I colored inside the lines all my life…Deciding to homeschool was one of the first decisions that really took me off the beaten path. At first, I was terrified of what others would think—I spent a lot of time trying to justify why I homeschool (mostly to myself). Not necessarily because anyone was point-blank asking me or challenging me…But because it was just so foreign to me—going against the grain.
Faith Over Fear
I was a people pleaser. (Which up to that point, I’d worn like a badge-of-honor…Obviously, that meant I was extra nice…) But God is constantly teaching all of us—and people pleasing can be an idol of sorts (really rather ugly and not so saintly…I’ve had some lessons to learn about pride too).
At first, homeschooling was definitely a step of faith…People might think I’m crazy (and I’m sure some did). God was challenging me to follow him, regardless of the approval or disapproval of others.
And in all honesty, I’ve had nothing but supportive family, friends, and neighbors—and I am so thankful and blessed by them. My battles were in my own mind—based on my own insecurities and perceptions versus reality. And it may help to understand—I was a very young mom when I first started homeschooling…I was 22 when my oldest was born.
I probably spent two years just researching and wrestling with the idea of homeschooling. It all started around the time my first child turned 3—I became friends with someone, a neighbor who homeschooled. It was an epiphany! And that’s how it goes with God sometimes…An idea is planted. Something you never imagined. Never dreamed would be your life. And He won’t let you put it aside.
My Background
Never in my wildest dreams, did I ever imagine that I would be homeschooling my kids. Before meeting my sweet neighbor, I really didn’t know anyone who homeschooled.
In addition, I was a poster child for public education! I had done really well in school—I thrived in its “gold star,” culture and loved my teachers. They inspired me to become a teacher. I received a full scholarship to study elementary education, graduated with honors from my university in three years, and was teaching second grade back in my home school district at the age of 21.
Not So Rosy
Of course teaching, like many careers, is really challenging those first few years. But—WOW…I had no idea how hard it would really be and how many behavior problems I would be dealing with! And remember, I was teaching 2nd graders!
I experienced how hard it is to give 20+ students each the individual attention they need. And I saw that the loudest, most demanding, and often most difficult children got the majority of my time and energy. It was shocking the types of behaviors I was dealing with in seven-year-olds—ranging from foul language, sexual inappropriateness, aggressiveness, bullying, mean-spiritedness, emotional trauma, and extreme disruptiveness. I was teaching in a middle class suburban neighborhood.
One Dream Ends
I resigned after becoming pregnant with my second child and my husband accepted a job out-of-state. We moved, and I have never lamented leaving the classroom. I don’t think I could ever return. My original dream of being a classroom teacher was over—but I was busy living my new dream as a stay-at-home mom.
A Note About Teachers
I still keep my teaching license current—and so every five years I take continuing education classes with friends and current classroom teachers. Every time, I hear more horror stories from the classroom. I don’t know how teachers are doing it…I have nothing but love and respect for them.
And that is definitely something you should know—most public school teachers are the best people. They are your neighbors and friends. They are sitting next to you at church. Teachers are amazing and special people. We hear outrageous stories on the news about a few bad ones…But, I promise you—most teachers are good. Better than good, amazing. Most teachers are busting their butts and loving our kids—being examples of Jesus. The teachers are not why I homeschool my kids!
Faced With A Decision
So in a blink, my beautiful baby boy—was school aged. He was quiet, kind, and loved being at home (always an introvert)! In addition, he had some language struggles.
I imagined him in a classroom. Smiling sweetly, not wanting to cause any fuss, quiet…And I knew he would never get the attention he needed. I remembered all the things going on in my own classroom—I just didn’t want that for him…
And that one friend who homeschooled, she gave me the courage to believe I could do it too! I could see that God had worked out many things in my life—preparing me for this exact calling.
So we began…a step into a new way of life. Homeschooling.
Why I Homeschool …14 Years Later
Why I homeschool has changed over the years. Initially, I wanted to provide individual attention and instruction to my children—and avoid some of the problems I saw in public school classrooms. Those are still important reasons we homeschool, but truly there is so much more we’ve discovered…
Homeschooling is a lifestyle. It is simplicity and togetherness…slowing down—having time to play, to discover and pursue passions. It is about family relationships.
