Choosing or being called to homeschool our family was not a decision made over night.
This decision included hours of prayer, discussion with my husband and a full year of rearranging our lives and planning on how we would live.
For us, once we knew it was our calling, it was an easy decision.
Getting everything ready after that point took some work.
I was working as a School Psychologist in a large school district, so homeschooling was not really a choice for our children.
This is especially true of educators who sometimes frown on homeschooling.
I can say this because, at one time, I was one of these educators.
Students could get what they needed educationally at school because they may not get what they need at home.
This viewpoint began to change after we had my own children.
I missed them, I missed them learning about the Lord, I feared for them and what they were and weren’t learning, and I wanted to know they were learning and learning everything that was presented to them.
Deep down, I knew that their teachers would do everything they could within their power, but there is so much that is out of a teachers control.
Class size, children with extreme behaviors, three to four hours of reading a day, exhaustion, and homework.
Our time is short with our children and I didn’t want to spend it doing homework, then dinner then bath then bed every night.
Two to three hours a night was such a short time in our eyes, so we turned to the Lord.
And he answered.
Homeschooling was our path and we needed to prepare for it.
Though it isn’t for everyone.
It fit for us.
We knew I had to work to earn an income, so I started researching what I could do to stay home with our little ones.
And so became, Spengler’s Little Wonders, our home daycare.
It was perfect for us and our family.
We also knew there would be sacrifices, especially when it came to, well, things.
My income significantly decreased.
We decided to sell our nice vehicles and downsize to one larger older vehicle that was paid off.
Now significantly watch our spending and love our hand me downs.
Rarely buying any thing new and trying to only buy what is needed.
We’ve changed our spending habits, we have fewer bills and live with less.
And invest in our kids.
Invest in the future.
I am actually less stressed than before when I was working out of the home with one child.
As crazy as that sounds.
This works right now for our family of six, but I’m aware that things change.
We keep an open-mind.
Our largest investment is in our home.
Of course.
We spend the majority of our time in it, due to our business being out of the home.
We like it that way.
We do get out in the evenings and weekends, and the kids participate in loads of activities.
It’s life.
It’s our school.
Sometimes I have doubts.
Sometimes I’m weary.
I always lean on the Lord and the strength of my husband.
While remembering the importance of what we are doing.
Looking to Homeschool?
First, you need to lean on the Lord.
Ask him to guide you.
Pray!
It is not for everyone, but if it is in your path The Lord will make it known.
HE will guide you.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
If you are already Homeschooling, but having doubts.
Do the same.
It is easy to feel defeated or full of doubt.
I know I do sometimes, but you can do all things through The Lord.
You can do this!
We can do this!
“Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Read Your Bible
Learn More About Homeschooling
There are a number of books that talk about homeschooling. I found several at our local library.
Books about Homeschooling
Answers for Homeschooling by Israel Wayne
Home Learning Year by Year: How to Design a Homeschool Curriculum from Preschool Through High School by Rebecca Rupp
These are just a few of the many many books and resources that are available on homeschooling. Once you get started you could be surprised by the amount of resources and number of families that do homeschool their children.
Talk To Other Homeschool Families
Find a support group or other mom’s who homeschool, so you can hear their experiences with homeschooling.
Talk to people at your church. Check out groups on social media. They are out there.
Start Conversations With Your Spouse
Make sure you are discussing the possibility of homeschooling with your spouse.
Pray together.
Let The Lord led your way.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
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