it makes sense for our family. So far it has been a fantastic fit and we have been enjoying it immensely. Thank you for the kind words. May God bless you and your family as you continue to watch the fruits of your labor develop and grow into successful and happy children of God.
yes! I am a homeschooler too! We love the freedom. Good for you.
Hello fellow homeschooler! I hope you are enjoying your journey as much as we are. The freedom it provides in some many aspects of life really can’t be beat!