A year or so ago I read a couple of books that made me change my attitude in regards to so many things in my life–One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp and Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. While I encourage you to read both of them, the summary of each is to be thankful in all things. I suppose it kind of sounds like a summary of 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Give thanks in ALL circumstances.
Thus, today I thought it high time I share a few reasons why I am soooo thankful for the opportunity to homeschool my girls. There are so many obstacles that could have gotten in the way and prevented us from being able to homeschool.
Now before I proceed with sharing today’s post, please do NOT think that I am in ANY way judging those who do not homeschool. Homeschooling is NOT for everyone. I get that. And judging what type of schooling is best for you or your children is totally NOT the point of today’s post. The point is to be thankful in whatever circumstance you find yourself in, and mine just happens to be homeschooling. So why am I so thankful we get to homeschool? Let me count the ways…
Things I am Thankful for…
- My husband. He has supported me the entire way, and let me stay home to homeschool the girls even though at times that makes it financially tight.
- Our home. We moved into this home as a newlywed couple before either of our girls were born (on two incomes I might add), yet it has served us so much better than we ever thought or imagined. We have enough space that we can devote a room just to homeschooling. There’s also a backyard big enough to play in and grow a garden together.
- Our schedule. Because we homeschool we can take vacations in the off season, have our doctor’s appointments during the day, and keep our evenings clear of after-school activities (since we can get them done during the day).
- Flexibility in learning. Since we homeschool, my girls can learn at whatever pace their gifts and challenges present them with whether that means they are “right on level” or on one side or the other. For instance, one child could be in 2nd grade math, 1st grade writing, and 5th grade reading, and that’s okay.
- Our open environment. Our girls can learn under the conditions they learn best, whether that is bouncing on a exercise ball while memorizing facts, swinging on a swing while learning to read, or taking brain breaks every 20 minutes to keep their focus on the subject at hand. In the homeschool environment that’s okay (and in some places, even encouraged).
- The development of close family ties. Yes, you can still have close family ties outside of the homeschool environment, but there is just something special about learning alongside your sister or brother that makes that connection just a little stronger.
- The opportunity to give my girls my best. I’m just going to be honest here, but if I had to go to work every day, I know that I would not be giving my girls my best come evening–more like my leftovers. I’m so glad I can wake up in the morning and give my girls the attention and energy they need when they need it and in a good attitude (at least most of the time).
- Home-cooked meals. Here’s another one that probably wouldn’t happen nearly as often or as well if I worked. Thankfully I have the time and energy to not only cook good meals for my family, but to teach them how to do the same.
- Biblical integration. I grew up going to a public school. Bible, history and English were all separate subject. I never knew or realized they actually connected until I was in college. It is so neat to be able to teach my children about the history of our country and the expansion of the gospel at the same time. Even I am learning oh so much.
- The extra hours I’ve been granted to spend with my girls. It’s so fun to watch them “get it” when they learn a new concept, take in extra cuddles when the opportunities arise, and go on field trips during the day that would otherwise be out of the question. I cherish these moments because I know they will be fading away fast.