Lifestyle
Our mornings are relaxed. Our evenings are relaxed. I’m not worrying about packing lunches, signing notes, washing a certain load of laundry, helping with homework at 9 P.M, or rushing kids to the bus stop. No thank you to all of that! So I guess some of my reasons for homeschooling are lazy and selfish!
I think homeschooling has given us a more simple and peaceful way of life (I say that with three kids yelling and running around behind me)! But truly—I do believe homeschooling offers a lifestyle different from the traditional busyness that plagues many American families.
Family Relationships
Probably my most favorite reasons for homeschooling—the relationships I have with my kids and the relationships they have with each other. I am forever thankful for all the extra time I’ve had with them and that they’ve had together–it’s been priceless.
Creativity and Learning
Homeschooling takes much less time than traditional classroom education. And because of that, homeschooled kids have more time to play, be creative, and do things they love!
All of my older kids are amazing artists (in a variety of forms)—I can’t help but think some of it stems from their time homeschooling. I’ve also noticed that they each value learning–differently than when I was a student. They freely seek out greater understanding of topics–it doesn’t matter if it’s on a test or not. Authentic learning seems to be the true motivation, not scoring well on a test. In contrast, I was satisfied to reach goals my teachers set before me–and didn’t really care about retaining the information beyond the test.
Additionally, homeschooling offers an unparralled opportunity to individualize a child’s education. We can slow down, speed up, skip around, and focus on topics we find interesting. I’m able to give my kids individual attention that would be impossible to provide in a classroom.
Faith
There are many excellent homeschool curriculums available–some are faith-based and some are secular. I use both! Regardless, faith is what we live, part of who we are—day in and day out. Homeschooling has provided a beautiful opportunity for me to share my faith—live my faith, for my kids to see.
Personally, the most important thing I will ever teach my kids is faith in Jesus Christ. Sometimes I have to remind myself of that—it’s easy to get hyper-focused on the academics!
Outside Activities that Require Much Time and Dedication
I can’t talk about why I homeschool, without mentioning that for many years one of my daughters was a competitive gymnast. Homeschooling was a huge blessing during that time, and I cannot imagine keeping up with the physical demands of her schedule had we not homeschooled! Currently, my 14-year-old daughter is in a pre-professional classical ballet company and dances about 20 hours a week. Homeschooling has helped keep a healthy balance in our lives.
It’s Not Perfect
My oldest kids (teens 14, 16, and 18) are all really close, creative, and free thinking (sometimes a little too free thinking…as evidenced by the PETA calendar mailed to my fourteen year old vegan and my 18 year old’s political leanings).
Our oldest two kids now go to public high school, which is a whole other story. But they have done excellent academically, and they don’t follow the crowd.
But please know homeschooling is not perfect. My kids are not perfect (and I am far from perfect), and we haven’t avoided problems that you might hope to avoid by homeschooling…We’ve had struggles with depression, anxiety, faith, and friends. Some seriously hard and dark times.And my house is in a constant state of messy…I’m there with (almost) all of them, all the time! The kitchen is always in use…So, yes—I had to get okay with this (and thank goodness I found the FlyLady–she is my cleaning guru…go get her free help!!). There will be a quieter, cleaner season of life—but now is not it! On the bright side, my kids have had lots of opportunities to learn life skills—cleaning, cooking, and changing a few diapers!
I’d Do It All Again
I would homeschool them all again in a heartbeat. And I’m so thankful to be starting again with my youngest three children (6-year-old son and 3-year-old twin daughters)—hopefully I’ll do it just a little bit better. With more patience, wisdom, and love…not taking any of the time for granted.
If you are thinking about homeschooling—I hope my story helps and encourages you. I know how hard it is to take that first step! And if you ultimately decide homeschooling isn’t the best for you and your family–know that’s okay too!
If you’re already a homeschooler—I hope my story feels like a hug of solidarity! It’s so nice to know you’re not alone!
I’d love to hear why you homeschool—what is the greatest benefit you’ve found for your family? Why did you start? How did you find yourself on this journey?
If you have questions about homeschooling, I’d love to help! Feel free to send me an email: jen@jenmerckling.com or comment below!
With Love,
Jen xo
P.S. Encouragement
Probably my favorite verse for homeschooling encouragement over the years… (taken from 2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
You may not feel like you are organized enough, patient enough, or disciplined enough to homeschool…bring these fears to God and look to His strength and guidance. It is amazing what He will accomplish in you and through you!
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