Our Why

This morning, I woke up to my husband giving me a kiss before he left for the gym. It was almost 5 a.m., so I rolled over and went back to sleep. A little after 6 a.m., my oldest (almost 7) opened her door and told me she was awake, hungry, and going downstairs, so I got up too. My middle and little (ages 5 & 3) stayed asleep until around 7:30. It was a peaceful morning, slowly waking up, greeting Joshua as he got back home, and talking about our night and our plans for the day ahead.

Now, what does that have to do with why we homeschool? To me, everything.

The truth is that we want a simple life. We want to let our babies wake up on their own time (within reason). No time crunch, no pressure, no rushing. Just taking our time, learning what interests us, reading books, and going on random adventures together.

If you are here looking for a more detailed answer, well, here it is.

1. We want to raise our kids

   Everyone has different wants and desires. Some parents still want a career or feel the need to work. There is no shame in sending your children to daycare, public school, or a family member's house. It doesn't mean you love your children any less. We simply knew that we wanted to be the ones to raise our kids. In the beginning, that didn't necessarily mean homeschooling, but over time that is where this desire led us.

2. Freedom

   Simple as that. Freedom to choose. Choose what, when, and how our children are taught. Freedom to talk about Jesus and read the Bible. Freedom to go on impromptu trips or schedule vacations any time of the year. If we need a sick day, mental health day, or to simply be outside all day, then we want the freedom to do just that. Homeschooling gives us that freedom.

3. Childhood is too short

   There is so much pressure on children to grow up, and we would rather let our kids be kids. Let them play outside, explore, and chase butterflies. Imagine... outdoor lessons, baking cookies with mama, going outside to help daddy mow the lawn, and making a soup out of grass clippings, sticks, and rocks. (This is a true story; my kiddos have actually done this, and boy, was it a mess.) Give me all of this! Forever!

Is that all of our reasons? No, but they all seem to revolve around these three main points. I imagine many homeschool families have similar reasons, and some may have very different reasons, and that's okay. Your reasons may change from year to year, and that's okay too.

Homeschooling is definitely a journey, one that is filled with unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Ours may be just beginning, but I am fully committed to embracing every bit of it! As we look ahead to the future of our homeschooling adventure, I am filled with anticipation and excitement. Each day brings new possibilities and the chance to explore the world through the eyes of our children. I will embrace the ups and downs, the learning and the laughter, as we continue to grow together on this remarkable journey.

Why? Because they are worth it!

P.S. One of my suggested reads for any parent is "Let Them Be Kids: Adventure, Boredom, Innocence, and Other Gifts Children Need" by Jessica Smartt! It is such a beautiful book and reminds me of importance of childhood.

Click here for more on "Let Them Be Kids"

Random Thought: Whenever I become overwhelmed by all the chaos, my husband often says, "Let her wear the dress." Maybe you've heard that story before, and maybe you haven't, but this book reminds me of just that.

Let Her Wear the Dress

Thanks for reading & I pray you have a blessed day!