Why do I homeschool?

I never thought I would homeschool. In fact, I had never heard of homeschooling while attending college. When I taught elementary school, I only knew one family that homeschooled and honestly thought that was kind of strange. It is amazing how God can instantly change your heart.

My perspective was transformed in just one night. I came home from teaching school (I had a very tough class that year) and my three-year-old sat on my lap and asked me to read a book. I told him I was too tired to read to him. In fact, engaging in any learning activities made me want to cringe. I was completely exhausted with no energy left for the person that mattered most in my life.

Then the light bulb went off, I was giving 100% of my quality time and energy to my students (not by my choice, again, it was a very tough class that year) and I had nothing left for my son. I decided to begin my homeschool journey that particular night. I discussed it with my husband and then submitted my notice to my school the next day, which stated I would not be returning the following school year. All my colleagues were stunned but I guess that mommy instinct took over because this was no longer about me, but now it was about my son.

I was providing half of my family's income (and a young couple with a teacher's salary, you can quickly figure out that we were not financially prepared for me to be at home full-time.) My husband was still in college at night and he worked during the day. We had lots of debt- car payments, school loans, and a mortgage- and zero savings.

But I was bound and determined. My son was my top priority, not my income. The money issue never worried me. That is how I know God was in control because I naturally worry about money. Not a good quality, I know. 

And we just made it work. We cut back on everything. No eating out, not even fast food. No cable. No extras, period, until we could recover from a 50% pay cut. I worked part-time during the week at a private school in the afternoons as a curriculum coordinator while my son played with the kids that attended the after-school program (for free). I tutored children on the weekends and my husband worked every part time job he could find, including remodeling and delivering pizzas (on top of working full-time and attending school full-time.)

It was a very busy time, but this time around, it was a good busy. God was faithful and provided. Looking back, we have no regrets. Over the years, we transitioned to having five children and I have not worked outside of the home for over ten years. My son is graduating high school this upcoming school year and we have so many wonderful memories together that I treasure.

I chuckle when people say they are waiting to have children until they can afford them. Well, I don't think I'd ever have any children if I had waited. I still don't think we can afford them. ☺ There would have always been something to take away any extra money that we had. I am so glad that I followed my heart and not my mind, which would have kept me filled with worry and fear.  I truly believe that I had to step out in faith to be rewarded with the blessing of being at home with my children.

So why do I homeschool?

The answer is simple. I LOVE teaching and I LOVE my children. When I combine the two, there is nothing else I'd rather be doing.

You can also read My Top Ten Reasons for Homeschooling for a quick laugh.